Have you noticed that your pet has been scratching more regularly lately? If Fluffy or Fido only scratches themselves sometimes, there is probably no reason to be concerned. Everyone has the occasional itch! However, our animal pals will occasionally get chronic itchies, which is definitely not natural. That could indicate a more significant condition. There are several possible causes of itching in pets, each of which would require treatment. In this article from Westwood Veterinary Hospital, a local Lake Murray, OK vet discusses itching in pets and offers helpful ways to relieve discomfort for your animal companion.
Wipe Fido’s Paws Down Before Bringing Him In
Dogs enjoy running and playing outdoors. Exercise and stimulation are both beneficial to your pup. When Fido walks outside, he tends to collect dust and pollen, especially on his paws and stomach. Keep some pet wipes by the door so you can wipe your canine companion off before letting him in. You can also use clean rags and a spray bottle filled with water.
Needless to say, treats will help Fido accept this idea.
Don’t Forget Yard Work
Even if you are diligent about your pet’s parasite control, fleas, ticks, and mites can still get in, especially as the next dose approaches. Property maintenance can make a big difference, especially if there are fleas or ticks outside.
Here are some suggestions for that:
- Keep up with regular lawn-mowing. Bugs often hide in tall grass.
- Remove any debris, such as branches and piles of leaves.
- Avoid leaving standing water. Rainwater in buckets can easily become a breeding habitat for mosquitoes.
- Trim your hedges
- Trim overhanging branches to allow more sunlight into your yard.
- Introduce helpful insects, such as ladybugs, into your garden.
- Get a humidifier for your home.
- Dry air can remove moisture from Fido and Fluffy’s skin. This is a regular issue during the winter. If your veterinarian has examined your pet and determined that dry skin is the issue, you may need to buy a humidifier. Over-bathing can also result in dry skin.
- Proper hydration is also important. You may want to get more water stations or purchase a smart waterer.
- Consider getting an app to keep track of pollen counts. It’s a good idea to monitor the levels, especially when pollen is at its highest, which usually happens in the spring and fall. Reduce your four-legged companion’s outdoor time when the count is high.
Schedule Regular Appointments at Your Lake Murray, OK Animal Clinic.
When it comes to care for Fido and Fluffy, it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive. Regular checkups for your pet are vital!
Try To Determine The Causes Of Itchiness
First and foremost, determine the cause of your pet’s itching. You won’t be able to fully help Fido or Fluffy unless you know what the problem is. There are a few options to consider.
Here are some examples:
- Bacterial infections
- Shampoos
- Fungal infections
- Allergies
- Dry skin
- Parasites
- Medical conditions
- Stress
Certain issues, such as using the wrong shampoo, are easily resolved, whilst others, such as bacterial infections, require veterinary intervention.
Keep Fluffy indoors
Outdoor cats are more prone to fleas, ticks, and mites, as well as chemical exposure. We always encourage keeping Fluffy inside for safety reasons.
Review Your Pet’s Products, Especially New Ones
If you are unsure what is causing your pet’s itching, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Please let us know if you’ve recently changed Fido and Fluffy’s food, litter, or shampoo, or even bought a new bed. In the meantime, you can try the original brand again or hunt for a hypoallergenic alternative.
Keep Fido and Fluffy Content
Did you know boredom and anxiety can make pets itchy? Take cats as an example. When they are irritated or unhappy, they tend to groom excessively or ignore grooming totally, making their fur appear dirty and unkempt. Make sure your furry companion has a range of toys and comfortable beds, and spend quality time with them every day. This will also benefit you.
Use A Gentle Pet Shampoo
Did you know that harsh shampoo might make Fido and Fluffy become itchy? Many of our beloved friends have incredibly sensitive skin. Your veterinarian may recommend a mild shampoo, such as oatmeal. Don’t forget to rinse thoroughly!
Watch How Your Furry Buddy Scratches
Simply watching your pet can provide insight. Take notice if your dog or cat is constantly pawing or rubbing its head against things. These actions may indicate an ear infection. Make sure you share this information with your veterinarian.
Keep Up with Parasite Control
Dealing with a flea or mite infestation on your pet can be difficult. It’s far easier to keep your pet safe from these horrible tiny monsters in the first place! Contact your veterinarian to make sure your dog or cat’s preventative care is up to date.
Keep Up With Your Pet’s Grooming Needs
Removing dead fur and dander from your pet’s coat can also help here. Fido and Fluffy can become itchy if their coats include a lot of dirt and dead hair. Additionally, they will be less protected from high temperatures.
Each of our beloved friends has unique grooming requirements. Consult your Lake Murray, OK veterinarian for specific guidance on this.
Stay Up with Basic Cleaning
Remember to regularly wash your pet’s bedding, using a non-scented detergent. Make sure to read the bedding label for detailed care recommendations. If possible, clean it with hot water. It’s also a good idea to keep up with cleaning and vacuuming, especially when pollen and dust levels are high. Finally, be sure to update your air filters on a regular basis!
Vacuuming alone cannot resolve medical issues, such as bacterial infections. However, it can undoubtedly be useful. If you have a flea infestation, your vacuum cleaner will be quite helpful because it can effectively remove both fleas and their unhatched eggs from the carpet. In fact, interrupting the life cycle is critical if you’re dealing with an infestation.
Start vacuuming every day for a while. When finished, dump the contents of the canister out into a plastic bag, seal it, and then immediately take it outside for disposal. After the crisis has passed, continue to vacuum high-traffic areas daily, following up with a more thorough vacuuming every week or so.
Vacuuming can also benefit pets with allergies by eliminating dust, pollen, and dander from carpets.
Provide Your Pet A Proper Diet
Your pet’s overall health and the condition of their skin and fur are greatly determined by their diets. That old saying about how you are what you eat applies to pets and people! Many pets, including dogs and cats, benefit greatly from fatty acid-rich meals, such as Omega 3 and 6 oils. These nutrients are quite helpful in replenishing their coats and skin. Ensure that your four-legged pet is getting an appropriate, nourishing diet. Pets’ food requirements vary, so see your Lake Murray, OK veterinarian for precise guidance. Ask for tips on serving sizes and suitable snacks as well.
Make An Appointment At Your Lake Murray, OK Pet Clinic
Is your dog or cat itchy? Please do not hesitate to call Armitage Animal Clinic, your pet hospital in Newmarket, Ontario, at any time. We are committed to offering both outstanding veterinarian care and exceptional customer service.
