Itchy Skin in Pets

Itchy skin is a common ailment that pets experience. If you reside in a low-humidity area, your dog is more prone to have dry skin, which can be very irritating and uncomfortable for your pet. You may notice dandruff flakes in the undercoat when you split your dog's hair, and the skin itself may be damaged and tough. Even the tiniest skin stimulation, such as your soft touch, might cause your pet to scratch aggressively. At Southside Veterinary Hospital in Vero Beach, FL, we're well versed with conditions that may make your pet have itchy skin, and we're committed to helping your beloved friend gain back its comfort.

Dry Skin

Dry skin may be caused by several factors, including dietary deficits and mild dehydration. Pets that dwell in low-humidity areas are likewise more vulnerable. When your pet has dry skin, it will show up as white flakes, cracked skin, and scratching.

Allergies

Unlike humans, who sneeze or have a runny nose when they have a minor allergic response, pets have itchy skin. Allergies can be due to many factors, including certain foods and nutrients. In food allergies, the immunological response is triggered by repeated exposure, so a dog that has always been given the same sort of food might develop an allergic reaction to it.

Pollen, dust mites, and mold are examples of environmental triggers that may cause constant itching. These allergies, unlike food allergies, may induce itching at certain seasons in the year.

Fleas and Mites

Fleas are common pet parasites, and they like the warmth of a pet's fur coat and will regularly attack your pet's skin. This might also induce allergic responses in addition to irritation. Fleas are hard to detect, so just because you can't see them, it doesn't mean they aren't there. They spend around 90% of their time away from the animal, laying eggs all over the home, so you won't see them until the illness has progressed.

Unlike fleas, mites cannot be seen with the human eye. However, their symptoms are more obvious since they cause extreme itching, hair loss, blisters, and irritated skin (a condition known as mange). Ticks, on the other hand, may induce itching in a particular location. If you don't remove both the head and the body of a tick at the same time, your pet can get an infection.

Stress and Anxiety

When dogs are anxious, they often scratch. This is particularly prevalent when the dog is frustrated, such as when it wants to play or is waiting to go on a walk. Severe anxiety might also result in constant itching. This is a kind of obsessive behavior that may cause the skin to become irritated or red. It's critical to speak with our veterinarian about your pet's nervousness, since obsessive scratching may cause serious harm in a short period of time.

Schedule an Appointment for a Pet Exam

It your pet has itchy skin, we can help. At Southside Veterinary Hospital in Vero Beach, FL, we will perform a pet exam to determine what is making your pet uncomfortable. Pet itchy skin is not something you want to ignore. Our veterinarian will provide the proper treatment for your pet. To schedule an appointment, call us today.