Has your pet developed a sudden severe itching issue? Before you go rushing off towards finding a veterinarian, take a moment to reflect.
First, you need to identify what’s causing the issue. From there, you can seek out the proper treatment.
Even if your pet isn’t too itchy, it’s good to know the most common culprits. Almost every pet will experience an itchy issue at some point in their lives.
August is also Itchy Pet Awareness Month, so now is the best time to get informed.
Read on to learn more about what can cause your pet to be so itchy and how to solve it.
August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month
Did you know that flea allergies are increasing in pets? In the decade between 2008 and 2017, flea allergies increased 12.5% in dogs and 67.3% in cats.
Even more shocking, pets aren’t the only ones! Humans are also becoming more susceptible to pests like fleas and ticks.
Just recently, the CDC put out a warning about ticks that can cause a meat allergy becoming more common.
In light of this news, now is the best month to become more informed about common itchy pests. Find out more about these bugs below.
Itchy Pets: Identifying the Cause
The most common bugs that can cause your pet to itch a lot include:
Ticks
- Fleas
- Mosquitos
- Spiders
- Mites
- Ants
- Flies
Bugs are not always the culprits, though! Itchy skin could also be a symptom of a skin condition or even anxiety in your pet.
To help you identify the cause, first inspect your pet. Do you see bug bites? Do you see small bugs, eggs, or missing patches of fur?
Next, monitor your pet’s behavior. Are they only scratching when they seem stressed? Do they not seem to have any other signs of bugs?
Once you’ve collected some information about what’s going on, it’s time for a diagnosis.
Itching for Help? Find a Solution
You may be able to figure out the solution on your own. For instance, a flea or tick infestation will be clear after an investigation.
Treatment should include baths, cleaning the pet’s bedding, and bug-prevention products.
Other problems require the expertise of a vet. A pet infection, for instance that leads to scratching could mean your pet needs medicine. If anxiety is a problem, then you may want to try products like Ellevet for dogs.
Finding the solution will bring peace to not only your pet but your whole household.
Solve Your Pet’s Severe Itching Issues Once and For All
How do you plan on taking advantage of Itchy Pet Awareness Month? Will you spend this month building up your knowledge and protecting your pet? We hope so!
Here at Pawtology, we know how many unique challenges you face as a pet owner. From diagnosing itchy issues to coping with cognitive decline, we know the struggle.
That’s why we have an entire shop dedicated to senior-specific products. Check it out now and get your pup something they’ll love.