August Is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! Can You Recognize The Signs of Allergic Itch?

Does your dog have an itch they just can’t seem to scratch? You’re not alone! In fact, according to Zoetis 30 million households in the US have a dog with pruritus (AKA the feeling of itchy skin). In honor of Itchy Pet Awareness Month, we’re looking at the top causes of canine itchiness and ways you can help your pup find relief. 

What Is Pruritus?

Pruritus (proo-RYE-tis) is a medical term for the feeling of itchy skin or a desire to scratch. It’s a symptom, not a medical condition or diagnosis. While every dog (and person, for that matter!) will experience pruritus at some point, frequent or excessive itchiness can indicate an underlying medical condition. 

Skin conditions that cause itchiness are extremely common in dogs. So common, in fact, that allergic or atopic dermatitis is the number one reason dogs are brought in for veterinary visits. 

Top Causes of Chronic Itchiness in Dogs

There are plenty of reasons your dog might experience chronic pruritus. That’s why a trip to the vet is an important first step in seeking treatment! With an exam and potential cytology from 
 your pet, we can get to the root cause of itchiness and treat the condition, not just the symptoms. Some of the most common causes of itchiness we see include: 

Allergies

Just like us, dogs can have all sorts of allergies.Food allergies, environmental or seasonal allergies, and flea allergy dermatitis can all cause itchiness.

Skin infections

Bacterial or yeast infections, such as Staphylococcus and Malassezia, can exacerbate skin inflammation, which can make pets itchy. Dogs may also have “hot spots” or focal areas of intense skin irritation. Hot spots are red, inflamed skin lesions that can appear quickly and be very painful. 

Parasites

Fleas, mites, and ticks can all cause skin problems in dogs. Some dogs can even have an allergic reaction to flea bites, making them more sensitive to fleas. For dogs with flea allergy dermatitis, a single flea bite can cause itching for several days. 

Symptoms of Allergic Dermatitis (AKA Skin Allergies)

While skin infections and parasites can be resolved through treatment and preventatives, allergic dermatitis can be tougher to tackle. That’s because successful intervention relies on identifying the root cause or allergic triggers. Symptoms of allergic dermatitis can vary from pet to pet, making them hard to recognize. The most common symptoms include: 

• Frequent licking, chewing, biting, or scratching
• Excessive rolling, rubbing, or scooting
• Recurrent ear problems
• Hair loss
• Body odor
• Rash, redness, greasy skin, or scabs

For more information about recognizing allergic itch, check out this helpful resource from Zoetis, Itching For Help.

Treatment Options for Itchy Dogs

The best course of treatment will depend on the root cause of your pet’s itchiness. 

If your dog has a skin infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe oral antibiotics and soothing ointments. For flea allergy dermatitis, they may recommend a monthly flea preventative and environmental modifications, like cleaning up backyard scrap piles where fleas and ticks like to lurk. 

Your veterinary team will take a two-pronged approach for dogs with allergic itch: managing the symptoms and identifying the root cause of your pet’s allergies. They may recommend a diet trial, allergy testing, or intradermal skin testing to help identify triggers and exposure patterns.

Some dogs with allergic itch may also benefit from medical management. Prescription medications and over-the-counter dietary supplements can help provide relief for pets with allergic pruritus. Your veterinarian can discuss the best course of action based on your dog’s breed, age, health status, and lifestyle. 

If It’s Skin, Bring ‘Em In!

Not only is chronic itchiness uncomfortable and disruptive, but it can also lead to more serious skin conditions. If your dog is showing common signs of canine allergic itch, don’t hesitate! There are safe and effective treatment options available. The team here at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital has a special interest in dermatology and allergy management. 

Together, we can treat your dog’s itchiness and get them back to being happy and healthy! 

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