Time to Roam Magazine Issue 7 - February/March 2014 | Page 58

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out the back pets

Why is my pet
always scratching?
An itchy pet is constantly irritated and unable
to relax; and the persistent scratching and
chewing can cause open wounds.
BY KELLY ZAMMIT

The most common causes of itchy skin
are external parasites like fleas and
mites, skin infections, and allergies.
Allergy is when the body’s immune system overreacts after exposure to
a harmless substance known as an allergen. The incidence of allergies
is increasing in both humans and their pets. While humans with
allergies usually have hay fever or asthma; our pets more commonly
display skin problems such as redness and itching, pimples or papules,

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hair loss, and recurring skin or ear infections.
Pets with allergies often have
secondary bacterial or fungal skin
infections, which increase their level of
itching and complicate the condition.
The first step in stopping the itch is a trip to
the vet; they will determine whether your pet
has any active bacterial or fungal infections.
The next step will be to implement a strict
flea control program, including treatment
of ALL the animals in your household,
bedding and flooring, and the environment.
You may not have seen any fleas, but
that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
If a food allergy is suspected, your vet will
advise you on a regime to identify the cause.
Your vet may take some blood and send it
for examination to detect allergies to foods,
insects, plants and pollens, house dust mites
and mould spores. The aim is to control
allergies and improve overall quality of life.
Some readily available natural therapies
that can help reduce allergic itching include
fish oil, green tea and pawpaw ointment.
Symptomatic drug therapy can help to
reduce itching; however, without addressing
the underlying cause, the itching will return.
Long-term use of corticosteroids (prednisone)
can result in many health problems, which is
why it is preferable to diagnose the underlying
cause and use more specific or less potentially
harmful treatments. The best program
of management that suits your pet may
include the use of conventional symptomatic
drug therapy, herbal remedies, dietary
recommendations and supplements.
Kelly Zammit is a veterinarian at
All Natural Pet Care, Russell Lea NSW.
naturalvet.com.au

58

timetoroam.com.au

“ Some readily
available
natural
therapies
that can
help reduce
allergic
itching
include fish
oil, green tea
and pawpaw
ointment.”