“Happiness is having a scratch for every itch.” This is a popular quote by an American poet, Ogden Nash, and the same is true for your itchy pet too (literally). However, if your pet is itchy all the time, then there may be some serious problems that you, as a pet parent, need to pay attention to.
Not every pet parent may know this but the most common reason for itching in any pet is ‘allergy’. Just like humans, if there is an allergen in the environment which triggers the release of histamines in your pet’s body, they are sure to have irritated skin; however, let’s explore some more causes, and solutions to answer the question, ‘why is my pet itchy all the time?’
Causes & Solution For Itching In Pets
Cause — Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Mites, etc.)
Parasites are creatures that live off of their host by sucking their blood. For instance, fleas have wings, hence can jump from one animal to another and can affect multiple creatures from the animal kingdom. But it does not affect humans. Whereas ticks and mites are parasites that can affect humans and pets equally.
Solution — Parasite Control Products
Parasites being the most common allergen in pets is not a new discovery. Decades ago, when veterinarians found out about this, they formulated various products that help control fleas, ticks, and mites in our environment. Even if you cannot see them, they may still be there. Hence, using products such as peppermint oil and clove extract flea and tick sprays or any other natural products that kill the parasite, can help your furry friend as well as you get rid of these blood-sucking monsters.
In certain cases, these products may not be effective and that’s when the vet may recommend medications such as antihistamines, steroids, or even shampoos. Truth be told, in a worst-case scenario, you may need to continue such medications over a prolonged period of time, hence it is better to act as soon as you discover your pet scratching themselves.
Cause — Environmental Allergens
Dust mites, pollens, mold spores, etc. are present in our environment already. Just like some humans, even animals are triggered by some of these environmental allergens. It may be seasonal or may occur all year round. In any case, these allergens cause irritation to their skin which causes the pet to itch uncontrollably at times.
Solution — Diagnosis & Medication
Environmental allergens can be countered in a number of ways. Firstly, you need to get a diagnosis from the vet about the allergens that may affect your pet. Based on the diagnosis, the pet doctor is sure to prescribe some medication that will help your pet get relief from irritation on their skin.
Secondly, since most of these allergens are present outdoors, you can even get an outdoor pet bed, or cover them with comfortable apparel before taking them out so that it prevents the allergens from coming in contact with the skin directly.
Thirdly, usage of quality dog and cat shampoos can kill the allergens accumulated on their skin which can cause the itch to reduce. And last but not the least, ensure to keep your surroundings clean and free from parasites by using flea and tick sprays.
Cause — Diet
If you’ve tried all of the above methods, and still are perplexed with the question of ‘why is my pet itchy all the time?’, then it may be time for some internal cleansing of your dear little pet. Ingredients from certain foods such as beef, chicken, and even gluten in wheat can trigger irritation in your pets’ face, armpits, feet, and belly, which in turn causes them to itch.
Solution — Diagnosis & Change In Diet
Only a proper diagnosis via a professional can tell you the exact ingredients which your pet may be allergic to. Following the diagnosis, you need to make the necessary adjustments in your pet’s diet so that they do not get itchy all the time. We now have pet nutritionists who can let you know the proper food items which you need to include in your furry friends’ diet. Make sure you consult them after getting the results of your pet’s allergy diagnosis.
Cause — Bacterial Infections
Unhygienic conditions can cause bacteria to grow in anyone’s body including your pet. Yeast infections in pets are most common in dogs and cats in areas where the skin is folded such as ears, neck, between toes, and under the tail. The pet may either lick that area or even scratch it continuously because of the irritation caused by these bacteria which occur normally due to heat and sweat.
Solution -Shampoos & Oils
Excessive and accumulated sweat is the primary cause of bacterial growth in animals. This can be controlled by using shampoos, coconut oil and olive oils which curb the growth of such bacteria. Only in worse-case scenarios do veterinarians prescribe medications; however, it is always best to consult a professional if you find your pet itching all the time.
Cause -Pruritus
Pruritus is caused due to one or a combination of two or more of the reasons mentioned above. Caused majorly by genetics, fleas, atopy, allergies from food, contact dermatitis, etc. this disease causes inflammation of the epidermal layer of the skin in animals. This is a condition where your furry friend may itch uncontrollably which may be a matter of concern for pet parents.
Solution -Intermittent Treatment
An animal doctor is your best bet in the case of Pruritus. These professionals use a variety of medications depending on the severity of the disease as well as the breed of the animal. Injections are used for allergy desensitization which can calm your pet; however, the process may need to be repeated as per the doctor’s advice. Also, utmost care needs to be taken in case of the pet’s nutrition and hygiene when they have Pruritus.
As Ogden said, happiness is the remedy to every itch. The same applies to our beloved pets as well. There is only so much we can do when it comes to taking care of our furry friends from a medical perspective; however, we can surely surround them with warmth, love, and happiness which can cure every disease on the planet. If you are finding it difficult to find a pet nutritionist or even want a vet right at your doorstep to get your four-legged friend checked for ticks, fleas or allergies, Kuddle is the go-to pet parenting partner for you. With love, compassion, and awareness, health follows automatically.
