August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month

What’s Making My Pet Itch?

               August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month.  Itching can be caused by many things.  Scratching can cause redness, irritation, and infection and can make pets very uncomfortable not to mention disrupt our days and nights as well, listening to restless pets scratching all day and night.  Let’s learn about some common causes of itching in pets such as parasites, allergies and skin infections and how to fix that itch!

Parasites such as mites, fleas, and lice can cause pets to become very itchy.  Bites from these pesky arachnids and insects can cause an allergic reaction making the skin red and itchy and causing hair loss, especially around the rump or tail base and hind legs in flea allergic dogs and usually on the belly and ears with mites.  Regular use of effective flea and tick preventatives is extremely important in preventing infestation.  Use of preventatives on a regular basis to prevent external parasites is far more effective than trying to treat pets once they are already affected.  Mites such as Demodex and Sarcoptes scabiei (mange mites) burrow under the skin and can cause intense redness and itching.  Seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has an external parasite infestation so proper treatment can begin.

               Allergies to pollen and plants such as grasses, weeds, trees and other environmental triggers like molds and fabrics can lead to intense itching, hair loss and secondary skin infections.  Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the veterinarian.  Itching is often more intense during the spring or fall, but allergies can occur at any time of year.  Allergies to food can also cause itchy skin, often affecting the face, ears, and rear end.  Common food allergies usually have protein sources such as chicken, beef and dairy as the source. Grain allergies are rare but, occasionally, pets may be allergic to wheat or corn.

               Bacterial and fungal infections can occur as a primary issue or may occur secondary to allergies, parasites, or wounds.  Broken, irritated skin is prime substrate for infection by Staphylococcus bacteria or Malassezia yeast—both of which normally live on healthy skin.  Breaks in the skin’s natural defense barriers due to scratching and inflammation allow for bacteria and yeast to thrive and cause infection.  Treatment of any secondary infections is crucial. If infection is not addressed, the pet will continue to itch and scratch. 

Medications to control itching can be a life saver for many allergic pets.  While steroids still have a place in veterinary medicine to control itch and inflammation (and are one of the only options for cats), far better drugs are now available with fewer side effects.  Drugs such as Apoquel (oral tablet) and Cytopoint (a monthly injection for dogs) target either a specific cell receptor or protein that, when bound, causes the sensation of itching. Block the receptor or destroy the protein and, no more itch!  Topical therapy such as sprays, creams and shampoos may also be used in some cases and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 in the form of oral fish oil capsules can also be beneficial.  Cyclosporine (Atopica) is also used in some cases to control allergies and desensitization with injections of allergy serum may also be used to treat dogs and cats with allergies. Prescription diets are often necessary to diagnose and treat food allergies.

Keep in mind, while they seem like a safe and easy option, over the counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin and others are not very effective at reducing itching in dogs and cats. If your pet spends a large amount of time licking or scratching, has redness, hair loss, odor or bumps/scabs on his skin, seek veterinary care for proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of your pet’s discomfort.  Talk to our staff about the best options for your pet Let’s ditch the itch!

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital Serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.itchingforhelp.com/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-is-my-dog-so-itchy/

https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/skin/why-your-cat-itchy-and-what-you-can-do