Licking and scratching are not normal behaviors, but signs that your pet may be itchy. Itchiness can have many different causes and make our pets very uncomfortable. In honor of August being Itchy Pet Awareness month, we will take you through the “5 W’s” of itchiness.
WHAT is itchiness?
Pruritus [Proo–RAI–tuhs] is the medical term for itchy skin. Pruritus is not a medical condition, but a symptom. Itchiness can present differently in every pet. Some signs your pet is pruritic are:
- Licking, chewing, biting, or scratching specific areas obsessively
- Constant rubbing, rolling, or scooting on the ground
- Shaking ears or head excessively
- Fur loss
- Rash, redness, greasy skin, or scabs
- Odors from skin or ears
WHY is your pet itchy?
There are many causes of itchiness in dogs and cats. The top causes for pruritus are described below.
Atopic Dermatitis (commonly known as Eczema)
Atopic Dermatitis is an allergic reaction to environmental substances and is the most common cause of pruritus. Environmental allergens can include pollen, dust mites, mold, and grass, and can be seasonal or year-round.
Food Allergies
Pets with food allergies have an overactive immune response to a specific protein in their diet. They can be allergic to any protein, but the most common ones are chicken or beef.
Ectoparasites
Ectoparasites are small parasites that live on the outside of the “host” body. These parasites include fleas, ticks, and mites. Flea bites can also cause atopic dermatitis in pets that are allergic to fleas.
Bacterial or yeast infections
Skin infections can cause inflammation, which can make your pet itchy. Sometimes skin infections are secondary to the underlying cause of the itch, but they can also be the primary cause of itchiness.
Underlying Health Conditions
Other underlying health conditions can cause pruritus, but these are less common. These can be diagnosed through blood testing and additional diagnostics.
WHO can be itchy?
Any pet can become pruritic. According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, skin allergies are the most common claim among insured dogs, and they are among the top 10 for cats. Also, according to Zoetis, 22 million dogs in the US suffer from pruritus. The statistics on pet itchiness are daunting enough, but as a veterinary practice, we see itchy pets daily, across all breeds and species.
WHEN can your pet become itchy?
Cats and dogs can become itchy at any point in their lives. Itchiness can be secondary to chronic conditions that begin at a young age or develop with age. Itchiness can be seasonal if it is caused by certain environmental allergens or it can be year-round.
WHERE can your pet be itchy?
This is a trick question, because they can be itchy anywhere! Most commonly, paws and ears are areas of focus.
HOW can we help?
There are different ways to manage itchiness depending on the underlying cause. Parasite prevention is a routine medication that should be given monthly to prevent ectoparasite invasions. Also, your veterinarian may recommend a targeted diet change or prescription medication to alleviate your pet’s symptoms.
There are many home remedies people try that may help lessen some symptoms temporarily, but not long-term. It is important to seek medical attention sooner rather than later because of what is called “itch-scratch cycle.” This is when pets scratch their itch which then breaks the skin barriers and creates a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria making the itch more severe.
To determine the best treatment plan for your pet, schedule a consultation. Call us at 401-398-7807 with questions or to schedule an appointment.