A cat may itch for any number of reasons. Frequent, severe itching is usually one of the first signs of a more serious problem. Try to determine any possible cause of itching. Does your cat have fleas or mites? Is its skin severely scratched, inflamed or scaly? Are there any sores on your cat? Is there significant hair loss? These are all serious concerns and should involve a trip to your veterinarian.

Possible Causes of Cat’s Itch

There are many possible reasons for a cat’s itching. Itching is such a common symptom. Your cat may simply have dry skin, or it may have a serious bacterial or fungal infection. Allergies in cats are becoming more and more frequent; your cat may be allergic to its food or to other environmental triggers. The cat may have an infection of some sort, either in its whole body or in a localized spot. Watch to see where it itches ? is it in one area such as its leg, neck or head or all over?

Itching may be a sign of a reaction to a medication. Your vet will change the medication or prescribe another treatment to ease the itching. An immune system disorder may be to blame as well. Finally, severe itching and licking may be signs of an emotional problem; your cat could be experiencing anxiety, boredom or stress.

A Trip To The Vet

If your cat is exhibiting itching of a more frequent or serious nature than normal, you?ll want to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Try to determine how long the itching has occurred, and what, it any, other symptoms accompany the itching. Notice any unusual hair loss or excessive licking. Has your cat exhibited any odd behavior lately? These are all symptoms to pay attention to and report to your veterinarian. Also check for any odors, open sores, skin discoloration or bumps, skin inflammation, greasy or rough hair or blisters.

Vet Tests

Your vet may perform a number of tests in order to asses your cat?s needs. They may do a visual skin examination, a skin scraping, a hair culture or a fecal exam. Some vets will look at your cat?s hair under an ultraviolet light to check for ringworm. To rule out food allergies your vet may put your cat on a special food for a month or two. An antibiotic may be prescribed to rule out a bacterial infection. In some cases, a blood test or biopsy may be needed to rule out other more serious conditions.

In The Meantime

After your vet has examined your cat, they may prescribe an anti-inflammatory or steroidal cream to relieve the itching. Depending on treatment options, you may be able to at least soothe your cat?s itching while you are waiting for the lab work or treatment to take effect. You may have to get a plastic cone collar, called an Elizabethan collar, to prevent your cat from doing further damage. These collars cover the cats head to prevent it from being able to chew on itself.

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Eczema in a pet is usually a warning sign of another, more serious problem. If your pet is itching seriously and showing signs of hair loss or skin irritation or infection, it?s important to schedule a visit to your veterinarian.

What Is Pet Eczema?

Pet eczema is slightly different than eczema that humans experience. Eczema in your pet is usually a sign of a more serious health condition such as an allergy, fungal infection or parasitic infection. The itching and scaliness are the skin?s way of reacting to an infection, inflammation or allergies.

Where Will I Find Eczema on My Pet?

Eczema can cover large areas of your pet?s body. Usually it is found at the base of the tail, neck and on the head, sometimes on the face or legs and is accompanied by some hair loss or bald patches. Your pet may chew excessively on the itchy area, which only furthers the inflammation and risk of infection.

On dogs especially, constant chewing and licking can be signs of a serious condition called acral lick dermatitis, an emotional disorder of an obsessive or anxious nature. Your immediate goal should be to limit further licking and chewing in order to reduce the risk of an infection developing.

Signs of Eczema

The most common signs of pet eczema are itching, chewing, scaly or flaky patches of skin, redness or inflammation and hair loss. Your pet may lick or chew the area obsessively, and often require a plastic collar, called an Elizabethan collar, to prevent further damage. Your vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory or steroidal cream to ease the itch and inflammation.

Common Causes of Pet Eczema

There are many possible causes of pet eczema, as it is a common symptom. Most often, eczema is a sign of a bacterial, fungal, yeast or parasitic infection. These can include fleas, mites, ticks or ringworm. A drug reaction may also be to blame. Your vet will consider this as well. Ideally, the vet will rule out any serious infections by conducting a skin scraping, hair culture, visual exam, fecal exam and possibly the prescription of an antibiotic.

