Scratching the surface: Causes and treatments of itching in pets

Scratching the surface: Causes and treatments of itching in pets

As a pet owner, you have probably experienced that distressing moment when your furry one is not feeling well and won't stop scratching and fighting the itch. Whether it is due to flea infestation or infection, itching, and inflammation are common pet nuisances.

But don't worry, in this post, we will tell you how to help your pet relieve itching and pain, the cause and symptoms, and how to prevent future outbreaks.

Causes of itching in pets

Itching in animals can be caused by a variety of reasons. If you want to help your furry friend relieve his discomfort, it is necessary to identify the exact cause as it can have serious consequences for the health of his skin and coat if not properly treated.

These are the most common causes of itching in pets.

Allergies: they are a major cause of itching in pets. Allergies can be caused by a variety of factors, including food, fleas, dust mites, pollen, and more.

Skin problems: such as dermatitis, seborrhea, and bacterial or fungal infections can cause itching in pets.

Parasites: parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites can cause itching in pets. Itching is usually caused by the bite or sting of the parasite.

Stress: our pets can also suffer from stress and this can trigger various health problems and symptoms such as itchy skin.

Food allergy: when the pet consumes a portion of food that its immune system considers a threat, the body produces an immune response that manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, such as itchy skin, redness, swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Food supplements: it can be caused by the lack of some nutrients, mainly fatty acids, you can notice this because their skin is dry and their coat is dull, then what you need is a supplement containing linoleic acid and its derivatives, you can buy it in a veterinary store.

Fungi: these are organisms that are naturally found on the skin of dogs, but if their population grows excessively, it can be a problem.

Skin diseases: such as hay fever, which can cause itching as well as being a symptom of hives, scabies, or other diseases

Excessive scratching can lead to redness, bald patches, and even open wounds that can allow bacteria and other pathogens to enter the dog's body. Therefore, it is important to address the causes of itching and treat them as soon as possible to avoid major problems.

Symptoms of itching in pets

The symptoms can vary depending on the cause. However, some of the most common symptoms of itching in pets include:

  • Excessive scratching
  • Frequent nibbling or licking of the skin
  • Redness or swelling of the skin
  • Scaling or crusting of the skin
  • Pus or discharge from the skin
  • Loss of hair
  • Lumps or bumps visible on the skin
  • Thickened or darkened skin
  • Behavioral changes, such as agitation or anxiety.

Products to relieve itching in pets

There are different products that you can use at home to help prevent and counteract itching, inflammation, and small wounds on your pet's skin, in addition to relieving pain.

Healthy Paw Life Calendula Spray

This product is highly recommended by pet owners as it offers a big solution to pet skin problems.

It is ideal for different types of pets such as dogs, cats, and even horses, once applied it will provide immediate and long-lasting relief to your pets suffering from skin irritations, dry and itchy skin, allergies, and dermatitis.

It is non-toxic and made with high-quality natural ingredients that are gentle on animals' sensitive skin.

Also in case of very sensitive or irritated skin, it is effective in promoting the healing of damaged skin and prevents new infections.

And it is easy to apply and you can do it yourself, either in cream or spray so you will have no problem when applying it to your pet at home.

Lime Sulfur Spray

If your pet's itching is due to parasites like ticks, fleas, and fungi, Lime Sulfur Spray is an excellent product because it can help control and prevent infestations of mange mites and other parasites, and can relieve the itching and discomfort associated with skin conditions such as hot spots thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

But it also works as a preventive measure against skin conditions, especially in pets with a history of skin problems, and is a necessary solution if you have multiple pets at home.

It is also non-toxic, safe for your pets, and offers fast relief, also can start working within a few hours of the first application.

Home remedies to cure itching in pets

Chamomile: it is a very versatile natural ingredient since it can be used both as an infusion and by applying it to the skin and eyes with the help of cotton wool. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory power, chamomile soothes the skin and moisturizes it, which reduces the itching sensation and prevents scratching.

Apple cider vinegar: the area can be treated with apple cider vinegar. This ingredient helps to fight the infection and reduce the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Olive oil: this is another natural ingredient that can be used to treat flaky skin. When olive oil is applied, it reduces the tightness of the skin and prevents it from cracking.

Green clay soil: it has antiseptic properties and is rich in minerals, which makes it an ideal natural option to reduce inflammation and detoxify our dogs' bodies from different allergens.

In conclusion

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from itching, it is important to observe it closely to identify which area may be affected.

Symptoms such as frequent scratching, licking, or biting indicate that the skin may be irritated. In that case, you need to take your furry friend to the veterinarian as soon as possible to relieve the itching and, once he is feeling better, investigate the underlying cause of the itching.

Proper treatment can improve your pet's quality of life and prevent more serious complications.

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