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Pet Pause: What to do when ‘itch-switch’ turns on

By Robin Shroyer/Contributor

Itchy skin is frustrating for pets, pet owners and veterinarians. Obviously the pet is bothered and spends lots of energy scratching and licking, rubbing and chewing. The pet owner gets to listen to all of this commotion and might lose sleep, concentration and patience. The veterinarian gets consulted when everyone is exhausted and frustrated.

The three main factors causing both feline and canine allergies are fleas, inhaled allergy (atopy) and food allergies. There are other potential causes of itching, but they are more rare.

Veterinary dermatologists believe animals may have any combination of any of these allergies, and it is the sum of the allergies that will turn on the “itch-switch” in a pet. What does that mean? It means even if your dog has flea allergy, atopy and food allergy, lowering the exposure to any of the allergens to get that “total” allergy down may turn off the itch-switch.

Does this mean we need to decrease exposure to fleas, pollen, grass, dust and foods? Yes, but maybe reducing only one or two of these allergens will do the trick. The easiest allergen to avoid is fleas. There are so many excellent flea control products these days that even in our temperate environment, where fleas love to live, we can control them.

If your pet is allergic to a component of his diet, you will only know that if he is placed on a dietary trial. This trial involves feeding a diet that has a protein and carbohydrate source your pet has never had. The diet is continued until your pet improves, or for eight weeks. No other food or treats can be eaten during this time. If your pet improves, he is then fed the previous diet to see if the itching returns. This step is critical in order to confirm that the diet is the cause and there is no coincidence.

Atopy (inhaled allergy) is usually seasonal, but can progress to a year-round problem. The face, feet, ears and front legs are often affected. Atopy responds very well to steroids, however the side effects from this drug are often worse then the itchiness. There are new products that can help manage atopy with fewer side effects.

Before you and your pet become exhausted from itchiness, make sure there are no fleas on your pet, keep a diary of when the itching began and where on the body it occurs, and make a list of any medications, shampoos or treatments your pet has had and how they worked. Armed with this information, visit your veterinarian and expect to work together closely to resolve the itch.

Veterinarian Robin Shroyer is the co-owner of Nipomo Dog & Cat Hospital, 525 Sandydale

Drive. Contact the hospital at 929-2855 or visit nipomodogandcathospital.com.