August is officially noted as “National Itchy Pet Awareness” month. For those of us living here in San Diego, we know allergies are often a year-round issue for so many of our furry friends (and for many of us, too!).
We see itch issues in both dogs and cats. So, we’ve broken down the information accordingly.
Before we dive into the details below, please know that we understand how difficult it is to see (or hear, or smell) our pets in discomfort or pain from any kind of condition, including dermatological issues. Your CoastView Vet family members each have their own menagerie of dogs and cats at home, too. Thus, we can relate to those of you with pets who have any kind of dermatological issue ranging from their ears to their toenails and all body parts in between.
Above all, please know that no matter how bad your pet’s skin, fur, ears, or nails may look or smell, we are here to help.
Let’s start with our feline friends. Scroll for the section on dogs.
Itchy Cats
Our feline friends come in to see us with a variety of different skin, coat, ear, and toenail issues. Pet parents often report one or more of the following symptoms or behaviors:
- Scratching
- Rubbing
- Licking
- Chewing
- Open wounds
- Random patches of fur loss
- Greasy or oily fur (even with consistent bathing)
- Bumpy rashes – some scabs
- And overgrooming (excessive, compulsive licking – especially of the abdominal area)
Here are some of the more common, but not all, environmental allergens causing itchy kitties here in San Diego:
- Fleas (flea saliva, actually, from flea bites) causing Flea Allergy Dermatitis or F.A.D.
- Mites
- Pollen (trees, flowers, grasses)
- Food
The best way to help your cat feel better is to identify the allergen and treat it accordingly. We offer allergy testing here at CoastView Vet to help us diagnose what may be causing your cat discomfort or pain. You can find more information about allergy testing here.
The Kitty-Cat Conundrum
It may not always be food, parasites, or environmental allergens causing skin issues in cats. We are also seeing underlying behavioral/emotional/stress issues that present similar to dermatological issues. Overgrooming, especially of the abdominal area is often linked to stress, not an allergen.
While this is not always the case, and the reason why a physical evaluation by a licensed veterinarian is of utmost importance, we’ve seen this with a few CoastView Vet patients, and we’ve heard the same from colleagues.
Is your cat exhibiting signs of an itch that just can’t be scratched? Please give us a call and let’s take the first step to help your cat live a more comfortable life.
Bottom line: The Best Treatment Plan Begins with The Best Diagnosis.
Itchy Dogs
Our canine companions come in to see us with a variety of dermatological issues. When we say dermatology, we’re referring to skin, fur, ears, and toenails. Pet parents often report one or more of the following symptoms or behaviors:
- Scratching
- Scooting
- Rubbing
- Licking
- Chewing
- Greasy or oily looking coat (even with consistent bathing)
- Foul odor from skin, ears, or paws
- Crusty or scaly patches of skin
- Fur loss
- Redness around eyes, muzzle, armpits, groin area, paw pads, or in between toes
- Rashes (red, bumpy, or scabby)
- Open wounds
- Hot Spots
- Saliva stains or discolored fur on paws or forelimbs from excessive licking
Here are some of the more common, but not all, environmental allergens causing itchy dogs here in San Diego:
- Fleas (flea saliva, actually, from flea bites) causing Flea Allergy Dermatitis or F.A.D.
- Mites
- Pollen (trees, flowers, grasses)
- Food
Is your dog exhibiting signs of an itch that just can’t be scratched? Please give us a call and let’s take the first step to help your dog live a more comfortable life.
The best way to help your dog feel better is to identify the allergen and treat it accordingly. We offer allergy testing here at CoastView Vet to help us diagnose what may be causing your dog to experience discomfort or pain. You can find more information about allergy testing here.
Bottom line: The Best Treatment Plan Begins With The Best Diagnosis.
When It Goes Beyond Allergies – Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
It is important to note, in this case, we are not talking about allergic reactions as described above. Atopic Dermatitis is different.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic and lifelong skin condition caused by a severe over-reaction or hypersensitivity to an allergen. Over time or without proper treatment, Atopic Dermatitis usually gets worse and can pave the way for substantial hair loss, ongoing secondary skin infections, more severe ear infections, and we’ve heard pet parents tell us they’ve even seen a negative effect on their dog’s personality.
Is Atopic Dermatitis Contagious to Other Dogs, Cats, or People?
No. This condition is not contagious. In many, but not all cases, there does appear to be a genetic predisposition (inherited the genes passed down through generations). This includes several breed-specific predispositions in the following dog breeds:
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Lhasa Apso
- ShihTzu
- West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
- Wirehaired Fox Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Shar-Pei
We’re also learning more about an emotional component of this disease; a cortisol response trigger to stress that can bring about a flare-up in dogs whose condition is otherwise controlled with medication.
What’s Working Now to Manage Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis?
We have some good news! We’re seeing positive results using a prescription medication called Cytopoint.
If you have questions or concerns about Atopic Dermatitis or Cytopoint, please contact us.
Are You Ready to Finally Ditch the Itch of Pet Allergies
Please give us a call and take the first step in figuring out what is causing your pet to itch.
Together, we can help your pet dog or cat live a more comfortable life.
