What is pruritus?
Pruritus is the medical term for itching. Itching and scratching are commonly associated with flea allergy dermatitis (an allergy to flea bites) and other allergic skin diseases.
Is pruritus common?
Pruritus is a common clinical sign of many skin disorders. It is often accompanied by red, inflamed areas of the skin and may lead to a skin infection called pyoderma. The dog may develop hair loss and scabs and, if severe enough, raw or bleeding skin from self-trauma.
What causes pruritus?
Pruritus due to skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care. The most common causes of pruritus in dogs include flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis (e.g., soaps and perfumes), and sarcoptic mange (mites).
How can the itching be stopped?
Treating skin disease can be challenging and frustrating for owners and veterinarians. Several tests and treatments may be necessary to diagnose the cause of your pet’s itching, including skin scrapings and skin cytology to look for the presence of mites and other insects or bacterial and yeast infections.
In some cases, testing can be done immediately, in the veterinary clinic, while more extensive testing may take longer. In many cases, the condition can only be controlled, not cured, and some pets require lifelong treatment for their condition.
Are some dogs more prone to pruritus than others?
Any dog can develop skin allergies or pruritus. Many purebred dogs have a family history of skin problems: cocker spaniels, French poodles, West Highland white terriers, and retrievers are known to have a high incidence of skin disorders.
Can pruritus be cured?
It depends on the cause of your pet's itching. Most itchy dogs respond well to simple treatment, while some pets require intermittent treatment for the rest of their lives, although these are extreme cases.
Dogs that suffer from seasonal allergies to pollens, molds, or mites may benefit from allergy desensitization injections or allergy shots. Allergy desensitizing injections should not be confused with anti-inflammatory injections (i.e., corticosteroids) that may be used to suppress itching. Other types of anti-itch medications (such as Apoquel®) may also be prescribed.
