There are many different reasons why animals scratch.

Flea allergyis a common cause of skin irritation. Dogs and cats can develop a sensitivity to flea saliva which is injected into the skin by the fleas when they bite. Animals that have flea allergy require only 1 or 2 bites to cause an intesive itchy reaction. Dogs will commonly scratch over the base of the tail. Cats can commonly develop scabs over the body called "miliary dermatitis). Often medications are required to make the animal more comfortable until the fleas are removed. Good flea control is essential to control this problem.

Food allergies are caused by dietary allergens encountered during feeding. Animals may develop allergy to foods they have previously tolerated well. The only way to diagnose food allergy is via a food elimination trial

Contact allergy can result in severe itchiness and is due to direct contact with a plant or other allergen. Plants such as wandering dew have been implicated as a cause of contact allergy.

Atopy is an allergy to environmental allergens, such as pollens, mites or moulds. Definitive diagnosis of this condition often requires referral to a dermatologist for intradermal skin testing. If identified, desensitization vaccinations can been formulated to prevent the allergy from occurring.

Mites and other parasites can also cause severe itchiness and secondary infections.

Please see the attached article “Itchy, irritated skin… How can I Help My Pet Stop Scratching?”

If you pet is suffering from irritated skin, please contact us so we can formulate a treatment plan to fix the problem.