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Got an Itch? . . .
. . . Does it drive you crazy when you see your dog constantly scratching? Does your cat lick and groom all the time?
There are 3 main causes for dogs and cats to itch; external  parasites, allergies and infection.
External parasites include fleas, ticks, lice, ear mites, scabies and other mites. Fleas are hands down the number one cause of itchy pets! Not only do they annoy them when they crawl on them and bite them, but many pets actually are allergic to fleas. So one or 2 fleas can cause your pet to itch continuously and you may not even see the fleas. This is why we as veterinarians  stress that all pets here in Sonoma should be on a flea preventative. Even indoor cats get fleas!.
I know what you're going to say - "My dog or cat does not have fleas!" Most pets will clean themselves meticulously so you may not see them at all, but they are eating the fleas and also developing tapeworm from the ingestion of the fleas. Yuck! Please talk to your veterinarian about the best flea control that is also the safest for your individual pet.
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), often called "flea bite hypersensitivity", is a skin disease caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. A single flea bite can trigger intense itching. Dogs with FAD chew and bite their backs, legs, bellies or tails. This often leads to "hot spots", or localized hair loss and skin infections. You may find fleas and flea dirt (the flea feces look like black specks) on your pet, although many dogs with FAD have very few fleas, since they are constantly licking and chewing.
The second most common cause of itching and scratching in pets - especially dogs - is allergies. Dogs have two major types of allergies. The first is food allergy which will cause itching, scratching and chewing - often of the feet and legs. Otitis Externa (ear infection) along with other skin problems are also common in conjunction with food hypersensitivity. Some pets may also have diarrhea and other digestive problems. Symptoms can appear at any age, whether a pet has just started a new diet or has been eating the same food for several years. An elimination diet trial is usually used for 8 weeks to rule out this type of allergy. Diets used for allergy trials must contain one new protein and carbohydrate source that the animal has never had before (venison and pea) or the protein must be broken down into molecules too small to excite the immune system such as Hills Z/D diet.
The other type of allergy is called Atopy or environmental allergy, which is an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen, molds, house dust mites and animal dander (skin or hair  fragments). It is most common in dogs, but some cats are also affected. The incidence of Atopy depends as much upon a pet's genetic susceptibility as exposure to the allergen itself. (An allergen is any agent causing the allergic reaction.) Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Dalmatians, and Chinese Shar-Pei are particularly prone to atopy. Itching around the feet, lower chest and belly, is the primary symptom. Depending on the cause, this may occur only seasonally (pollen) or year-round (molds, dust mites and dander). "Hot spots", other skin infections and ear problems can  develop. Frequent scratching due to chronic irritation may lead to hair loss. These signs can be seen from 4 months to 7 years of age but are typically first noticed around 1-3 years of age. Omega fatty acids and antihistamines may help with the symptoms but often special medication is needed to help control the problem and secondary skin infections. Even photosensitization may help.
The third most common cause of itching is infection which is called Pyoderma. And is often caused by fleas and the allergic reaction from their bite. It may also be caused by immune compromise of your pet including diseases like Hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease, which allow the integrity of the skin to be compromised.
Let's face it - our pets itch way to much and we as their caregivers need to help them.
Dr. Rhonda Stallings
Dr. Suzie Johnson
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Marin Filmworks and is a photographer in her spare time, although spare time is difficult to find these days as she has a young son named Justin at home. Diana lives in Petaluma with her husband Eric. She has a chinchilla and a cat she adopted from Arroyo named "Leelo".
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