Has your cat or dog got itchy skin?
Is your cat or dog scratching a lot? Is their skin dry or red? Can you see black spots of dirt in their hair or bald patches? These are all signs your pet has an itchy skin problem.
Itchy skin is annoying, disturbs sleep, and can affect mental wellbeing of your pet. Your pet’s coat should be shiny, non-greasy, unmatted and full. Their skin should feel warm, smooth, and soft.
Learn more below about the causes of itchy skin and tips to stop the itch. Frequent scratching, finding black specks and dandruff in their hair, or bald patches are all signs your pet has an itchy skin problem.
It can be tough to pinpoint the exact reason why your cat or dog is itching, but the most likely causes of itchy skin include:
Atopic Dermatitis
Cats and dogs can have an allergic response to inhaling an environmental trigger, resulting in red and inflamed skin. Environmental triggers include:
- plant pollens
- mould
- dust mites and dust
Contact Allergy
Some pets can develop red, itchy patches on their tummy, groin, armpits, and chin (where they have less hair) after touching an allergen. This is especially problematic in dogs as they are more likely to encounter irritants on their walks. The most prolific allergen is the Tradescantia plant (a dark green small, leafed creeper) found in many gardens and outdoor spaces in New Zealand.
Fleas
Flea bites are the most common cause of itchy skin. Often the first sign your pet has fleas is scratching more often and finding black specks of flea dirt in their hair. Adult fleas bite and live on your pet but are only 5% of the problem. 95% of a flea population is the eggs, larvae, and pupae, which live in bedding, carpet, and furnishings. Fleas can easily be controlled by keeping up to date with regular flea treatment all year.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Some cats and dogs are allergic to the protein in flea saliva. Just one flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction causing severe itchiness, especially at the base of their tail or down their back legs. This type of dermatitis can feel like groupings of tiny scabs in these areas.
Food Allergy
Dogs and cats can become allergic to common ingredients in their food like chicken, wheat, or corn. The reaction normally presents as red, itchy skin along with an upset tummy. They may have reduced energy and not feel like themselves.
Hot Spots
Moist dermatitis, commonly called hot spots, are defined areas of infected skin that look red, wet, and swollen. Itchy and sore, hot spots often ooze pus. They can be triggered by:
- flea bites
- allergies
- cuts
- excess moisture after swimming and bathing
- constant licking from stress or boredom.
Mites
Whilst not as common as fleas, mites are microscopic parasites living in your pet’s skin and hair. A large population of mites can cause a skin disease called mange, which presents as widespread rashes and hair loss.
Skin Infection
Bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections can also cause red and inflamed patches of itchy skin. They can be identified by their musty smell and are most likely linked to an underlying allergy.