Is your pet scratching more often recently? If your furry friend only scratches themselves occasionally, there is likely no reason to worry about their behavior. Everyone experiences an occasional itch! That is true for people and pets! However, there are times when our four-legged companions may suffer from persistent itching, which is certainly not a typical situation! That sort of itching may suggest the presence of a more significant issue. Itching in pets can arise from various factors, all of which necessitate appropriate treatment. In this article, a Lawrenceville, GA, veterinarian discusses itching in pets and offers some care tips.
Keep Your Cat Inside
Cats that venture outdoors are significantly more vulnerable to fleas, ticks, and mites, and they also face a higher risk of chemical exposure. We also advise keeping Fluffy indoors for safety considerations. Kitties are always better off staying inside!
Pay Attention To The Way Your Furry Companion Scratches
Observing your pet and taking note of how they are itching can offer valuable insights. Imagine your dog or cat is gently pawing or rubbing their head against an object. These particular actions may indicate an ear infection. Be sure to communicate this kind of information with your veterinarian.
Stay Current With Your Pet’s Parasite Control
Managing a flea or mite infestation on your beloved pet can be quite draining. It is both simpler and cheaper to safeguard your pet from these tiny threats right from the start! Make sure that your dog or cat’s preventative care is current.
Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A Good Grooming Routine
Eliminating dead fur and dander from your pet’s coat can significantly help. Fido and Fluffy can certainly get itchy if their coats accumulate excessive dirt and dead hair. Additionally, they won’t get as much protection from extreme temperatures.
Every one of our furry companions has unique grooming requirements. Some only need occasional baths, while others need to be brushed or bathed every day. Consult your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian for specific advice on this matter.
Identify The Culprit
First and foremost, identify the cause of your dog’s itching. To effectively assist Fido and Fluffy, it is essential to first comprehend the nature of the problem. There are numerous options to consider.
Here are several examples:
- Bacterial infections
- Shampoos
- Fungal infections
- Allergies
- Dehydrated skin
- Parasites
- Health issues
- Mental/Emotional Distress
Some issues, like using the incorrect shampoo, can be easily resolved, whereas others, such as bacterial infections, would call for more intensive treatment. Either way, it’s important to pinpoint the culprit or culprits. Book an appointment with your animal clinic in Lawrenceville, GA without delay.
Evaluate Pet Products
If you have recently changed Fido and Fluffy’s food, litter, or shampoo, or if you have purchased a new bed, you may want to try returning to the original. In the interim, you might consider trying the previous brand once more or exploring a hypoallergenic alternative.
Keep Your Furry Friend Happy
Boredom and anxiety may lead to pets experiencing itchiness. Consider cats, for instance. When they feel agitated, they often either groom excessively or completely neglect grooming, resulting in their fur appearing dirty and unkempt. Ensure that your four-legged companion has an assortment of toys and cozy beds, and dedicate quality time to them each day. This will benefit you as well!
Use Gentle Pet Shampoos
Did you know that using harsh shampoo can make Fido and Fluffy feel itchy? A number of our dear friends have very sensitive skin. Your veterinarian might suggest using a gentle shampoo, like oatmeal. Be sure to rinse thoroughly!
Don’t Overlook Pollen/Dust Removal
Dogs enjoy running and playing outside. Both exercise and stimulation are excellent for your pup. When Fido goes outside, he often collects dust and pollen, especially on his paws and stomach. Before bringing Fido inside, make sure to wipe his paws down. It’s a good idea to keep some pet wipes by the door to clean your canine companion before allowing him inside. You could also utilize clean cloths and a spray bottle filled with water.
Yard Maintenance
Even if you are attentive to your pet’s preventative care, fleas, ticks, and mites can still find their way in, particularly as the time for your pet’s next dose draws near. Maintaining your property can greatly impact your situation, particularly if you are dealing with fleas or ticks in your outdoor areas.
Here are a few suggestions for that:
- Keep a consistent lawn mowing routine. Bugs often conceal themselves in tall grass.
- Eliminate any debris, including branches and piles of leaves.
- Refrain from allowing stagnant water to accumulate in the vicinity. Buckets filled with rainwater can easily turn into breeding sites for mosquitoes.
- Prune your hedges to ensure they do not make contact with your house.
- Prune the branches above to allow more sunlight to enter your yard.
- Incorporate beneficial insects, like ladybugs, into your garden.
- Consider acquiring a humidifier for your home. Dry air can deplete moisture from pets’ skin, making Fido and Fluffy quite itchy. This is a routine issue during the winter season. Excessive bathing can also lead to dry skin.
- Maintaining proper hydration is essential. Consider installing additional water stations or acquiring a smart waterer.
- Monitoring pollen counts can also help. Consider downloading a pollen-tracking app. Monitoring the levels is advisable, particularly during peak pollen seasons, which occur in the spring and fall. Limit your dog’s outdoor time when the count is elevated.
Clean Regularly
Be sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly with unscented detergent. Read the bedding label for specific care instructions, and wash it with hot water if you can.
Do not forget to replace your air filters regularly!
Vacuuming by itself isn’t enough to fix medical issues, but it can undoubtedly be beneficial. A vacuum cleaner is highly effective in the event of a flea infestation, as it can efficiently eliminate both fleas and their unhatched eggs from the carpet. Indeed, when facing an infestation, it is crucial to disrupt that life cycle.
Try vacuuming daily for a while. When you are done, just pour the contents of the canister into a plastic bag, seal it, and take it outside for disposal. That will help ensure that any eggs you vacuumed up don’t hatch indoors. Once the crisis has passed, maintain daily cleaning of high-traffic areas, complemented by a more comprehensive vacuuming approximately once a week.
Vacuuming can assist pets with allergies by eliminating dust, pollen, and dander from carpets.
Feed An Appropriate Diet
Your pet’s overall health, particularly the condition of their skin and coat, will be significantly affected by their diet. Many pets, including dogs and cats, can significantly benefit from diets that are abundant in fatty acids, particularly Omega 3 and 6 oils. These nutrients are highly effective in nourishing their coats and skin. Make sure that your furry companion is receiving the appropriate nutrition. Pets all have individual needs here, so ask your veterinarian for specific advice.
Schedule An Appointment At Your Lawrenceville, GA Pet Hospital
Is your dog or cat itching? Feel free to contact us at your Lawrenceville, GA veterinary hospital at any time. We are committed to delivering both outstanding veterinary care and exceptional customer service!
