Itchy Pets

An itchy pet is not a happy pet. Imagine being so itchy that you cannot get a good night sleep and all of the scratching that had given momentary relief, has now caused your skin to become red, sore and possibly infected. Scratching is NOT a Habit!

Scratching worsens itchiness - so the itch-scratch cycle needs to be stopped in order for the condition to improve. Skin problems are one of the most common reasons pets are brought to the vet, so we suggest having your pet insured before they show any sign of skin problems.

The most common causes of itchiness in pets are fleas, food sensitivities, contact and airborne allergens, demodex mites, bacterial and fungal infections. There is often more than one cause contributing to the problem. Signs of itchiness include biting, chewing, licking, rubbing and over-grooming.

Atopic Dermatitis: Inflammation of skin caused by airborne allergens – this is the most common form of skin allergy. It is hereditary and is often seen as seasonal itchiness of the face, feet and belly with secondary self-trauma, skin infection, thickening and darkening of the skin, ear infections, sneezing and conjunctivitis.

Contact Allergy: Often seen as itchiness of the feet or belly after touching offending substances.

Flea Allergy: Common in all pets, but particularly those with other allergies.

Food Allergy: Often allergies to a meat-based protein such as beef or lamb proteins, but can be in response to many foods.

Secondary Infections: Malassezia or yeast infections are common secondary infections to any cause of itching. Malassezia pachydermatitis is a normal inhabitant of skin and ears but when the skin is irritated, overgrowth occurs, causing unpleasant odour and further itching. Staph-type bacteria area also common causes of infection.

Demodex Mites: A common mite in dogs, which are usually harmless and live deep in hair follicles. They can only be transferred via prolonged direct contact, such as bitch-to-pup during suckling and a genetic component makes certain breeds more susceptible. Overgrowth of these mites can cause hairloss, so a skin-scrape test should always be performed, especially in younger dogs. If a demodectic infestation has been overlooked, the use of cortisone in these cases can worsen the skin condition.

Management Strategies

• Flea control: Comfortis, Advantage, Advocate, Revolution, used monthly is essential for ANY itchy pet. Permoxin sprayed daily is another option

• Food Trial: Many dogs will improve with a change to an excellent quality diet such as Eunkanuba, which is high in Omega 3 oils. A 8-12 week trial on a hypoallergenic protein and starch based food may be prescibed eg. Hills z/d Ultra, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic. To aid in the management of atopy, an alternative protein and carbohydrate based diet may be tried eg. Eukanuba FP Response, Royal Canin Skin Support, Hills d/d

• Medicated Shampoo: Malaseb (has antibacterial and anti-yeast properties)and Pyohex (medicated antibacterial wash) help to clear up itchy secondary skin infections

• Anti-itch Shampoo: Aloveen Shampoo and Leave on Conditioner (Aloe Vera and colloidal oatmeal base) and Dermcare P.A.W Shampoo and Conditioner

• Topical Ointment: with antibiotics and cortisone to soothe local areas

• Oral antibiotics: to treat severe secondary skin and ear infections

• Anti-yeast medication: to control secondary Malassezia infection eg. Malaseb shampoo, oral tablets

• Cortisone: a potent anti-itch medication which is used in a tapering course and can break the itch-scratch cycle while we clear up secondary infections and remove initiating causes eg. Certain plants, fleas etc. Long term cortisone can cause side effects such as liver problems, so ideally alternative treatments will be used.

• Topical Cortisone Spray: Cortavance spray has the same anti-itch and anti-inflammatory effects, but is a lot safer, as dogs don’t absorb much into their blood stream

• Ear medications: to treat secondary ear infections, may also contain cortisone to soothe sore, red ears, and decrease their itchiness. They usually contain antibacterial and anti-yeast medications.

• Essential fatty acid supplementation: Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, increases the moisture in the skin and coat and also has direct anti-inflammatory properties. Eg. oral “megaderm”, topical spot on “essential 6”

• Anti-histamines: to reduce the allergic response your pet is experiencing – has variable efficacy in animals

• Desensitising vaccines: A blood test is performed to determine your pet’s allergies. The results may reveal allergens which can be avoided eg. Food. However for the allergens which cannot be avoided, a desensitising vaccine can be produced against the offending allergens. These vaccines are given daily, and contain small amounts of the offending allergens to build up a better tolerance to them. There is also the option of referral to a skin specialist. Desensitising vaccines are used long-term, and can help decrease the reliance on medications such as cortisone and antibiotics. However, at times your pet may still require other treatments, especially at times of flare up.

Our vets are here to assist in sorting out your dog or cat's skin problem! Make an appointment today on 3288 1574.