Top Reasons Your Pet Itches

It's normal for your pet to scratch every now and then. But if your pet is constantly scratching themselves, chewing at an itch, or rubbing themselves against walls and furniture, there may be something more serious going on. Even if all that itching doesn't really bother you, it's important that you look for veterinary services in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, to get to the root cause of the problem quickly. All that itching can damage your pet's skin and can result in bald patches as well. In the meantime, keep reading to learn a few of the more common causes of persistent scratching in pets.

Fleas

Fleas are the most obvious and most common causes of persistent itching in your four-legged friends. In fact, if you've noticed them itching a lot, you might automatically assume that your pet has fleas. Fleas feed on blood, and their bites are an itchy nuisance for your animal companions. If you suspect your pet has fleas, try combing carefully through their fur and look for small, dark insects on the hairs or skin.

Luckily, fleas are relatively easy to treat. There are many over-the-counter options, including medicated baths and topical and oral medications. Talk to your vet to find out which type and what brand they recommend for your pet.

Allergies

Like people, animals are prone to allergies. They can suffer from allergies to certain foods or even to certain grasses, plants, and other environmental factors. However, unlike their owners, pets don't usually develop sneezing or other symptoms that humans typically associate with allergies. And because you can't see your pet's skin, you might not notice them reacting to an allergen in any other way than their constant itching.

Pets with allergies are also prone to licking and chewing at their paws much more than those without. So, if you notice this symptom alongside persistent itching, talk to your pet's vet. They'll help you to determine whether or not your pet has allergies and, if so, what kind of allergy it may be. They'll then find the best treatment option possible to alleviate their symptoms.

Dry Skin

Animals can get dry skin, just like people, though it's a lot less common. If your pet has dry skin, you may notice dandruff on their fur when they itch. But, obviously, you can't just rub some lotion onto your dog and cat like you can on your own dry, itchy skin. Sometimes, switching to a different shampoo when you bathe your dog can help; look for an oatmeal-based wash or one specifically designed for pets with dandruff or dry skin.

If this doesn't do the trick, you'll need to treat their dry skin from the inside out. Adding fish oil to their food or feeding your pet a fish oil pill once a day can make a big difference for pets with dry, itchy skin. Ask your doctor what kinds of supplements they might be able to recommend to treat this condition in your pet.

Other Skin Conditions

There are many different skin conditions that animals can develop which may lead to itching. Whether your pet is a bird, guinea pig, cat, or dog, it's possible that they may have a skin condition that requires veterinary attention to properly treat. So, if your pet is constantly itching and nothing else seems to work, contact Forever Vets Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment at our animal hospital in Ponte Vedra. We'll diagnose the problem and get the proper treatment for your pet's skin condition. Call us at (904) 686-2779 now!

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