Dogs and cats can itch for many reasons. This can be seen as scratching, face rubbing, biting, chewing and licking. The face, ears and feet are the most common places but often the entire body is involved.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE?
There are many possible causes and often the itch can be the result of several problems occurring simultaneously. Some of the causes are fleas, mites, allergies, skin infections and hormonal problems.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Unfortunately, most itchy problems look very much alike. An itch is a sensation, not something we can see. Most of the skin lesions (redness, scaling, bleeding, etc.) are the result of scratching, not the cause of the itch.
WHY DOES MY PET HAVE REPEATED PROBLEMS?
Many itchy problems are repeat problems. Fleas and mites are primarily warm weather problems. Many allergies are seasonal just as they are with people.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
This can be the difficult part. Treatments may include medicated shampoos, steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics or any combination of the above. Although the skin lesions look the same with most itchy problems, the underlying cause must be identified to treat correctly. Generally, a physical examination will provide enough information to treat effectively but sometimes skin scrapings, blood tests, fungal cultures, biopsies or allergy testing may be needed to establish a diagnosis. Chronic or unresponsive cases may be referred to a veterinary dermatologist.
WHY CAN’T I JUST PICK UP SOME PILLS OR COME IN FOR AN “ITCH SHOT”?
No prescription drugs can be legally prescribed or dispensed without a physical examination. Although many pets have seasonal allergy problems, we must be careful not to assume that either the cause of the itch or our pet’s general health is exactly the same as the last time the itch occurred. The pills and injections that are most effective in relieving the itch are steroids. These are often part of a treatment plan but they are very potent drugs and cannot be used indiscriminately. If misused, they can cover up other problems or make them worse.
ITCHY PETS
