Scratch, Lick, Rub, Repeat - Your Pet's Itch Explained
Pruritic skin disease is the term we use for any skin complaint that causes our pets to be itchy.
It’s important to recognise that itchy pets don’t just scratch; they also lick, nibble, rub, roll and scoot in order to give themselves relief - if your pet has any of these signs on a recurring basis, a visit to the vet is definitely warranted.
Pruritic skin disease is a common problem in dogs and cats and can be a source of chronic discomfort and frustration for pets and their families. An itch can be caused by various underlying factors, ranging from allergies to parasites and skin infections. Understanding the causes, tests, and treatment options for pruritic skin disease is crucial for pet families who want to succeed in beating this irritating problem.
Causes
Parasites
Fleas top the list when it comes to causing itchiness in our pets. Whilst your pet may look outwardly free of fleas, it is worth considering that a pet with hypersensitivity to flea bites needs only a single parasite to result in significant itch and dermatitis. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most commonly recognised cause of pruritic skin disease we see, it can be ruled out by performing an intensive flea trial with approved preventatives, for at least six weeks.
Sarcoptes mites cause a disease called Scabies; mites are commonly contracted through contact with foxes and native wildlife. Diagnosis is made by finding the mites on superficial scrapes of your pet’s skin material.
Demodex mites live deep in the hair follicles. Ear mites inhabit the ear canals. Both are regularly found in young animals and occasionally in pets with compromised immunity, both are diagnosed by taking samples for examination via microscope.
Infection
Yeast and bacterial infections occur frequently, often secondarily to other causes of itch. Samples will be taken for microscopic examination, and possibly growth in a laboratory, in order to diagnose infection.
Adverse Food Reactions
A food allergy can cause itchy skin, paw licking or recurrent ear infections. Sometimes there are gastrointestinal signs like diarrhoea, but not always. Food allergy or intolerance can only be diagnosed by a strict elimination diet fed for at least six weeks.
Contact allergens or irritants
Grass, other ground plants, wool and even some synthetic materials can cause allergic reactions when our pets walk or lie on them. Environmental trials are used to exclude these as a source of itchiness.
Atopic Disease (Aeroallergens: pollens, moulds, dust mites etc)
There is no specific test for airborne environmental allergens. A diagnosis of Atopy is only possible by excluding other causes of itch and then considering criteria such as the patient’s age, lifestyle, distribution of their itch and response to previous therapies.
Once the diagnosis has been made, skin or serum allergy testing can be performed to identify allergens and facilitate us ordering bespoke immunotherapy treatment to help densensitise your pet.
Less Common Causes of Itch
Like food, some medications can cause allergic reactions. These reactions are often acute and can be traced back to administration of a particular medication. Some pets become sensitised to shampoos or ear cleaners.
Older animals may suffer from hormonal conditions that lead to skin thinning and increased susceptibility to infection or parasites. Blood tests may be needed to diagnose these problems.
Rarely animals are found to have genetic conditions that cause them to itch. Certain breeds are more susceptible.
Rarely, certain types of skin cancer can cause generalised itching. Biopsy is needed for diagnosis of skin cancer.
Treatment
Accurately diagnosing the specific cause of pruritic skin disease is essential for effective management. As outlined above, we may perform tests, such as skin scrapings, blood tests, and elimination diets, to identify the underlying conditions.
Regardless of cause, all itchy pets should receive water-tight parasite control to avoid flare-ups and reduce the itch load. Flea, mite and tick prevention products should come with your vet’s endorsement and be used in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines. For simple parasite prevention, tailored to your needs, check out our helpful guide
If your pet’s itch relates to food sensitivity we may recommend permanently transitioning to a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet, in order to help alleviate symptoms.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, we may prescribe immunotherapies, corticosteroids, or other medications to control itching and inflammation. These medications take a range of forms from topical washes and creams, to tablets and long-acting injections. Treatment will be tailored to what works best for both you and your pet. Some of these medications will require regular checks with your vet to ensure they are working safely.
There are a range of supportive measures you can take at home, such as the addition of Essential Fatty Acid supplements, barrier-forming and nourishing skin treatments and environmental modifications. These will be recommended where appropriate to your pet’s condition.
Pruritic skin disease in dogs and cats can cause significant discomfort and frustration. Early recognition of symptoms, thorough vet evaluation, and tailored management are essential. Whilst many pruritic skin diseases can be quickly and effectively cured, some may require lifelong management and never completely resolve; it is important in the latter scenario to maintain regular vet visits to ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible.