August has been named “Itchy Pet Awareness Month” by a top pharmaceutical firm. Itchy Pet Month? Really? Well, yes. According to veterinary insurance companies, skin conditions are among top reason owners bring their pets into their vet, accounting for about 22% of all dog insurance claims.

These skin conditions range from excessive scratching to ear infections and lumps and bumps on their skin. Chronic itch/scratch behavior (or “pruritis” in medical terminology) can get in the way of everyday activities.

Not every dog itch has the same cause. While some itching can be caused by something in the environment, others could be from diet. This why it’s important to work with a veterinarian to determine why they are scratching and the best way to stop the itch. Itching can be seasonal or year-round and, in some cases, the seasonal itch can become chronic.

Seasonal itch in dogs. Atopic dermatitis is the medical term for a common skin disease characterized by excessive itchiness, and it may affect as much as 10-15% of the dog. Particles in the environment, like mold, pollen, grass and different types of trees can cause allergies in dogs just like in people. While many people may experience sneezing or a runny nose, in dogs, these allergies often show up as itchiness and red skin.

Seasonal itch, as the name implies, happens periodically throughout the year, and lasts anywhere from a week to a month. A dog will usually experience itch around the same time every year. As the seasons change, so do the causative agents, giving the dog a temporary relief from the itching.

Because this condition (atopy) is an immune reaction to allergens in the environment, it is a lifelong condition. While there is no cure, effective treatment can help decrease or change the reaction of the dog’s immune system to help them maintain a better quality of life. It can be frustrating, time-consuming and costly for dog owners to manage atopy. The good news is that most atopic dogs can be treated successfully by working closely with a veterinarian to prevent and manage flare-ups.

Chronic or constant itch in dogs. Unlike seasonal itch, chronic or constant itchiness lasts continuously throughout the year. In these cases, the itch may be triggered by a constant source, such as parasites (or reaction to flea saliva), food or an infection secondary to a primary cause, like a flea allergy. Often, dogs with food sensitivity have red, inflamed ears and lick their feet constantly. To complicate matters, in some cases dogs can have seasonal itch and may also have allergies to fleas or certain foods.

Treating the itchy dog. As there are many causes of itching in dogs, dog owners should consult with their veterinarian before beginning any type of treatment.

Diet: If your veterinarian suspects that your dog might have a food sensitivity or allergy, they may recommend an elimination diet to try to identify the agent. Pet owners should not choose diets that eliminate specific nutrients (such as grain-free diets) without first consulting with their veterinarian. Topical therapies: Topical therapies can help remove allergens, moisturize the skin and treat secondary, bacterial and yeast infections. These products include shampoos, rinses, mousses and medicated wipes. Some products also contain antihistamines and corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. Medication to eradicate parasites (such as fleas), can also target the cause of itchiness. Oral medications: Most medications are prescription and help reduce inflammation and reaction. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, prednisolone) are very effective and can be given in acute flare-ups. They are associated with side-effects and best used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible, and then switch to other medications.

Injectable medications: Lokivetmab (Cytopoint) is a monoclonal antibody that is given as an injection by a veterinarian usually every 4-8 weeks to reduce itching. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT): A veterinary dermatologist usually performs this type of testing. Testing can be performed to identify what is causing your dog’s allergic reaction. This can be done by observing how your dog’s skin reacts to injections of small amounts of allergens, or by taking a blood sample and testing for IgE antibodies to a panel of allergens.

In some cases, it might be possible to reduce your dog’s exposure to certain allergens, but often they cannot be avoided due their prevalence in the environment. Based on one of these tests, immunotherapy can be designed for your dog that is administered either by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection or under the tongue.

If needed, your veterinarian can provide a referral for a veterinary dermatologist. If your dog has an itch problem, work with your veterinarian to help find the cause.

For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.

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