If you notice your furry friend is scratching, licking, or biting themselves frequently, we understand why you may be concerned. We hate to see our pets in discomfort and will do just about anything to relieve it for them. The best way to help your pet is to understand what may be causing their irritation. Looking for the cause of your companion’s discomfort? Here are just a few possibilities:
Fleas
This is what most pet owners tend to suspect when their pets start scratching. Some parasites may be visible to the naked eye, but fleas are microscopic in the early stages of infestation, so be sure to bring your pet to a veterinarian or an animal hospital if you genuinely believe they may have fleas. If you do notice an infestation, bring your pet in for examination ASAP. Neglected flea infestations can lead to long-term illnesses and conditions for your pets, so please don’t put it off!
Allergies
Pets have allergies just like humans do. Whether it’s something they eat or if they’re exposed to environmental allergens like pollen, they’re going to have certain reactions, and itching is just one of them. But you don’t have to let the pet scratching persist! Some solutions are within your reach, like changing your pet’s food or shampoo if you bathe them. If those don’t work, a vet can prescribe allergy pills or even administer an allergy shot. An itch-free pet is a happy pet!
Dry Skin
Dry skin is usually pretty easy to spot on your pet. If you see peeling skin or flaky particles in their fur, their skin likely needs moisturizing. What can you do to help? Similar to allergies, changing your pet’s shampoo can show quick results — some low-quality products can harm your pet’s skin. Many times, though, dry skin is just caused by cold weather. There are specialty products you can use to help improve the quality of your companion’s skin. Ask your veterinarian for advice on how to proceed.
Boredom
Sometimes, all your pet needs is something to do! They’re going to spend most of their time asleep, but when they’re awake, they’ll require near-constant stimulation. We understand that you can’t entertain your pets for all of their waking hours, so that’s why we recommend thinking of ways to keep your pet busy while you’re not around. Buy a long lasting treat, get them a new toy, hire a pet sitter — anything will help. If you don’t try to provide entertainment for your pet, they’re going to resort to behaviors like scratching, biting, and licking themselves. Part of being a loving pet owner is looking out for them when you’re not there!
If none of the at-home solutions alleviate your pet scratching him or herself, be sure to schedule a checkup for them as soon as you can. Thankfully, at Cherrelyn Animal Hospital, we’re your go-to source to help heal all of your pet’s ailments. Get in touch with our animal experts today to set up your appointment!