Other Causes of Pet Eczema

Some eczema may be caused by other conditions. Pet allergies are becoming more and more common, as the quality of pet food is lower than it used to be. Common ingredients such as wheat, soy and corn are also very common pet allergens, and not usually part of a typical pet?s diet. If your vet suspects an allergy, they will prescribe a special food to give your pet for a month or two to see if this clears up the symptoms. Another condition to be aware of is pet depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsions and other mood disorders.

Remember that your pet have specific needs. Dogs need affection and plenty of exercise and even some rigorous training to feel good. Cats require different levels of attention, but still can experience anxiety under duress. Long absences, new homes or different people may trigger pet distress. Be sure to help your pet adjust slowly to new situations.

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Acral lick dermatitis, or lick granuloma, is a result of chronic, persistent licking, usually on the lower front leg. It may be caused by allergies, mites, tumors or a psychological or neurological disorder, although it’s mostly a behavioral problem. A dog will need to be examined by a vet to determine what is causing the licking.

What Is Acral Lick Dermatitis

The constant licking makes the skin inflamed and irritated, and eventually it thickens. The continuous licking prevents skin from healing and it may become infected and itchy.

What Dogs Have Lick Granuloma?

Any dog can develop lick granuloma, but most often it occurs in these large dogs:

• Doberman Pinscher
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriver
• Irish Setter
• Boxer
• Great Dane
• German Shepherd

Why Do Dogs Lick?

Veterinarians think that licking makes dogs feel good by releasing endorphins; for example the way a mother dog will lick her babies. Mostly a behavioral disorder, dogs who lick are usually sad, depressed, socially isolated, confined or abused by their owners.

Dogs with acral lick dermatitis may lick because they’re itchy or in pain due to allergens, fleas, infection, arthritis or tumors. Dogs may also lick due to stress, anxiety, boredom or other emotional problems. Therefore a dog should see a vet to determine the cause of the licking.

When Does Your Dog Lick

Try to determine when your dog is licking. Is it constant or only after you leave the house? Are there irritants outside or in certain places of the house that trigger the licking? If your dog has been acting up in other ways, tearing up pillows or destroying other items, the condition is probably behavioral.

How Is Acral Lick Dermatitis Treated?

Treatment will depend on the cause of the licking. If there is an infection, the vet will likely prescribe a medication. The dog usually will have to wear a collar to prevent it from licking, or you may have to apply a bad-tasting cream to the area.

Behavioral or psychological issues like separation anxiety or boredom will need to be addressed at home and with a dog trainer. Your dog needs plenty of exercise to stay active, and may need some fun toys or a friend if you are frequently gone for long periods of time. Obedience classes may help.

Be sure to bond with your pet. If your schedule is too busy for frequent physical activity with your dog, consider a smaller dog that doesn’t need large bouts of exercise. Some depressed pets are given an anti-depressant, but most behavior could be changed though behavior modification.

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You may have heard that the skin is the largest human organ. The same is true for your pets. It follows that such a large organ has many functions: protection from invading microorganisms and the elements, heat regulation, storage (water, fats, vitamins), and control of evaporation. It also follows that such an important organ would have many requirements to function correctly. Following is a collection of skin care requirements to keep your pet both healthy and happy.

Proper Nutrition

The skin is pretty self-sufficient. But one thing it absolutely cannot do without is proper nutrition, which involves the inclusion of protein, fats and fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in diet.

