Why Do Your Pets Itch? Allergies and Parasites are Main Concerns

According to veterinarians across the country this is a common question, and there is no one or right answer, since there are a variety of reasons why your pet might be itching. While a common itch that needs to be scratched is normal, excessive licking, scratching and picking at certain areas constantly is not. If your pet is itching and scratching incessantly, there are four main reasons why they are. Find out why your pet gets them, and what you can do to alleviate and/or stop it:

• Parasites– Because many pets are sensitive to flea bites, a “single bite can cause severe itching and self-inflicted damage to the skin.” However, it is relatively easy to control and rid your pet of fleas. Ask your veterinarian for the best recommendation for your pet to control and prevent fleas. Sarcoptes are also a problem, and are mites, and are very small and cannot be seen with the human eye. They are difficult to find, especially if your pet has had skin issues for quite some time. Mites are also “zoonotic- meaning people can get them from infected pets and must be treated by a human physician.”

• Allergies– Skin and ears are most commonly affected when allergies affect your pets. They can be seasonal or year-round, much like how they affect humans. In pets, allergies are either environmental, food related or a combination. Sometimes, allergies are genetics. If your pet has mild allergies, they can usually be controlled with medication and avoiding the allergy they are susceptible too. If your pet has severe allergies, they may need to be tested, and “desensitization may be the most effective way to control symptoms.” With environmental allergies, all a pet owner can do is manage them, but with them, there is no cure.

• Sensitivity– With food allergies, your pet can be affected by skin, ear, or gastrointestinal issues. Since there is no food test for pets, pet owners will have to eliminate certain diets for their pets, and follow specific rules and guidelines. The best thing to do is work with your veterinarian to manage food diet and restrictions accurately.

• Skin Infections– These occur as a primary, secondary, or damage the  skin due to infections, which result in excessive and severe itching. These can only be treated by a veterinarian and your vet should and will work with you to determine if there is anything else more serious, such as a parasite or allergy.

Does your pet suffer from any of these issues? If so, what did you find worked best to alleviate and eliminate their itching and scratching?

Article Source: http://www.banfield.com/Pet-Owners/Pet-Health/Ask-a-Vet/Archive/Itchiness