Constant scratching, itching or licking is one of the most common problems pet owners report at veterinary visits.
It is not only uncomfortable for your pet, it can indicate underlying medical issues. Allergies and parasites are often the culprit for your pet’s skin irritation and hair loss. Here are the most common causes of itching in pets, along with the best ways to identify and stop them.
• Flea allergy dermatitis: A dog or cat can have an allergic reaction to a single flea bite. The flea’s saliva triggers a reaction in your furry companion’s body that leads to constant itching.
The best flea prevention products for dogs are those that repel flea attachment. Cats have higher sensitivity and can develop severe reactions to the ingredients pyrethrin and pyrethroid, commonly used in insecticides for dogs. So it’s best to use a feline product consistently on a cat.
Once fleas infest, it can take several months to eliminate them from your pet’s body and your home, because fleas hatch a large number of eggs in a short period of time.
• Food allergies: Foods account for approximately 10 percent of all allergies reported in pets. A food allergy can occur at any stage of your pet’s life, although most show symptoms as early as puppy or kittenhood.
Studies indicate the most common food ingredients resulting in allergic response are chicken, dairy, corn, wheat, beef and soy. These are among the most common ingredients in commercial pet foods, so years of exposure to them can lead to allergic responses.
A food-allergic pet often reacts with scratching or severe hair loss when consuming that food. Many also will experience diarrhea, flatulence or vomiting. A food trial of approximately 8-12 weeks on a high-quality, limited-ingredient diet will tell a pet owner if food allergy is present.
If you suspect your dog or cat has a food allergy, consult with your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist.
• Environmental allergies: Allergy to substances in the environment (called atopy) is common in domestic animals and can be difficult to control. Like humans, many dogs and cats react to pollen, grasses and certain flowering plants. Even pets that spend the majority of their life indoors can have allergies to wool, house dust, molds, feathers and certain cleaning supplies.
The initial reaction is scratching, face-rubbing, watery eyes, paw licking and sneezing. This can progress to hair loss, skin irritation, scabs and secondary bacterial infection. Ear infections may result in conjunction with atopy. Definitive diagnosis is made by ruling out other types of allergies or by allergy testing. Allergy serum can be developed based on results and administered to the pet either through injections or by mouth.
Another option is symptomatic treatment with antihistamines, medicated shampoos, antibacterial wipes, fish oils and steroids prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Skin parasites: If your itchy pet does not appear to have allergies, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out other causes.
Parasites such as mites often cause intense itching, hair loss, skin inflammation and infection. Your veterinarian can diagnose mites by evaluating your pet’s medical history and scraping your pet’s skin then examining it under the microscope.
The Cheyletiella mite is often referred to as “walking dandruff,” because the mite feeds on the outer layer of skin, moving the scales of the keratin layer, causing a dusty appearance. It’s commonly treated with insecticides, medicated bathes and oral medications.
Sarcoptic mange is caused by the parasite Sarcoptes Scabiei, often transmitted from one animal to another. Sarcoptic mites can infect humans, but prefer dogs and cats as their hosts. Demodex (demodectic mange) is another mite, which lives deep in the hair follicles, causing dry skin and progressive hair loss. Both Sarcoptic and Demodex mites are treated with medicated shampoos and/or insecticides.
If your pet is itchy, it’s important to investigate the underlying cause. Consult with your veterinarian and rule out allergy issues or parasites to give your companion relief and prevent more serious medical issues.