Page 6 - Small Talk - Winter 2013

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Parasites
Fleas and mites are a frequent cause of itchiness.
Modern parasite treatments are extremely effective
and easy to administer. Parasite prevention should be
part of the routine care for all dogs. It is important to
remember that with modern centrally heated houses;
‘the Flea season’ that previously was limited to the
warmer summer months can now last 12 months
of the year!
There are many other potential reasons for dogs
becoming itchy. It is important that the specific cause
should be identified to enable a specific treatment
to be given. This can require frequent visits to
enable your vet to complete a thorough and
systematic investigation.
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of itchiness in dogs. As
with human eczema sufferers some individuals are
prone to developing allergies to things they encounter
in daily life. The list of potential allergens (triggers) for
allergic reactions is endless! It can include things your
dog eats, inhales or comes into direct contact with
and many dogs will be sensitive to multiple allergens.
Wherever possible your vet will try to identify these
triggers. It may then be possible to avoid them, for
example by avoiding certain types of bedding or
keeping off recently mown grass. For dogs that are
sensitive to particular ingredients commonly used in
commercial foods (such as beef or dairy proteins),
special diets are available from your vet which either
contain a small number of unusual ingredients to
which sensitivity is unlikely or in which the ingredient
proteins have been broken down into fragments too
small to trigger reactions.
Unfortunately, some allergens such as pollens and
house dust mites are impossible to avoid; medication
may be necessary for these patients to either
desensitise your dog to the particular trigger
(immunotherapy) or to suppress the reaction your
dog produces once triggered (anti inflammatories).
Your vet may also recommend regular clipping to keep
your dog's coat short and their skin cool (hot and
sweaty skin is always itchier!). Regular medicated
shampoos can prevent bacterial or yeast infections
that can attack already irritated skin.
Parasites!
Allergies!
Help for your
itchy
dog
by
Graham Connan VetMB BA MRCVS
608 Vet Practice
It is often difficult to ‘cure’ your itchy
dog but appropriate veterinary care can
achieve very good control.
Itchy dogs are amongst the commonest patients seen by vets. Whilst a little
bit of scratching is perfectly normal, excessive itchiness can be a big problem
for both dog and owner. Left untreated constant scratching can become a
habit and will cause irreversible skin damage.