Is your pet itching to tell you something?

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF YOUR PET’S ITCH?

Scratching or licking, scaly skin, thinning hair, ear problems and other skin-related issues can be the result of anything from flea bites and common allergens to food sensitivities.

Here are the most common causes affecting cats and dogs:

FLea allergy

The number one cause of allergy-related skin problems in dogs and cats is flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is caused by flea bites.

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AIRBOURNE ALLERGY OR ATOPY

Dogs’ and cats’ immune systems can overreact to a wide variety of inhaled allergens like pollen, dust, mites and mold.

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FOOD ALLERGY

Dogs and cats can develop hypersensitivity to foods like dairy, beef, wheat gluten, chicken, lamb and soy products.

Dogs: Read More Cats: Read More

CONTACT ALLERGY

Contact allergies arise when dogs and cats become oversensitive to allergens that come in contact with their skin, such as carpet, fibers, grasses, lawn pesticides and chemicals used in flea collars.

Dogs: Read More Cats: Read More

IS YOUR PET'S ITCHINESS A SKIN DISORDER?

Recognize the signs for your dog:

  • Excessive licking, chewing, biting or scratching
  • Excessive rolling, rubbing or scooting
  • Foot chewing
  • Hair loss
  • Recurrent ear problems
  • Changes in the skin, such as sores or darkened color
  • Redness of the skin
  • Body odor

Cats suffer from skin issues, but the symptoms are not as obvious as in dogs. They are also very good at hiding illness, discomfort or pain.

Talk to your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual on your cat’s skin, including any hair loss or thinning. Even if your cat’s skin seems normal, it’s best to have your pet examined by her doctor if she is scratching, licking or biting herself.

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DIAGNOSIS BEGINS WITH RELIEF

It is important to provide itch relief for your dog throughout the diagnostic approach.


Stop the itch

Anti itch therapy


1. Rule out parasites

  • Flea comb, skin scrapes, fecal
  • Start oral parasite prevention

2. Treat skin infections

Bacterial Infection

  • Typical lessionss, skin cytology, skin culture
  • Antimicrobials
    (shampoos and topical medications, +/- systemic antimicrobials)

Yeast Dermatitis

  • Skin cytology
  • Antifugals
    (shampoos and topical medications, +/- systemic antimicrobials)

3. Conduct food trial

4. Confirm skin condition

  • Targeted Skin therapy
  • Oral parasite prevention
  • Bathing/topicals
  • Food
TAKE ACTION AGAINST ITCH

Does your dog need to see a veterinarian?

FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR DOG’S ITCH
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DOES YOUR DOG NEED TO SEE THE VETERINARIAN?

Please read the following statements to find out if your dog has an underlying allergic skin condition.

Square Dog
My dog’s persistent scratching has left a visible sign such as sores, scabs, scratch marks or a raised area on the skin
My dog has experienced hair loss or thinning of fur due to itching
My dog licks, chews, rubs, bites or scratches the same body area at least 2-3 times per day
My dog scratches around the neck more than other areas of the body.
The color of my dog’s skin has changed (for example, reddened or darkened).
My dog itches so much, it is disruptive to both of us - and sometimes keeps us up at night.

If one or more than one statement is true, it’s possible that your dog may have a medical condition that needs treatment from a veterinarian.

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*This questionnaire is not a medical diagnostic tool and is not intended to replace discussions with an animal health care professional. Discuss medical concerns with your veterinarian.

Management

Even though common at-home treatments such as oatmeal baths, lotions and topical over-the-counter medicines may offer temporary relief from a pet’s itch, they may not be getting to the root of the problem.

Early diagnosis brings not only relief to your pet but can catch underlying skin conditions before they become worse and help to identify any allergies or hidden illness. That’s why it’s important to consult with your veterinarian - the right treatment can make all the difference to your pet’s comfort, health and happiness.
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