Are you itching to know why your pet is doing ‘La Bamba’?
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (August 23, 2022) — Itchy Pet Awareness Month is a good time to learn about the common causes of itching in companion animals like dogs, cats, birds and rabbits.
One of the most common reasons pets scratch or bite their skin is because they are allergic to something. Just like people, animals can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, dander and certain foods. I even met a dog who scored high on the allergen test panel for human dander.
If your pet seems uncomfortable, make an appointment with the veterinarian to discuss allergies and how to treat them.
Another common cause of itchiness is parasites. Fleas, ticks and mites can all cause misery for pets and should be treated promptly. A clear sign of flea infestation is itching at the base of the tail or lower abdomen. If you suspect your pet may have parasites like fleas, use a specialized comb that “catches” fleas or look through the fur for flea dirt.
If it looks like your pet may have a parasitic problem, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Bite allergies
Some animals develop flea allergy dermatitis. So not only are they miserable due to being bitten by fleas, but they are also allergic to the bites themselves. Ouch.
Dry skin can also lead to itchiness in pets. The cause could be environmental and can be remedied with a little effort on your part. If the air in your home is particularly dry, consider investing in a humidifier. And check with your vet about giving your pet a colloidal oatmeal bath to help soothe their skin.
Itching or hair loss can be a sign of stress or anxiety in pets. When this happens, it is called psychogenic alopecia. In other words, the pet is literally scratching themselves bald from stress.
Sometimes, stress comes from big life changes like a new baby or a move to a new home. Other times, it can be caused by something as simple as a loud noise outside.
If you can’t seem to find the cause of the itching, take your pet to the vet for a check-up. They may have a skin infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics or other medications. Skin infections can occur when the skin is broken (from scratching or biting), allowing bacteria to enter.
Always keep your eye out for any signs of discomfort in your furry (or non-furry) friends. Allergies, parasites, dry skin and stress can all cause itching in companion animals. With anything skin-related, it’s extremely important to check with your vet for the best course of action.
You can contact Stephanie at cooperativecaretraining@gmail.com or 510-408-7162. Visit the website cooperativecaretraining.com for more information.
Stephanie Zablah-Kruger
Animal behaviorist, Stephanie Zablah-Kruger, 37, has 14 years’ experience in the veterinary field and as a trainer. Reach her at cooperativecaretraining@gmail.com, (510) 408-7162.