UNDERSTANDING YOUR ITCHY DOG

There are numerous causes for why your dog may be itchy (pruritic). 

Your veterinarian will try to determine the potential cause(s) of your pet’s discomfort by discussing your pet’s issues, suggesting various tests and diagnostics, and likely prescribing various medications and treatment products. 

To understand the potential cause(s) of your pruritic dog’s discomfort, you need to realize that there are primary and secondary causes for pruritus. 

The top four primary causes for pruritus that your veterinarian will consider are the following:

  1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
  2. Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)
  3. Adverse Food Reactions (Food Allergy)
  4. Sarcoptic Mange or other parasites

{These four primary causes account for 80-90% of all pruritic dogs; however, other less common causes of itching may occur too.}

The top four secondary causes for pruritus that your veterinarian will consider are the following:

  1. Pyoderma (Bacterial infection).
  2. Malassezia (Yeast).
  3. Bacterial overgrowth.
  4. Dry skin.
Skin conditions can be frustrating.  As you and your veterinarian try to discover and treat the cause(s) of your pet’s pruritus, remember that multiple combinations of these causes commonly occur!

If you have any questions or concerns, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK US.