Veterinarian Shelby Neely explains common causes of itchy skin in pets and steps your vet’s may take to diagnose the reason your pet has skin problems.
As a vet, I know how common skin problems in pets are. Itchy pets are uncomfortable, sometimes to the point of scratching their skin off. Unfortunately, there’s far more than one cause of itchiness (the medical term is pruritus). Pet owners must know the various reasons for pruritus and the treatments necessary.
Causes of Itchiness in Pets
Knowing the cause of your pet’s itchy skin is a must in order to find an effective treatment. Common causes include:
- Environmental allergies such as pollen, mold, or dust mites
- Food allergies
- Flea allergies
- Parasites such as fleas, mites, or ticks
- Bacterial skin infections can occur secondary to scratching.
- Fungal infections such as ringworm
- Contact dermatitis involves direct contact with items such as fabrics, chemicals, or plants your pet is allergic to.
- Medical conditions such as (1) hormonal imbalances found in Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism, (2) Autoimmune diseases like lupus or pemphigus
Symptoms of Itchy Pets
Other symptoms besides scratching include licking and biting, redness and inflammation, hair loss, scabs and sores, and restlessness. You need a veterinarian appointment if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms. With some tests, knowing what is causing your pet to scratch is easier.
Diagnosing the Cause of Itchiness
Your pet’s trip to the vet may include:
- Medical history is very important. Your vet will want to know if there have been any environmental changes recently or changes in diet.
- A good physical exam is, of course, very important. Your vet will examine closely the skin, coat, and ears.
- Allergy testing may be suggested. There are two types at the moment. Blood tests can be performed and helpful, although the gold standard is intradermal skin tests.
- Skin scrapings are almost always performed. This involves collecting samples of your pet’s skin to look for parasites or infections.
- In addition to obtaining blood for allergy testing, collecting blood to test for underlying medical conditions will be advised.
Treatment and Management
Once the cause of your pet’s itchy skin is determined, your veterinarian can suggest the treatment.
Environmental allergies are usually treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, an allergy medication such as Apoquel, or allergy injections if your pet had the skin tests. Food allergies can be addressed by trying different diets or a hypoallergenic diet. Flea allergies need to be treated with a preventive monthly medication such as Simparica Trio, Advantage, or NexGard. For active infestations, you may also need to treat your home.
A monthly medication is also needed to prevent parasites. Mites may need special medication in the form of baths and dips or oral medication.
The treatment for infections depends on what type of infection your pet has. If it’s bacterial, antibiotics and special shampoos will probably be prescribed. Antifungal medications and shampoos will also be needed if it’s a fungal infection.
Dermatitis treatment involves medications, supplements, and skincare. Try to avoid the irritant if possible.
If an underlying medical condition is causing the itchiness, appropriate medications will be prescribed. Conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease are very treatable with proper care and veterinarian supervision.
Relief and a Healthy Life for Your Pet
Itchy pets can experience significant discomfort, but the good news is that with help from your vet, relief is available. find relief with the right approach. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate veterinary care are essential in managing your pet’s itchiness.
Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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