Why is My Dog Itchy?

We’ve all seen them and many of us live with them: Dogs who scratch, lick or chew at themselves until they are losing hair, developing sores or just can’t stop. There are many causes of itchy skin and getting to the root of the problem can be challenging and time consuming.

Fleas and mites frequently cause itchiness and sometimes are difficult to see. Careful examination, including skin scrapings, are usually necessary. Aggressive treatment of the involved pet and pets in contact with the patient should be instituted. Often this will resolve the itch. Sometimes it is very hard to find the fleas or mites even with skin scrapings but the history and pattern of itchiness strongly indicate parasites. It is worthwhile to try treating the pet to ensure that parasites are not the problem. A missed diagnosis can lead to more testing and poor response for the patient.

It’s also important to check for skin infections. If the dog has inflamed skin then bacteria or fungi may have started growing and could be causing infection. These infections will make the patient more itchy. Skin scrapings and fungal cultures can help detect these organisms. Treating the infections may give the dog relief and allow underlying problems to be diagnosed. In some cases infections may need treatment for 1 to 3 months.

When parasites and infection have been eliminated and we still have an itchy dog, then we think of allergies or systemic hormonal diseases. Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease are hormonal imbalances that can lead to poor skin health and itchiness. Laboratory testing can help confirm these diseases.

When all other causes have been eliminated we are left with allergy as a diagnosis. Allergy is an undesirable immune reaction to normally harmless substances.

The signs can be mild and related to certain seasons or more severe and continuous throughout the year. Some allergic dogs have recurrent ear infections instead of or in addition to itchy skin. Allergies are not cured but can be managed. If the offending substances (e.g. flea saliva or a food item) can be identified and avoided, that is the best management. Unfortunately, sometimes the substance can’t be identified or can’t be avoided (e.g. common pollens or dust mites).

Mild cases may be managed with administration of antihistamines. If food allergies are suspected then feeding trials with special diets can help relieve signs and provide a diagnosis and treatment.

More severe cases can be treated with desensitization vaccines. These can be helpful in up to 80% of cases. Cortisone- type drugs (corticosteroids) are very effective but have potential serious adverse effects. A newer drug for dogs, cyclosporine, is effective with less severe side effects than the corticosteroids.

Itchy dogs can be a challenge but with patience, a systematic approach and long term management, most of these patients can lead comfortable live.

How to Recognize Abuse or Cruelty

Have you ever suspected that a pet was being abused? Have you ever wondered what to do if you suspicions were right? Getting help to a abused animal is not easy. In Illinois the law states that the owner’s duty is to provide for each of his animals:

• Sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water
• Adequate shelter and protection from the weather
• Veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering
• Humane care and treatment

Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused

• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
• Extreme thinness or emaciation; bones may be visible
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks, or other parasites
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal

Environmental Signs

• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals

Who do I Call?

Here are some important phone numbers to call if you suspect animal abuse or cruelty in Monroe County:

• Monroe County Animal Control: (618) 939-8681 ext 238
• Monroe County Sheriff’s Dept: (618) 939-8651
• Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Welfare: (217) 782-6657