Itchy skin is one of the most common issues that pet parents face, and it can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Whether it’s fleas, allergies or even the time of year, knowing what to look for is the first step in providing relief for your pet. We’re breaking down the top itchy skin conditions in dogs and cats, from minor irritations to more serious concerns.
8 itchy skin conditions in cats and dogs
Here’s a rundown of the common causes of itchy skin:
- Atopic dermatitis: allergic reactions to environmental allergens
- Ear infections: fungal or bacterial infections causing irritation in both cats and dogs
- Hot spots: moist lesions from excessive scratching in dogs
- Fleas: a common cause of itching in dogs
- Food allergies: common in cats, causing skin irritations
- Folliculitis: inflammation of hair follicles causing itching in both cats and dogs
- Yeast infections: skin irritation from yeast overgrowth in both pets
- Ringworm: a fungal infection causing itching in dogs
Let’s take a closer look at how these conditions present themselves in dogs and cats.
Itchy skin in dogs
Vet Dr Rachael Dickie at VetPartners, says that itchy skin conditions are very common in dogs and less so in cats, and not exclusive to any one breed.
“If dogs have red areas on their skin, hot spots, dandruff, or an increase in the frequency of scratching at their ears or body, this is a sign that you need to take them to the vet for further investigation.”
Itchy skin in cats
While itchy skin is most common in dogs, cats can be affected too. Cats tend to have what Dr Dickie calls “quirky presentations”.
“Sometimes they are just itchy, but some cats that have allergies to fleas, food or certain things in their environmental can present with unusual signs such as ulcers in their mouths or large lesions on their skin,” she says.
“So they can be quite different and a little bit trickier to diagnose. They do generally respond well to medication when elimination or avoidance of the allergen is not possible.”
Causes of itchy skin
Dr Dickie says that there are a variety of causes of itchy skin in pets. Some common causes are atopic dermatitis (which is similar to human eczema), ectoparasites (such as fleas or mites), food allergies and infections.
The most common cause is atopic dermatitis, she says, which is a condition where the skin barrier is somewhat defective so allergens can penetrate, causing inflammation and making the pet itch.
“Ectoparasites are another common cause with fleas being the main offender. The good news is that these are highly treatable, and there are a variety of preventatives available to stop It recurring,” she adds. Food allergy can also cause itching in dogs, however we think the percentage of itchy dogs with a food allergy is only around 10%.”
Diagnosis
When vets look to the cause and treatment of itchy skin in pets, they start with an exclusion process, especially regarding ectoparasites, says Dr Dickie.
“Excluding ectoparasites is a great place to start. It is important to remember that even if you don’t see any fleas, they can still be there. Pets with ‘flea allergy dermatitis’ are exquisitely sensitive to the bite of just one flea and that flea can be tricky to find in thick fur. Using a preventative product, which also kills any ectoparasites that are on the pet, is an important first step. Vets may also carry out other tests such as a skin scrape or a sticky tape prep and have a look under the microscope to try to determine the cause of the itch.”
“Food trials are also a good idea to exclude or identify food as the cause of the itch. The pet is put on a specific diet for a few weeks, and they can’t eat anything else. If the itching stops then it’s brilliant, you know it’s a food allergen, and you can start to reintroduce different foods to identify the trigger. However, if you’ve gone through all that, and they’re still itchy, that often leave us with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.”
Dr Dickie also said that there are veterinary dermatologists that can help in tricky itchy skin cases. “Dermatologists are a great help in dogs with itchy skin, they can help reach a diagnosis and create a treatment plan to help these pets lives their most comfortable lives.”
Treatment of itchy skin
Dr Dickie says that because there are multiple causes, understanding the ‘why’ behind the itch is essential. If a cause such as fleas can be identified, then it can be treated appropriately and swiftly, however causes such as atopy need a multimodal approach.
“You can use some pet-friendly antihistamines but on their own they’re often minimally effective, so we use them as part of a regimen which often includes; antihistamines, moisturisers where appropriate, and medicated shampoos that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. We are also lucky to have an array of veterinary medications, both oral and injectable, available to treat the cause or symptoms of the allergy. These are highly effective and are likely to be needed for the life of the pet. By going “all in” with the treatments, we can often use a lower dose of the medication to keep the pet comfortable.”
Dr Dickie also says that specialist veterinary dermatologists can offer skin testing to try to identify environment allergens that are the cause of the itch. If they do so, the pet can undergo allergy desensitisation which can be highly effective.
What to feed dogs and cats with itchy skin?
If your dog or cat is constantly scratching, the right food can make all the difference in soothing their itchy skin.
- Vet-approved diet: consult your vet for personalised recommendations
- Hypoallergenic food: choose limited ingredient diets to reduce allergens
- Omega-3 fatty acids: foods with fish oil or flaxseed to reduce inflammation
- Novel proteins: try duck, venison, or kangaroo for allergy management
- Probiotics: support gut health to improve skin condition
- Avoid fillers: choose food without corn, soy or artificial additives
