Is your pet itching to go to a vet?

SKIN allergy problems have become an increasingly common presentation in veterinary practice and the summer always sees a spike in the number of cases we see. This summer has been no exception. The causes of skin allergy reactions are many and varied – that is exactly what makes them such a challenge to deal with.

Regardless of the underlying cause, very often the reaction within the skin is identical.

Itching tends to be the most dominant sign. Cats and dogs are often brought in having been licking, nibbling and scratching at the paws, muzzle, abdomen, groin and axilla (armpits), although the irritation can be experienced anywhere on the body. Light haired dogs often have yellow or brown staining to their hair-coat in areas they have spent a lot of time licking caused by saliva accumulation on the hair.

The skin becomes red and inflamed – partly due to the allergic reaction itself and partly because of the self-trauma. As the condition progresses, secondary bacterial and fungal infections often colonise the skin as it becomes less resistant to these secondary pathogens.

The cycle of irritation, self trauma and secondary infection can lead to a rapid deterioration.

Over time the skin can become thickened and scarred with pigmentation of the skin and loss of the hair coat developing as time progresses.

With any allergy condition, the ideal way to manage the problem is to establish the cause and then avoid exposure. However this is often much more difficult than it seems. The causes of these allergies can be many and varied.

Summer is often the worst time for skin allergies as it is often the peak of exposure for fleas (flea saliva is a common cause of allergy) and also pollens. Trees, weeds and grasses all have the potential to release pollens into the environment and, while people tend to suffer from hay-fever signs, animals often suffer from a skin itch.

Of course allergy reactions do not only happen during the summer. Other common causes of allergic skin problems include house-dust mites, household cleaners, washing powders and air fresheners and even human skin flakes.

If your pet is itching, it is important to seek veterinary advice as self trauma and secondary infections can make the problem a whole lot worse.

Your vet may advise that tests are performed to try to establish the cause of the allergy. They may dispense medicines that deal with the secondary infections and reduce the itch and discomfort.