🐾 Itchy Skin in Pets

Itchy skin can be caused by many things, including:

• 🐜 Parasites such as fleas and ticks

• 🦠 Skin infections caused by bacteria or fungi

• 🌿 Allergic skin disease — one of the most common reasons for ongoing itch

Dogs and cats often make the problem worse through self-trauma. A small irritation can quickly become a large, painful wound as they chew, scratch, and lick.

🔎 Investigation

When investigating itchy skin, your veterinarian will consider:

• How long the problem has been present

• Which areas of the body are affected

• Previous responses to treatment

• Possible exposure to parasites, irritants, or allergens

• The external appearance of the skin

• Microscopic examination of the skin surface

💊 Treatment

Treatment aims to:

• Control surface infections

• Reduce exposure to parasites, irritants, or allergens

• Manage the excessive itch response

• Support the natural skin barrier

🐕 Management

Some itchy skin problems resolve after treatment and don’t come back.

However, many cases are linked to allergic skin disease. Even once secondary infections are controlled, pets may still be itchy and prone to flare-ups. Long-term management is often essential.

🧴 Medicated Shampoos

• Oatmeal shampoos soothe irritated skin

• Antibacterial shampoos reduce bacteria and prevent infection from licking/scratching

• Antifungal shampoos reduce yeast — a common trigger in our humid Northern Beaches climate

💊 Creams

• Antibacterial creams for lip folds or moist skin folds

• Antifungal creams to control malassezia dermatitis around feet, underarms, and vulva

• Steroid creams to reduce irritation and inflammation

🐟 Supplements

• Omega oils restore skin hydration and barrier strength

• Prescription diets like Hill’s® Derm Defense improve skin health

💊 Antimicrobials

• Antibiotics or antifungals may be needed for persistent infections

• Often given in short “pulse” courses or longer treatments depending on severity

💊 Anti-Itch Medications

• Short steroid courses (prednisolone) can reduce flare-ups, but long-term use is avoided

• Apoquel® helps decrease itch with fewer long-term side effects

• Antihistamines are rarely effective but may help mild cases

💉Cytopoint

• An injection that blocks the main protein causing allergic itch

• Safe from a young age

• Lasts 4–8 weeks

• Can be used alongside other medications

✅ Conclusion

Itchy skin can be one of the most frustrating and uncomfortable problems for pets — and their families. With careful diagnosis and management, most pets can enjoy much greater comfort and quality of life.

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 Or email reception@pittvets.au

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