• Protein: Protein is by far the most important nutrient for skin health. The keratin that makes up the protective outer layers of skin is made almost entirely of protein. The majority of the hair shaft (which, let?s face it, is all over pet skin) is composed of protein. Protein deficiency can cause such conditions as hyperkeratosis, epidermal hyperpigmentation, flaky skin, loss of hair pigmentation, and increased hair fragility, all of which prevent the skin from performing its many functions.
• Fats and Fatty Acids: Fats often get a bad rapport. While low fat diets may be beneficial to humans, pets need the fats that come along with meats. Fatty acid deficiencies can result in flaky and coarse skin, alopecia (hair loss), and itchy skin. Anything that causes itching can also leave the body susceptible to secondary infection as skin cells are destroyed through itching.
• Vitamins: Pets, like people, require a vast collection of vitamins in their diet. Pets who don?t get enough of vitamins like riboflavin, biotin, B vitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin D can develop flaky and reddened skin, loss of hair pigment, loss of hair, and itchy skin.
• Minerals: One of the most vital minerals in pet skin health is zinc. Zinc is used by enzymes which maintain and create skin cells. Without it, skin can become hardened or inflamed.

Preventing Allergic Reactions

Dogs and cats can have allergies just like people do, reacting to such things as pollen, mold, chemicals, dust, and even fleas. But instead of sneezing and watery eyes, dog and cat allergies manifest through itchy skin. And as mentioned previously, itchy skin is never good. Itching destroys skin cells and transfers bacteria, leaving pets vulnerable to the development of secondary infections. You can help your pet with allergies by paying close attention to what allergens set them off and avoiding them.

Paying Attention to Environmental Factors

While environmental factors may be responsible for allergies, they can also cause problems for pets with no allergies. Excessive moisture from swimming or staying out in the rain can create what are known as Hot Spots, skin lesions which can easily become infected. Thistles and other seeds can get stuck in pet hair, contributing to the formation of mats ? perfect homes for insects.

Be sure to periodically check your pet?s coat and skin thoroughly. You can avoid the infections which can be painful and irritating for your pets simply by providing a well-balanced diet and plenty of attention.

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It?s no fun being itchy, and itchy pets aren?t happy pets. If you notice your pet itching, you?ll want to closely examine it for any signs of fleas or ticks, or other possible allergens. If your pet is itching frequently, chews on various body parts or seems to be losing patches of fur, you will want to take it to the vet for an examination. Itching is a common symptom of many pet diseases or conditions such as ringworm, mange, thyroid problems, allergies and more.

Avoid Itchy Pets

Bathe your pet regularly with a gentle shampoo. There is a variety of natural shampoos available for pets, and some owners swear by human shampoos as well. Be sure to rinse thoroughly as leftover products can cause itching. Brush your pet daily, which will remove potential allergens from the skin and remove excess hair. Keep an eye on the ingredients in your pet?s food. Soy, corn and wheat are common allergens for pets and can cause itching and lethargy.

Natural Remedies For Itchy Pets

Some people have found the following items useful to alleviate their pets itch. However, if the cause of the itch is not discovered, there is no way to cure the itch.

• Tea Tree Oil ? Relieves itch and works as an antiseptic.
• Oil or Fish Oil ? When put in pet?s food, oil can alleviate dry skin and improve coat shine.
• Witch Hazel ? Apply with a cotton ball to hot spots to relieve itch.
• Aloe Vera ? Soothes human and pet skin. Apply cream or gel directly to the skin.
• Baking soda ? Mix with water and put on hot spots.
• Epsom Salt ? Add to warm bath water and soak pet. Do not allow pet to drink water.
• Colloidal Oatmeal (Aveeno) ? Prepare a bath with water and colloidal oatmeal which will soothe the itch. This works great and is especially comfortable for itchy humans as well.
• Apple Cider Vinegar ? Applied topically or sprinkled over food helps improve skin and coat condition as well as digestion.

Remember, you?ll want to determine what is causing the pet?s itch, or there is no way to completely alleviate it. Be sure to check with your vet and make an appointment if needed. Work on each possible allergen at a time; begin by changing the pet?s food, especially if it contains larger amounts of wheat, soy or corn, to see if that eases the itch. Consider other sources of potential allergens including pet?s shampoo, bed (wash it), and other environmental triggers, both indoors and outdoors.

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