Help your pet to ditch that itch

If your dog is scratching excessively it’s uncomfortable for them and frustrating for you. Here, vet Julie Lawrence offers some sound advice to help identify skin problems and considers the treatment and management options available

- Julie Lawrence

OVER a quarter of all small animals presenting to their veterinary surgeon have a skin condition, which could be caused by a range of problems, including parasite infestation, bacteria or yeast infection, hormone imbalances, or food or environmental allergies.

If a pet is affected by itchy skin, it’s important they are presented to their vet as soon as possible because skin conditions can be very uncomfortable and painful.

Because skin issues affect so many pets, my veterinary practice is supporting a campaign to encourage owners to Ditch the Itch. The campaign has been launched by VetPartners, which Shipston Vets is part of, to raise awareness of skin conditions and encourage owners to seek veterinary advice if their pets are scratching excessively.

Allergic skin disease, in particular, can be very frustrating for both pet and owner, as sadly it can typically appear in animals as young as six months and it becomes a lifelong condition that needs ongoing support.

Nearly a third of all dogs are affected and breeds that seem particularly predisposed include Golden and Labrador Retrievers and West Highland White and Scottish Terriers. It is less common in cats but none the less they are still susceptible.