There are many reasons that our pets can seem itchy. Dogs’ scratching is a normal part of their behaviour, but it’s when this becomes excessive that we sometimes need to investigate, as itchy skin can be very uncomfortable. There are a number of causes from fleas to seasonal allergies (atopy) to skin infections.

Commonly, we see an increase in atopy cases during the warmer summer months. There are a wide range of signs but some may include: constant scratching, licking/chewing paws, runny eyes, inflamed pink itchy skin, ear and anal gland problems! Reoccurring conditions for example with ears can also sometimes fit into an allergy category as well!

There is a huge array of allergens that can cause our pets to feel itchy from grass pollens to food intolerances.

Some causes of itchiness are easy to treat, for example fleas. Others require diagnostics and lifelong medication to manage your pet’s condition. Skin allergies can be extremely challenging and frustrating, but once we have found the winning combination for you and your pet, you will see a huge improvement in them.

We are very lucky that there is a huge range of diagnostics and treatments available to us for allergies. We can carry out a blood test to try and identify what substance is causing your pet to feel itchy. Once we know the allergen from this we can try, if possible, to avoid it and if this isn’t possible, which is often the case, we can select from a range of treatments.

Treatment options range from tablets to creams/shampoos to monthly injections to specific diets, and depend massively on you and your pet. Sometimes your pet will require a combination of the above mentioned therapies.

It is very important to note that even when we get a diagnosis that we can never ‘cure’ your pet - only manage their condition. This means that sometimes we can have ‘break through’ episodes where the skin or ears may flare up and further treatment is required.

One of the most common causes of itchiness in cats is due to fleas. Even if the flea isn’t living on your pet, one bite from them can cause a chain reaction resulting in itchiness, hair loss and your cat seeming generally very depressed. As always, prevention is the first line of defence and a good reliable regular flea treatment is the first step often followed by specific medication.

If this article has raised any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01665 252250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk.