Scritch, scratch, chew, rub. The frustration from itchy skin is irritating for our pets as well as us as owners and is often more apparent with the weather warming up. Below we discuss signs of irritation, common causes of skin irritations and how you and your veterinarian can help your pet soothe that scratch. 

If your pet is showing any of the signs of irritation or you are concerned about your pet’s health and skin, please contact your local Animates Vetcare clinic about a skin consult for your pet.

Your pet’s skin provides protection, regulates body temperature, prevents dehydration and creates vital nutrients, making healthy skin essential to the well-being of your pet.

Understanding how nutrition affects skin and hair is important to ensure a healthy skin barrier is maintained. If you have a pet that is prone to itchy skin, there are special nutrients and specifically designed diets that can help soothe that scratch.

Three common causes of skin conditions in pets include:

Parasites – fleas, mites, lice and ticks can cause extreme irritation and health problems in pets.

The environment – if your pet inhales or comes into contact with moulds, dust mites, household dust, trees, grass, weeds, pollens, cigarette smoke, fabrics (wool or nylon), rubber and plastic materials or cleaning products and chemicals, it can trigger a skin reaction. It is often difficult to determine exactly what your pet is reacting to in the environment, so your veterinarian will ask questions to find out more and may recommend further tests be done to ensure the most appropriate treatment is given to your pet.

Infections – sometimes areas of skin your pet has scratched or chewed, or that are moist (such as ears) or small wounds can become infected and spread further. A common one we see is hot spots, which are red, raw, weepy patches on your pet’s skin. These can be very painful and spread quickly. A visit to a veterinarian is important to get prompt treatment and get your pet feeling their best again.

Fleas are a common problem on our pets and in the environment. Did you know that 95% of fleas live in the environment (carpet, bedding, gardens etc) in various lifestages? And that a female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime? 

Some pets can develop an allergy to fleas, even one bite from this pesky parasite can flare up their skin, so keeping parasites under control with regular effective flea treatment is crucial.

Learn more about how to keep fleas, worms and other parasites under control.