Doc, Why Does My Pet Itch?
One of the most common, if not the most common reason that pet owners bring their pets into the veterinarian during the summer and fall is because their pets are itching. There are many causes for this itching. They can include fleas, mites, allergies, and skin infections.
Fleas usually become a problem in the late summer, after ideal conditions, such as moisture and mild temperatures allow the flea populations to multiply in the mid summer, and reach epidemic proportions in the late summer and fall. Fleas can be controlled by treating the environment that your pet lives in, and by treating your pet. Your pet can be treated with Frontline, this is the most popular flea treatment available, and are applied on your pets back. Frontline will kill adult fleas for one month. The house can be treated with a product that kills adult fleas and flea eggs. This includes sprays and foggers that include Methoprene to kill the developing stages of the flea.
There are several types of mites that can cause itching, and they can be present on your pet at any time during the year. Cheyetella mites and Sarcoptes mites are often seen on young pets, and can be cured with most insecticidal dips. Demodectic mites are not as easy to kill, and should be treated by your veterinarian.
Allergies are the most common skin problem seen by veterinarians in the summer and fall. Allergies are caused by pets inhaling pollens, mold spores, and fungal spores. The body reacts to them by forming antibodies that react under the skin surface, causing your pet’s skin to itch. As a result, he will begin to chew on his stomach, hips or feet. Often your pet will chew or lick these areas until they become raw or bleed. Allergies are best treated by your veterinarian. Generally, your veterinarian will control them with antihistamines or cortisone to decrease the itching and chewing that your pet is doing.
Skin infections are also very common in pets, and often cause much itching and scratching. Your veterinarian can help your pet with any skin infection that he or she may have. The vet will put your pet on the appropriate antibiotic, and any medication that may be needed to control any secondary causes of a skin infection, such as allergy medication, or special antiseptic shampoos.
It is very important that you should contact your veterinarian any time your pet starts to itch excessively. Because the causes of itching and scratching are many, and do overlap with each other, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis as early as possible to prevent any complications that may arise from continued excessive itching by your pet.
