Have you noticed that your pet is getting itchy lately? If Fluffy or Fido just scratches themselves on occasion, there is certainly no reason to be concerned. It’s entirely common for our animal buddies to get the occasional itch! On the other hand, if your pet exhibits chronic or frenzied itching, it may signal an underlying issue. Read on as A local Denver, NC veterinarian shares insights on itching in pets and offers helpful solutions to relieve discomfort for your furry companion.
Schedule An Appointment With Your Denver, NC Animal Clinic Right Away.
First and foremost, discover the reason for your four-legged buddy’s itching. You won’t be able to adequately assist Fido and Fluffy until you understand what the problem is. There are several options to examine.
Here are a few examples:
- Bacterial infections
- Shampoos
- Fungal infections
- Allergies
- Dry skin
- Parasites
- Medical conditions
- Stress
Certain difficulties, such as using the wrong shampoo, can be readily rectified, while others, such as bacterial infections, necessitate veterinarian attention.
Basic Cleaning
Remember to routinely wash your furry friend’s bedding using a non-scented detergent. Make careful to read the bedding label for specific care instructions. If possible, wash it with hot water. It’s also a good idea to keep up with cleaning and vacuuming, and remember to replace your air filters on a regular basis!
Wipe Fido Down Before You Bring Him In
Dogs love running and playing outdoors. The exercise and stimulation are both great for your pup. However, when Fido goes outside, he tends to pick up dust and pollen, particularly on his paws and stomach. Always leave some pet wipes by the door so you can wipe down your canine companion before letting him in. You can also use clean clothes and a spray bottle full of water.
Needless to say, treats will go a long way towards getting Fido on board with this idea.
Keep Up With Yard Work
Even if you’re vigilant about your furry pal’s preventative treatment, fleas, ticks, and mites can still get in, especially as your furry friend’s next dose approaches. Property maintenance can make a significant difference, especially if you have fleas or ticks outside.
Here are some tips for that:
- Maintain a regular lawn mowing schedule. Bugs frequently hide in tall grass.
- Remove any debris, such as branches and mounds of leaves.
- Avoid leaving stagnant water nearby. Rainwater in buckets can readily become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Trim back your hedges so they don’t touch your house.
- Trim the above branches to let more sunlight into your yard.
- Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to your garden.
Get A Humidifier For Your Home
Dry air can drain moisture from Fido and Fluffy’s skin. This is a common concern during the winter. If your veterinarian has inspected your furry friend and concluded that dry skin is the problem, you may need to purchase a humidifier. Overbathing can also cause dry skin.
Proper hydration is also vital. You may want to put up more water stations or get a smart waterer.
Keep Track Of Pollen Counts
consider downloading a pollen-tracking app. It’s a good idea to keep track of the levels, especially when pollen is at its peak, which is in the spring and fall. Reduce your four-legged buddy’s outdoor time when the count is high.
Keep Fluffy Indoors
Cats that go outdoors are much more susceptible to fleas, ticks, and mites and are also more at risk of chemical exposure. Of course, we always recommend keeping Fluffy inside for safety reasons.
Revisit Your Pet’s Products, Especially New Ones
If you’re not sure what’s causing your furry friend’s itching, make an appointment with your veterinarian. If you’ve recently changed Fido and Fluffy’s food, litter, or shampoo or even purchased a new bed, please let us know. In the meantime, you may try the old brand again or look for a hypoallergenic option.
Keep Fido and Fluffy Happy
Boredom and anxiety can cause pets to get itchy. Take cats, for example. When they are agitated, they tend to groom excessively or neglect grooming entirely, which can make their fur look dirty and unkempt. Make sure your four-legged buddy has a variety of toys and comfortable beds, and spend quality time with them every day. This will be good for you, too!
Choose A Mild Pet Shampoo
Did you know that harsh shampoo may cause Fido and Fluffy to feel itchy? Many of our lovely buddies have extremely sensitive skin. Your veterinarian may recommend a mild shampoo, such as oatmeal. Do not forget to rinse completely!
Notice How Your Furry Buddy Scratches
Simply watching your furry friend can provide insight. Let’s say your dog or cat is pawing or rubbing their head against something. These specific actions could suggest an ear infection. Make sure to share this type of information with your veterinarian.
Maintain Fido and Fluffy’s Parasite Control Regimen
Dealing with a flea or mite infestation on your furry pal can be exhausting. It’s much easier to protect your pet from these little monsters in the first place! Contact your Denver, NC veterinarian to ensure your dog or cat’s preventative care is up to date.
Keep Up With Fido and Fluffy’s Beauty Care Needs
Removing dead fur and dander from your furry pal’s coat can also go a long way here. Fido and Fluffy can definitely get itchy if their coats have a lot of dirt and dead hair. Plus, they will be less sheltered from extreme temperatures.
Each of our furry pals has their own grooming needs. Ask your vet for specific advice on this.
Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
Vacuuming alone cannot fix medical concerns, such as a bacterial infection. However, it can certainly help. Your vacuum cleaner will also be extremely useful if you have a flea infestation since it can successfully remove both fleas and their unhatched eggs from the carpet. In fact, if you’re dealing with an infestation, disrupting that life cycle is vital.
Start vacuuming every day for a time. Once finished, simply empty the contents of the canister into a plastic bag, seal it, and carry it outside for disposal. After the crisis is past, continue to clean high-traffic areas on a daily basis, with a more thorough vacuuming once a week or so.
Vacuuming can also help pets with allergies by removing dust, pollen, and dander from carpets.
Feed Your Pet A Proper Diet
Your pet’s general health, especially the state of their skin and fur, is heavily influenced by their diet. Many pets, such as dogs and cats, can benefit greatly from meals rich in fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and 6 oils. These nutrients are quite effective at nourishing their coats and skin. Make sure your four-legged friend is getting the proper nourishment. Pets’ dietary requirements differ, so check with your vet for specific advice.
Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Animal Clinic In Denver, NC.
When it comes to caring for Fido and Fluffy, it’s always best to be proactive rather than reactive. Regular check-ups for your pet are essential!
Is your dog or cat itching? Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Denver, NC animal clinic, at any time. We are dedicated to providing both excellent veterinary care and top-notch customer service.