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.
Selected Itch Relief Product Summary
The following summarizes selected medications that your vet may recommend to
control itching and other skin conditions.
Antihistamines
Although they are typically not as effective in pets as
they are with humans, your vet may try one or more antihistamines to to
supplement a primary medication course. Unlike humans, histamines are not
the major mediator of inflammation in dogs.
Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®) and other antihistamines tend to
work more reliably with cats however some of the products that may be considered
are: diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), hydroxyzine (Atarax®),
and clemastine fumarate (Tavist®).
Fatty Acids
In addition to Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids,
over 100 different fatty acids have been identified. Fatty acids play a range of
important roles and are essential components of cell structure
and a number of metabolic
processes.
In dogs and cats, the primary use of fatty acids has been to treat
eczema and other skin eruptions and pruritus. However, the have been
used to treat a range of other conditions including: idiopathic seborrhea, miliary dermatitis
and eosinophilic granuloma in cats, renal disease, lymphoma and other tumors,
thromboembolism, pain related to arthritis, and intestinal inflamation.
Veterinary products containing fatty acids include:
Omega Tri-V,
Omega EFA,
Derma-3,
Missing Link, and
many more.
Shampoos and Topicals
Colloidal oatmeal shampoos and creme rinses can significantly soothe
irritated skin and provide some level of relief for one to three days.
Creme rinses may provide somewhat longer periods of relief. Colloidal
sprays can also be helpful and soothing to your pet.
Humilac sprays may also be applied as a spray or mixed with water as a dip.
Lyme sulfur dips may help in drying moist and weeping skin lesions and to help dissolve surface skin
proteins that can cause irritation. Humilac sprays are sometimes used with lyme
sulfur treatments.