Itchy skin is a common problem in pets, and the constant scratching, biting, and rubbing can be frustrating for owners. But, itchy skin isn’t only irritating—conditions that cause severe itchiness can lead to serious problems, such as skin excoriations and infection. Our Westerville Veterinary Service team frequently treats itchy pets, and we explain what can cause this problem and how the conditions are managed.

Flea allergy dermatitis causes pet itchiness

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva, is one of the most common causes of pet itchiness. FAD occurs when a pet is hypersensitive to the proteins present in the flea’s saliva, which triggers an exaggerated immune response that results in intense itching and skin inflammation. A single flea bite can provoke a reaction in sensitive pets, making FAD a significant concern. 

Common FAD signs include:

  • Scratching and biting — Pets with FAD typically scratch constantly, especially around the tail base, lower back, abdomen, and hindquarters. They may also chew or bite at their skin, leading to hair loss, redness, and irritation.
  • Skin lesions — Common FAD skin lesions include red bumps, crusts, scabs, and hot spots. 
  • Hair loss — Chronic itching and self-trauma can lead to hair loss, most commonly around the tail base and lower back.
  • Secondary infections — Prolonged irritation compromises the skin’s barrier, making your pet more susceptible to secondary bacterial or fungal infections that can exacerbate the itching and inflammation.

If our team finds a flea or flea dirt (i.e., flea feces) on your pet, FAD is likely causing their itchiness. Treatment includes:

  • Flea control — Appropriate flea control, which is the most important aspect of FAD treatment, may involve topical or oral flea preventives, environmental treatments, bathing your pet, and vacuuming your home to remove flea eggs and larvae. Your pet and all your household pets will need year-round flea prevention to prevent FAD recurrence.
  • Itch relief — Our team may prescribe treatments, such as medicated shampoos, topical corticosteroids or antihistamines, and fatty acid supplements to alleviate your pet’s itchiness.
  • Secondary infection treatment — Appropriate antibiotics or antifungals may be necessary if your pet has a secondary infection.

Atopy causes pet itchiness

Atopy is a common allergic skin condition in pets characterized by hypersensitivity to environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. Affected pets are intensely itchy, typically most severely on the face, ears, abdomen, and paws. The chronic scratching and self-trauma can also lead to hair loss and thickened skin. Atopic pets are prone to recurrent ear infections and secondary skin infections, which can exacerbate their discomfort.

Diagnosing atopy involves ruling out other potential skin itchiness causes such as FAD and food allergies. If our team suspects atopy, we may recommend intradermal skin testing or serologic allergy testing to identify the specific environmental allergens that triggered your pet’s response. These tests help guide allergen-specific immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots) and environmental management strategies.

Management is multifactorial and includes:

  • Bathing — Regular bathing can remove allergens from your pet’s coat and skin.
  • Itch relief — Numerous itch-relief products are available, and our team may prescribe topical, oral, or injectable medications, medicated shampoos, and supplements to help decrease itchiness and inflammation and promote skin health.
  • Allergy shots — Allergy shots can benefit atopic pets to desensitize their immune system to specific environmental allergens and reduce the allergic reaction severity.
  • Flea control — Year-round flea control is important for atopic pets, because many are also affected by FAD.
  • Antimicrobials — Antibiotics or antifungals may be necessary to address secondary infections.

Food allergies cause pet itchiness

Food allergies in pets occur when the immune system overreacts to certain ingredients, most commonly a protein, in the pet’s diet. These allergies most commonly cause skin problems, such as itchiness, skin inflammation, hair loss, and hot spots, but some pets also develop gastrointestinal (GI) signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence. Pets affected by food allergies are prone to secondary skin infections and recurrent ear infections. 

An elimination diet trial is the only way to diagnose a food allergy and involves feeding the pet a hydrolyzed diet or a novel protein and carbohydrate source they have never eaten. Pets must be fed the diet exclusively for 8 to 12 weeks, while all other foods, treats, and medicated chews are eliminated. If the pet’s signs improve or resolve while on the elimination diet and return when the previous diet is reintroduced, a food allergy is confirmed. Treatment involves strict avoidance of known allergens and treatments to alleviate itching, GI signs, and secondary infections.

If your pet is itchy, don’t hesitate to contact our Westerville Veterinary Service team, so we can diagnose the problem and alleviate their discomfort.