Three Reasons Why Your Pet May Be Itching

Question: Why does my animal itch so much?!
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Answer: Unquestionably, this is a loaded question, but we can break it down into three basic categories of why your animal might be itching.  The categories include, but are not limited to, allergies, skin parasites, and skin infections.  Skin allergies can be broken down into a food allergy or an environmental allergy.  Environmental allergies are diagnosed by doing a skin test (similar to a scratch test in humans) to find out what the animal is allergic to.  Once completed, allergy injections are then given to hyposensitize the patient.  A food allergy is treated by feeding a hypoallergenic diet with single unique protein ingredients such as fish, rabbit, duck or venison with a single carbohydrate such as potato or rice and  no other treats or chewable supplements can be given for a minimum of eight weeks.

​Skin parasites include fleas and a variety of mites which can be diagnosed through a physical exam and skin scraping.  Parasitic skin infections are treated with dips and oral anti-parasitic medications.  Skin infections are usually secondary to skin allergies and parasites and require antibiotics to resolve it.  Without a doubt, skin issues can be very frustrating and time consuming to treat, but there is light at the end of the tunnel with some patience and persistence.  Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions, or if you think your pet may have a skin condition.