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Curing Your Dog's Itch

When we see our pets itching and scratching, we sometimes see it as something normal only. Sometimes when excessive itching is present in our pets they may already have pruritus. Pruritus is an unpleasant itching sensation experienced by your pets that makes him scratch too much or even bite himself. The bran makes the pet feel itchy because of chemical reactions in the skin that stimulate the nerves. Because the brain makes the pet feel itchy, scratching it more will only make the pet’s pruritus condition worse. It may inflame the skin more.

Pruritus can affect your pet either mildly or in a worse manner. Mild pruritus may have only few effects. While severe pruritus is really damaging because it can lesions that will become infected. The pain it causes will make the pet unable to sleep and often cry and whimper because of the irritating condition.

All pets have a threshold for pruritus, this occurs when all the factors that make a pet itchy finally add up to become so itchy and irritable that the pet has the urge to scratch. An example of this is a pet that is allergic to dust mites and has severe irritation and scratches severely when fleas infest his body.

Secondary yeast infections and secondary skin infections are often associated with pruritus. But it is the main reason of skin diseases such as skin parasites and allergies.

When your pet has been biting himself and continues to do so for more than a day, it will lose some hair, lesions, reddening of the skin, and experience pain and discomfort. Frequent licking of the foot is a sign that your pet is infected with pruritus.

To determine the cause of your pet’s pruritus diagnostic tests by your veterinarian will be done. Here are some of the diagnostic procedures that can be done. Your pet’s medical history together with physical examination will be done thoroughly. To rule out mange mites and parasites, skin scrapings will also be done. To also rule out ring worms, fungal cultures of the hair will also be needed.

To be able to treat the pruritus, the underlying cause is important to be found out first. The cure for pruritus is often temporary relief only and when the medication is over, itching will slowly recur. Temporary relief is provided by the following medications, corticosteroids, soothing shampoos, antihistamines and fatty acid supplements.

The best way to prevent the itching of your pet worsen to pruritus is proper home care. Proper home care includes proper cleaning of your dog’s mats and brushing it regularly. Also consult with your veterinarian for ways to prevent fleas.