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The itchy dog

This is one of the most common problems encountered at the surgery. Symptoms may vary from an all over itch to just localised areas of irritation that are scratched or licked. Dogs can itch for a variety of reasons and we usually need to carry out a thorough clinical examination and ask questions about you pet's behaviour, feeding and environment to help determine the cause. Further investigative tests may be necessary. Some of the more common reasons are discussed below.

Parasites

Fleas and mites are a common cause of skin irritation and in some pets the allergy to the parasites can heighten this. Fleas are more common at certain times of the year often in the late summer and autumn when they've had a few warm months in which to breed rapidly. Fleas only live on the dog for a limited period of time but then lay large numbers of eggs in the environment e.g. dog’s bed and carpets, which can survive for some months before hatching. Control is based on treating both the fleas on the pet and the eggs in the environment. Spot on preparations are the most commonly used these go on the back of the neck and last for up to 2 months in dogs (less in cats). These kill adult fleas, but some also are able to control egg laying by the fleas. Household sprays are also available to control the eggs. Fleas carry tapeworm eggs, and if your pet has had a flea problem, treating with a worm medication suitable for tapeworm is recommended.

Mites are the other type of parasite found on dogs. These are of various types - their presence needs to be confirmed by taking of samples, and specific therapy given. Harvest mites are a very seasonal cause of irritation these tiny orange mites are only around late August and early September and get in-between the toes. They do not cause much irritation in most dogs, but some dogs are sensitive, get dermatitis and chew their feet. Pet insecticidal sprays can help control the mites, but we often have to medicate sensitive dogs short term to reduce the irritation

Allergies

Skin allergies are very common in dogs. Symptoms can vary from a generalised irritation, to localised areas of dermatitis commonly ears, feet, groin and armpits. Often dogs can start with limited symptoms (e.g just ears, and progress with time), which may be seasonal. Sometimes the problem seems to be at a fairly low level, but is evident by saliva staining on the feet from continued licking and dark pigment in the affected areas, which is a response to inflammation. Dogs can be allergic to food, but most often are allergic to things in the environment (so called atopy). Certain breeds of dogs suffer more commonly from atopy. There are several options when dealing with a case of suspected allergy. Initially it is important to rule out other cases of irritation and control these. In some cases a low allergy food trial is needed to establish if food allergy is involved. Testing for atopy is possible either by intradermal (skin) injection tests or blood tests. Each method has strengths and weaknesses - neither are always 100% at picking up allergens, but usually provide a useful guide. At the surgery we can readily take blood samples for testing. Intradermal testing if indicated is usually carried out by referral to specialist veterinary dermatologists. Various control and treatment options are available, including:

• reduction in exposure: e.g. measures to control house dust mite if this is indicated
• Use of medicines to limit irritation: e.g. antihistamines or low dose steroids
• Use of supplements: such as Evening Primrose Oil, which seems to benefit some cases
• Immunotherapy: having identified allergens by testing, they can be produced in a patient specific vaccine, which is given as a course, to try and modify the pet’s immune response into one that does not initiate itching.
• Herbal supplements: there has been some success using a herbal medicine product that seems to have potent anti inflammatory effects in some cases
• Controlling infections: (see below) many atopic dogs are prone to secondary bacterial and yeast infections, which add to the irritation. Some dogs can be well controlled with management and treatment of these infections alone.

Infection

Many dogs get bacterial and yeast infections on the skin. These cause significant redness and irritation of the skin. Infections can occur on their own, but are commonly secondary to something which traumatises the skin or reduces it's effectiveness as a protective barrier to infection. Treatments include oral medications and shampoo’s. Often prolonged courses of treatment are necessary. Sometimes self-trauma in dogs will cause acute moist rapidly spreading infected are so called wet eczema. These cases need prompt treatment by clipping and cleaning the area, and use of anti inflammatory and antibacterial medication.