Is your pet scratching more than usual? If so, they have a lot of company. Problematic itchiness in dogs and cats becomes especially noticeable in the spring, when fleas and ticks are increasingly active and environmental allergens, like pollen, are in the air. Excessive itching is also among the top reasons for veterinary visits. 

A recent study by a U.S. pet insurance company examined data from 1.5 million claims filed in 2023 related to treatment of the top 10 medical conditions found in dogs and cats. Atopic and allergic dermatitis were the most common health issues in dogs, accounting for 410,500 individual claims, and the 10th most common cause of claims for cats. 

Our veterinary team at All Breed Pet Care has helped many pets overcome itchiness by performing the appropriate diagnostics to determine the cause and developing an effective management strategy. We explain what you need to know about pet itchiness.

Causes of itchiness in dogs and cats

Common culprits that make your pet itch include:

  • Fleas — These tiny parasites are only 3 mm long but can jump 50 times their length to feed on the blood of a dog or cat. It takes only a single flea bite to set off an allergic reaction, which, in turn, can lead to excessive scratching, biting, and licking.
  • Other parasites — Infestations of ticks, mites, and lice can also make your pet itch. Some parasites, such as sarcoptic mange mites, cause severe itching and discomfort when they burrow into the skin. When mites irritate pets’ skin, they can cause signs like itching, hair loss, and inflammation. All forms of mange are highly contagious. 
  • The outdoor environment — Environmental elements such as pollen, dust mites, and mold can trigger allergic reactions that cause skin irritation, redness, and itching in pets.
  • The indoor environment — Harsh chemicals in household cleaners and grooming products, as well as some houseplants, can irritate pets’ skin and cause itching. 
  • Skin infections — Bacterial infections, such as staph dermatitis, and fungal infections, such as ringworm and yeast dermatitis, can cause pets to itch and scratch. Your dog or cat may also show signs like redness, hair loss, and a foul odor from the affected area. 
  • Food sensitivities — Allergens in pet food, such as, beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products, can make pets’ skin inflamed and itchy. 
  • Dry skin — When their skin is too dry, pets can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Dry skin issues are especially common in winter when the relative humidity is low. 
  • Underlying health conditions — Hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, and some cancers can cause pets to itch and scratch. You should consult your pet’s veterinarian if the itching is persistent or is accompanied by other signs that concern you.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Our veterinarian will check your pet’s skin and fur for parasites, inflammation, and lesions, and a skin scraping may be taken to examine under a microscope. Chronic or severe conditions may require a skin biopsy to determine the underlying issue. Detecting the presence of internal parasites such as worms requires a fecal exam.

If an allergy is suspected, our veterinarian may conduct blood tests or inject your pet’s skin with possible allergens to see how they react. If a food allergy is likely, a food trial can be helpful in detecting the problematic allergen. During a food trial, your dog or cat will eat a hypoallergenic diet containing novel protein and carbohydrates while our veterinary team monitors your pet to see if their condition improves.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve:

  • Parasite control
  • Medication
  • Special shampoos
  • Topical treatments
  • Changes in diet
  • Minimization of exposure to environmental allergens and irritants
  • Long-term management and follow-up

Itching to know more? Contact our All Breed Pet Care team.