Q. Every year my dog starts itching in mid-summer. What can I do?
A. Six years ago, August was designated as Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Guardians see their best friends head into summer full of fun and energy and then towards the end, they spend most of their time scratching. This is distressing for your dogs and you. Itching is the number one reason for visiting the veterinarian this time of year. What is causing this distress and what can be done?
When your pup starts itching during a particular time of year, especially summer, environmental allergens, parasites, chemical exposure, and medications can cause scratching. Food allergies usually cause skin conditions that occur year-round.
As the snow melts and the ground warms, plants start emerging. As they grow reaching maturity, pollen is formed spreading little particles either by insects or summer breeze. Our best friend is exposed to these pollens. Most of the time there will be no reaction. Sensitive dogs will react to particular plant pollens at a specific time of year. This reaction can last a few days to a few weeks. When your friend is sensitive to many different plant pollens, the itching can be prolonged.
Lawn treatments, plant fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides can result in skin rashes, blisters, and sores. Avoid exposure to these products. If your dog has contact with these products wash him right away to avoid a reaction.
Parasites can cause itching. Fleas are a greater problem in the warmer months. Flea bite allergies are seen in the late summer and early fall but can be year-round if fleas are in the house. Sarcoptic mange is another parasite that burrows into the skin and causes horrible itching. Dogs can pass this mange back and forth or be exposed when outdoors. Rarely do intestinal parasites cause itching. If they do, it is usually around the dog’s bottom.
Medications both topical and internal can cause itching. Vaccinations are also known to cause skin problems. When a medication or insecticide is applied topically, watch for any itching, rubbing, and redness of the skin. The scratching is most noticeable where the medicine is applied. Oral medications for any medical problem can have a skin reaction. Vaccinations causing itching can happen anytime post-vaccine.
If environmental allergens are suspected, there are several medications available through your veterinarian. If the reaction is mild, over the counter antihistamines may be the answer. Sometimes allergy testing is needed. Once the culprits are known, allergy shots can be prescribed.
It is prudent to be proactive with flea and tick prevention. There are several on the market. Though labor intensive, daily flea combing and essential oil repellents can be used as a preventative. When there is no relief and mange is suspected, a trip to the veterinarian is a must.
When Fido is started on a medication and he begins to scratch, talk to the veterinarian who prescribed the medication. Making sure the medication is the cause is important and a substitute may be indicated. If your dog receives all his vaccinations at one visit, talk to your veterinarian about what vaccines are necessary and if you can split them up into multiple visits. By not overloading your dog’s immune system at one time, the itchy reaction may be avoided.
This is turning out to be a big year for skin problems. If your best friend is suffering from scratching, see your veterinarian for the best treatment.
Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH
Animal Wellness Center
Augusta, Maine
www.mainehomeopahticvet.com
