Have you noticed the dog or cat seems itchy lately? It’s probably not a big deal if Fluffy or Fido only scratches himself once in a while. We all have the occasional itch! On the other hand, itching that is incessant or frenzied is an indication that there is something else going on. In this article, a local Fayetteville, NC veterinarian explains itching in pets and offers tips on how to make your furry friend feel better.

Find The Root Cause

First and foremost, you will need to determine why your pet is itching. There are numerous alternatives.

They include:

• Fungal infections
• Bacterial infections
• Allergies
• Dry skin 
• Fleas 
• Mites
• Harsh Shampoos
• Skin problems

Your best option is to schedule an appointment with your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian. Some problems, like using the wrong shampoo, are easy to fix, but others, like bacterial infections, need to be taken care of by a doctor. Various drugs, such as steroids or antihistamines, may be used as treatments. However, determining the source of the problem is critical to ensuring that it is properly addressed.

Keep Up with Your Pet’s Parasite Control

If your dog or cat is itching due to a flea or mite infestation, you have your job cut out for you. Your first step should be to contact your veterinarian and get your furry friend caught up on their preventative care. However, if you are dealing with an infestation, you will also need to disrupt the life cycle.

Vacuuming comes in handy here. Get into the habit of vacuuming daily for a while. When you’re finished, empty the canister into a plastic bag, seal it, and carry it outside to dispose of.

Even if you don’t have fleas, vacuuming on a regular basis is recommended. Once the crisis has passed, simply complete high-traffic areas rapidly every day. Follow up with a thorough vacuuming once a week or so.

Wipe Your Pet Off After They’ve Been Out

Does your dog have allergies? Fido will collect dust and pollen outside, especially on his paws and belly. You should always have pet wipes on hand, so you can quickly wipe down your canine companion before bringing him inside. You can also use clean cloths and a spray bottle full of water.

Of course, being consistent will make this easier. You may also need to sweeten the offer. Reward Fido with a tasty treat whenever he asks for your assistance.

Keep An Eye On Pollen Counts

This one is also especially beneficial for pets who have allergies. Consider downloading a pollen-tracking app. Keep an eye on the levels, especially during peak pollen seasons, such as spring and autumn. When the count is high, limit your pup’s outdoor time.

Make Sure They Are Happy

Did you know that boredom and anxiety may make pets itchy? For example, agitated cats tend to overgroom or undergroom themselves, resulting in untidy fur. Provide plenty of toys and comfortable beds for your pet, and spend quality time with them every day.

Pick Up A Humidifier

Dry air, like ours, can drain moisture from the furry friend’s skin. If your veterinarian has inspected your pet and concluded that dry skin is the problem, you may need to invest in a humidifier.

Proper hydration is also essential here. You may want to put up more water stations or get a smart waterer. However, water is essential for all pets, including those who aren’t itching.

Keep Cats Inside

This one would most likely go under prevention, but it is still valid. When cats go outside, they are much more likely to get fleas, ticks, or mites. They are also more susceptible to insect bites. Furthermore, Fluffy will be much safer as an indoor cat!

Review Your Pet’s Products (Especially New Ones)

As previously stated, if you’re not sure why your pet is itching, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. However, if you have recently changed your pet’s food, litter, or shampoo, or purchased a new bed, please mention it.  You may be encouraged to return to the original brand or switch to something hypoallergenic.

Pay Attention To How Your Pet Is Itching

Simply observing your pet can be quite informative. For example, if your pet is pawing at their head or rubbing it against something, an ear infection could be the cause. This is certainly vital information to share with your veterinarian.

Keep Up With Grooming

Our animal buddies each have their unique grooming requirements. It’s critical to eliminate dead fur and dander. Otherwise, your pet may become itchy and will not be as well protected from hot or cold conditions.

Consider Changing Shampoos

Some of our furry pals have extremely sensitive skin. Some pets will develop itchy skin simply from using an overly harsh shampoo. Your veterinarian may recommend something softer, like oatmeal shampoo. It is also critical to ensure that you rinse thoroughly.

Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming is not a cure-all and will not replace medication. Nonetheless, it can help. If you have flea infestations, that vacuum cleaner will help remove fleas and unhatched eggs from the carpet.

Vacuuming may also help pets with allergies, by eliminating dust, pollen, and dander from your carpets.

Offer A Good Diet

Nutrition influences many aspects of your pet’s health, including skin and fur care. While each pet has unique requirements, it is critical to ensure that they are eating a nutritious diet. Dogs and cats may benefit from meals containing fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and 6 oils, which enrich their coats and skin. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Keep Up With Housekeeping

Wash your pet’s bedding on a regular basis, using a non-scented detergent. Check the bedding label for precise care recommendations. However, if feasible, wash in hot water and dry thoroughly. Dusting and vacuuming on a regular basis, as well as cleaning your air filters, can all assist.

What Shouldn’t I Do If My Pet Itches?

The main one here is giving your pet medication without first consulting with your veterinarian. Some medications are safe for our pets, but others can be quite deadly. We cannot express how crucial this is.

Property Maintenance

Even if you keep your pet on preventative care, fleas, ticks, and mites may find a way in, especially as the next dose of your pet’s medication approaches.  You may also need to treat your property, particularly if you have fleas or ticks outside.

Here are some tips for that:

• Remove any debris, such as fallen branches and leaf piles.
• Don’t let standing water sit. Buckets filled with rainwater quickly become mosquito nurseries!
• Keep the lawn mowed. Many insects hide in tall grasses.
• Trim back hedges so that they do not touch your house.
• Trim above branches to allow sunshine in.
• Consider adding beneficial insects, like ladybugs.

Schedule Regular Appointments With YourFayetteville, NC Veterinarian

When it comes to pet care, one ounce of prevention is worth several pounds of cure. Make sure your pet visits their Fayetteville, NC  animal clinic on a regular basis!

Do Your Research

We’ve mostly focused on dogs and cats here, but other animals can also get itchy. Snakes and reptiles, for instance, are susceptible to mites. They may soak themselves in water, rather than begging you to scratch them. Take time to learn about your pet, and the possible options. It’s also important to check with your vet regularly. 

Has your pet been itchy? Please feel free to contact us, your local Fayetteville, NC animal clinic, at any time!