LIFESTYLE NEWS - Many dog owners assume constant scratching is caused by fleas, but veterinarians say there are several possible causes of itchy skin.
According to global animal health company Zoetis South Africa, dogs may develop skin irritation due to parasites, bacterial or yeast infections, food sensitivities or environmental allergens such as pollen, mould and dust mites.
When environmental allergies affect a dog's skin, the condition is known as atopic dermatitis.
Left untreated, it can cause ongoing discomfort and increase the risk of secondary skin infections.
What is canine atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease in dogs caused by an overreaction of the immune system to environmental allergens.
Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Director: Companion Animals at Zoetis South Africa, said the condition causes itching, inflammation and damage to the skin's protective barrier.
"When the skin barrier is stressed, secondary issues like yeast or bacterial overgrowth can also become part of the problem," she said.
Signs your dog may have environmental allergies
Pet owners should watch out for symptoms that keep returning or worsen over time.
Common signs include:
- Persistent or recurring itching
- Seasonal flare-ups
- Excessive licking or chewing of the paws
- Rubbing the face
- Frequent ear infections or itchy ears
- Symptoms that improve temporarily before returning
Dr Dent said many dogs can enjoy long-term comfort with the correct treatment plan and regular veterinary follow-ups.
Getting the right diagnosis
Itching itself is not a diagnosis, and veterinarians stress the importance of identifying the underlying cause before starting treatment.
During a consultation, a veterinarian will examine the dog, discuss its medical history and ask questions about when the itching began, whether it occurs seasonally, which parts of the body are affected and what treatments have already been tried.
Additional tests may also be recommended to rule out other conditions.
Managing chronic allergic itch
Although atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, it can usually be managed successfully.
Treatment often involves a combination of approaches aimed at controlling both the allergy itself and any additional factors contributing to flare-ups.
A treatment plan may include:
- Flea and parasite control
- Treatment of skin or ear infections
- Prescription anti-itch medication
- Medicated shampoos, sprays or wipes to support the skin barrier
- Identifying and managing allergy triggers
Veterinarians may adjust treatment throughout the year as environmental conditions and allergy triggers change.
Understanding flare-ups
Dogs with atopic dermatitis may still experience occasional flare-ups, even when their condition is generally well controlled.
"A flare-up is a temporary worsening of your dog's itch and skin inflammation, even if things have been fairly well controlled recently," said Dr Dent.
Flare-ups can be triggered by parasites, bacterial or yeast infections, food reactions or other environmental factors.
Owners may notice increased scratching, chewing, red skin, hot spots or worsening ear problems.
Dr Dent emphasised that a flare-up does not necessarily mean treatment has failed, but rather that an additional trigger may need to be identified and treated.
Choosing a treatment plan that works
Managing a dog with chronic allergies can place additional demands on owners, particularly when medication needs to be given daily.
Dr Dent encouraged pet owners to discuss practical treatment options with their veterinarian if home care becomes difficult to maintain.
Depending on the dog's condition, treatment options may include veterinarian-administered injections given at scheduled intervals or palatable chewable medication that is easier to administer than traditional tablets.
"The best option is the one your veterinarian recommends and your household can realistically maintain, because consistent care is a major part of keeping allergic itch under control over time," she said.
Working with your veterinarian
Zoetis South Africa encourages owners to speak openly with their veterinarian about their dog's symptoms and any challenges they face in managing treatment at home.
Early diagnosis, consistent treatment and regular check-ups can help reduce flare-ups and keep dogs comfortable throughout their lives.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
