Itch Relief

Excessive scratching, licking, and chewing can significantly limit the quality of life for pets. Although corticosteroid hormones such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone provide rapid relief from inflammation and itching, they can also have negative side effects, particularly when used for longer periods. As a result, it is important to be aware of the non-steroidal medications that may be considered by you and your vet for relieving itching more minor cases and in helping to reduce the amount of corticosteroid hormones that may be needed in more severe situations.

Technically, itching is known as pruritus.  Excessive itching, scratching, licking, or chewing  is caused by chemical reactions in the skin that stimulate the nerves. Scratching can further stimulate the nerves and accelerate the cycle. Pruritus can be associated with other skin diseases such as secondary bacterial skin infections, known as pyoderma and secondary yeast infections. However, puritus is the primary symptom of skin conditions such as allergies and skin parasites.

Flea allergies represent the the most common allergic skin disease in the U.S. Pets allergic to fleas may scratch excessively and develop lesions on their back sides, hind legs, tail or belly. A single flea bite may be sufficient to trigger a reaction in sensitive pets. Allergies and hypersensitivity to other insect bites is less common than other allergies. If present, lesions may develop around the point of a bee sting or other insect bite.

Allergies to airborne allergens such as molds, pollens, dust mites, and house dust is called atopy. Pets with atopy typically scratch on or around their ears and face and may also chew or lick at their feet. Atopy may be seasonal and worsen during the summer when pollen and mold levels are at their highest. Pets with food allergies tend to have sensitivity and scratch in the same areas as with atopy.

One of the most intensely puritic (itching) parasitic skin diseases is scabies which is caused by the sarcoptic mange mite. Lesions may form on the ears, elbows, or around the ankles. Fleas can cause pruritus in dogs that are not flea allergic.  However the degree of itching is typically less severe than with flea allergies. Lice and ear mites can also cause pruritus. Demodectic mange is caused by the presence of demodex mites. Demodectic mange is most prevalent with young dogs and may result in hair loss, dermatitis, and secondary, pyoderma, bacterial infection of the skin. Cheyletiellosis is caused by the cheyletiella mite. Lesions typically develop along the back.

Other causes of excessive itching include acute dermatitis or "hot spots", which are moist, reddened bacterial infections of the skin. The area can be very irritating which can start a vicious cycle of scratching and chewing. Ear infections can also cause significant itching that may cause pets to shake their heads and scratch at their ears. As referred to above, pyoderma is often a secondary skin infection related to another skin disease.

Click here for a summary of selected medications that your vet may recommend to control itching and other skin conditions.