Scratching That Never Stops? 🐾

Scratching That Never Stops?

Occasional scratching is normal. But constant, intense scratching can drive both you and your pet crazy — and it may have serious underlying causes!

Possible Causes of Itching

1. Parasites 🦟

• Fleas: The most common cause! Even a single flea bite can trigger an allergy.
• Ticks: Can cause itching and transmit disease.
• Mange (scabies/demodex): Intense itching, hair loss.
• Ear mites: Intense itching in the ear area.

2. Allergies 🌸

• Food allergy: Chicken, beef, wheat are common allergens.
• Environmental allergy (atopy): Pollen, dust mites, mold.
• Flea allergy: Even a single bite can trigger it!
• Contact allergy: Cleaning products, carpet, plastic bowls.

3. Infections 🦠

• Fungal (dermatophytosis): Circular, crusty, red patches.
• Bacterial: Usually secondary, develops from scratching.
• Yeast (Malassezia): Greasy, smelly skin.

4. Other Causes

• Hormonal disorders (thyroid, Cushing's)
• Dry skin
• Stress/anxiety-driven licking

When to See a Vet? 🏥

• Itching lasting more than 2-3 days
• Hair loss, bald patches
• Skin wounds, crusting, redness
• Bad odor
• Behavior changes (restlessness, can't sleep)

How Is It Diagnosed?

• Skin scraping test (parasites, fungus)
• Wood's lamp (some fungi)
• Blood test (allergy, hormonal)
• Elimination diet (food allergy)
• Biopsy (if needed)

What You Can Do at Home

✅ Regular flea/tick prevention (monthly) ✅ Bathe with a hypoallergenic shampoo ✅ Ceramic/steel bowl instead of plastic ✅ Wash bedding frequently ❌ Don't use human medications! ❌ Don't change diet without a diagnosis!

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Let's find the source of the itching and fix it. Call us for an appointment!