Why Is My Dog Itchy This Fall?  

New England has had some unusual weather in the past year. We had a warm, snow-less winter, followed by a warm, dry spring and a Floridian-type, hot, humid summer. The change in the weather led to a change in the usual mix of pests, parasites, pollens and molds. The result has been an increase in seasonal fall itchiness, even among dogs that don't usually have a problem.

Is your dog suddenly itchy? It could be because of:

New or higher levels of pollens and molds
Dogs that could easily tolerate trace levels of a particular pollen or mold may suddenly breakout when exposed to high levels. Just being allergic to something in the air can disrupt the natural balance of the skin, allowing the natural bacteria and yeast to grow out of control. The end result is a very itchy dog that may develop skin rashes or sores.

Fleas   

We have always had fleas in our area but the numbers are really high this year. As soon as the weather gets cooler, many pet owners start to forget about the fleas but the fleas have not forgotten about the dogs. They are looking for a warm body to feed on for the winter. Dogs are actually more likely to pick up a flea infestation in the fall than in any other time of the year.

A flea infestation is uncomfortable and can lead to allergic reactions and secondary bacterial infections. It is important to prevent and treat them, but we're finding that fleas are developing resistance to once-trusted flea products. For most dogs we are now recommending a newer prescription product called Vectra 3D. (Note - never use Vectra 3D on a cat.)

Scabies   

This is actually a microscopic mite that causes Sarcoptic Mange. There are several types of mange mites, but the one that causes scabies is particularly contagious and itchy. A mange infection can lead to allergic reactions and secondary bacterial infections.

Scabies is typically more common in warmer climates, but this year the rules are different. We are seeing more cases of scabies and are recommending treatment even if scabies are just suspected. The mites are very hard to find and it takes very few of them to make your pet uncomfortable. The mite is easy to kill with a prescription product called Revolution.

There are certainly other medical causes for an itchy dog but these are the ones that veterinarians are seeing frequently this fall. If your dog is itching, a few simple tests in an office visit can usually determine what is likely to be causing the itch. An individualized plan will treat both the underlying cause and any secondary problems that are occurring. For more information, see our pet care handouts on our website.