Most pets, and their owners for that matter, will develop an occasional itch that typically does not represent a significant health concern. However, there are several reasons why a dog or cat might become itchy for a more prolonged time or to a higher degree of severity, which can be very hard on the pet. Understanding these reasons can help treat the itchiness and improve overall quality of life.

A common cause of itchy dogs and cats is flea bite dermatitis. Fleas are parasites that bite the host animal to feed on the host’s blood. These bites become very irritating for the pet, and some pets even have an allergic response to the fleas which is even more painful. A dog or cat with fleas is commonly seen intensely scratching or chewing itself, often in the area of the rump. The self-trauma only makes the itchiness worse by creating more inflammation in the skin and usually setting up a secondary bacterial skin infection.

Routine topical or oral flea preventatives are recommended to help prevent a flea infestation, or to treat one when present. It is important for all pets in the household to be on flea prevention, especially during an infestation, to ensure that there is not a new source of fleas to attack the itchy pet or pets. Dogs or cats with flea bite dermatitis will also possibly require an antibiotic to treat the skin infection.

Allergies represent another very common cause of itchiness in pets. Whereas many humans with allergies will develop “hay fever”, dogs and cats with allergies usually develop red, inflamed skin and ears. Flea allergy was mentioned above, but other types of allergies in pets are food allergies and environmental allergies (otherwise known as atopy). Similar to flea allergy, these other allergies can create itchiness and self-trauma, which then predisposes the pet to secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

Flea allergy or flea bite dermatitis is usually easy to diagnose (although not as easy as one might think in all cases), but food allergy and environmental allergy can be much more frustrating to pinpoint in pets. A veterinarian can discuss the protocol for a strict food trial to assess for food allergy, and can also discuss the process by which environmental allergies are diagnosed.

Allergies in pets can also be difficult to treat, especially in the case of environmental allergies. Even if the allergen that triggers the response can be identified, it may not be feasible for the pet to avoid the allergen. Medications are available to help suppress the inflammatory response in allergic pets, although there is no “perfect” medication that has no significant side effects, works in most pets, and is inexpensive. The veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of each medication with the pet owner and decide which one or which combination to use. Secondary skin infections may require antibiotics or antifungal medications.

The majority of itchy pets have one or more of the above conditions: fleas, food allergies, or environmental allergies. However, there are several other conditions that can cause a pet to scratch.

For example, ringworm is a fungus that infects the outer layer of the skin. The typical ringworm lesion is a red, crusty, circular patch of hair loss, although not every ringworm infection causes this distinct look. Ringworm causes moderate to severe itchiness in pets (and humans). Many types of mites and lice can also cause itchy skin in pets, although the Demodex mite in dogs does not typically cause any inflammation. Some auto-immune diseases will cause a pet to scratch; others may cause skin lesions that are not itchy.

A thorough exam and diagnostic testing by a veterinarian can help determine which of these or other conditions may be causing a pet to be itchy. Treating the underlying cause and any secondary problems will not only lead to a healthier pet, but a happier pet as well.

— Keith Rode is a veterinarian at Woodland Veterinary Hospital and a graduate of UC Davis. For more information, call (530) 666-2461.

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