petowneradvice

Scratch, scratch, scratch! Is your dog or cat constantly scratching to relieve that annoying itch? What’s the cause of the itch? Fleas, right? Maybe not. A lot of people are unaware that their pets can develop allergies just like humans. So, what are they allergic to?

A common allergy is to food. Corn, lamb and other ingredients in pet food can lead to a dog or cat that is constantly itching. A food allergy can also be the cause of upset stomachs, but itching is a very common symptom. So what do we do about this problem? Well, you can go to the veterinarian and have a blood test taken that determines what ingredients your pet is allergic to. They will prescribe a food that lacks those ingredients and your pet should remain on that food longterm. Another alternative method is to try other foods on your own. If your pet has been on a lamb and rice diet, you might want to try gradually switching to a chicken and rice formula. Gradually is the key word because if you abruptly switch the diet, it can cause an upset stomach that may be accompanied by diarrhea. Try the new diet for a few months to see if it makes a difference.

What else could cause the itching? Allergies to pollens, trees, molds, etc. are also common just like in humans. Your pet could also get blood tested to see what of these can be causing the itching. After the test determines what are causing the allergies, a special compound is made that can be given by injections to help decrease their sensitivity to the allergens. (Ironically, a pet can be allergic to human dander just like we can be allergic to their dander.) Often times, owners elect to give antihistamines instead of the injections. My dog (a lab mix, approx. 55 lbs.) has been given Benadryl to help with the itchiness and it has worked great. The down side to this is that it may make her sleepy. If your pet has an extreme case, steroids may be given to calm down the itch initially and then they may be tapered off. If you notice that your dog is licking his/her feet a lot, it is possible that they may also have allergies. A good way to calm down the itching on the feet is to wipe their feet off with baby wipes or wash them in dish soap.

My dog is still itching!!! Could it be fleas? The best way to be able to tell is to take a flea comb or a lice comb and run it through the fur. Tap out the dander and hair in the comb onto a white paper towel. Spray water on the paper towel. If any black specks start to bleed red, you have fleas. Advantage is a great product that you can now buy over the counter at places like Petsmart. Apply as directed and you are on your way to flea freedom. If you have a large flea infestation, you should treat your carpets in your home. You can call someone to come over and treat the problem for you or you can do it yourself. A great way to do this is to go to the grocery store and buy borax. (You will find this in the laundry detergent aisle.) Sprinkle  it generously on the carpet and rub it in with a broom. Let it sit for 3-5 hours. Make sure you take the pets and the children out of the room for this time. When the time is up, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. This will help to  eliminate your flea problem.

Are there other parasites that can cause the itching? Dogs can contract mites that can also cause itching. Demodex is common and also causes hair loss. Taking the pet to the veterinarian is important because they are the only ones that  can diagnose and treat mites. The vet will often times do what they call is a skin scraping where they scrape the skin with a blade and look at the hairs, dander, and skin under the microscope. The procedure is painless and only takes a few minutes. Treatment for mites may include special dips or an oral medication. Once treated, the itching will decrease dramatically.

In addition to fleas, allergies, and mites, bathing too frequently or with the wrong shampoo can be the cause. When bathing a dog, use an oatmeal based shampoo and try to only bathe once a month. Human shampoos can be drying and can cause your pet to be even more itchy.

If you feel your pet doesn’t fit into any of these categories, it is possible that your pet may have a more serious skin problem and it is important to see your veterinarian.

Good luck and so long itchiness!!!

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