The Itchy Dog

Skin problems are the most common reason pets are taken to their vets.

Why? They can be seen, they annoy the pet and the owner, plus they often smell. It is said that dermatologists are wealthy because their patients never die and never get better. That may be harsh but it is true that many skin problems often recur.

This is because:

• Certain individuals and breeds have a genetic or inherited tendency for skin diseases, especially allergies.
• Allergies are the major cause of itchy skin and while symptoms can often be relieved, eliminating or curing an allergy can be very difficult. Most itchy dogs are allergic.

So what is an allergy?

In simple terms, an allergy is caused by the reaction of an animal's immune (body defence) system to a foreign protein. In this reaction chemicals (eg histamine) are released that cause the redness, itch, hives, wheezes and the like.

It its most severe form (anaphylaxis) an allergy may be life threatening.

There three most common type of allergies seen in dogs are: Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or "Summer Eczema" The typical signs of FAD is itchiness at the base of the tail and along the lower back. In severe cases this will spread to involve the thighs and legs. It may only take one or two fleas to set it off, especially in Terrier breeds like Maltese. It will occur during flea season and improve in Winter. Symptoms may be treated with cortisone but the key is to control fleas on the pet(s) and in the environment. Ask at your vet for advice. Atopy. Atopy is an allergy to inhaled pollens. Atopic dogs are the face rubbers and belly scratchers, especially the groin and armpits. They often have itchy red skin like spectacles around their eyes. Smaller breeds like the terriers seem especially predisposed. The pollens that cause this may be in the backyard or may travel in on the wind from up to a kilometre away.

A creeper called Wandering Jew is a plant very commonly implicated in atopic skin disease.

A talk with your vet is a must for atopic pets because it will recur seasonally, usually in the Spring.

Accurate diagnosis, desensitisation and control of symptoms need to be discussed. Food Allergy. Unlike the other two, food allergy is non-seasonal and can vary widely in appearance, though red and itchy ears are often a good clue. It is not as common as the others but a real pest to diagnose. Dogs that itch in Winter are hot prospects for food allergy because there are usually no fleas and pollens to confuse the issue. Diagnosis depends upon elimination of other possible causes and response to a low allergy diet. It may take 6-12 weeks on a low allergy diet to prove a food allergy exists. Other things to consider about itchy pets: * dogs with allergic tendencies may be allergic to fleas, foods and pollens * due to the scratching, rubbing and licking the skin may become secondarily infected and the pet need a suitable antibiotic * not all itchy pets are allergic. Mange mites (2 types), fungi (ringworm), infections and auto-immune diseases are other causes of itchy skin. We strongly recommend an accurate veterinary diagnosis for any itchy dog, especially if it is young.