Spring is a fantastic time of the year but can often present some challenges for the health of our pets. One of the more common problems we see at this time of the year is itchy skin – especially in dogs.
One of the reasons dogs and cats may itch at this time of the year is due to an increasing prevalence of external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Warming temperatures provide ideal conditions for hatching of flea and tick eggs in the environment which can lead to skin inflammation when juvenile fleas and ticks bite our pets and cause subsequent itching. Fleas commonly cause dogs and cats to itch around the base of the tail. Thankfully there are many very effective preventative medications available for fleas and ticks in both dogs and cats which can eliminate this problem and also avoid the life-threatening risk of paralysis tick envenomation.
Another common issue in spring is allergic skin disease (or atopy). Dogs can be allergic to pollens and grasses just like us and this can often lead to very intense itching. Commonly affected areas for atopy are the feet, armpits and hairless areas of the groin. Atopy can often lead to recurrent ear infections especially in dogs that like to swim. Recent advances in medical therapy of this condition have made it a lot easier to control but very difficult to cure.
Scratching can also lead to secondary bacterial skin infection which further increases the itch, leading to a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. Often antibiotics and medicated shampoos are required to bring this under control, it is imperative in these cases that the underlying cause of the itchy skin is also addressed.
Don’t wait until itchy skin causes both you and your pet to tear their hair out – drop in and see one of our team for advice about this very common problem.
Contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital;
Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville
Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore
Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista
Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville
Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport
Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach
As seen in the October Issue of Pittwater Life Magazine click here to read more
As seen in the Hills to Hawkesbury magazine read more
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