Check for any recent environmental changes
Like humans, pets can be sensitive and present allergic reactions to any changes in their surroundings. Things like new floor cleaners, laundry detergent or shampoos could cause an allergic reaction, leading to itchy spots. Take note of any of these and try to eliminate them to see if they stop scratching. If the itch gets worse, consult a vet and make sure you let your vet know what you have been doing so that they can better diagnose the root cause of the reaction.
Distract your pets from the itch
If you do catch your pet scratching or licking, try to distract them from doing so by engaging them in play, food or training. You can also use aids like a Lickimat to keep them occupied and focused on something else.
Groom regularly and make sure their preventatives are up to date
Grooming is one of the most overlooked preventative measures for maintaining good skin and coat for pets! Regular grooming actually helps to ensure that any skin issues are caught early and treated as soon as possible. For dogs, regular showers, coat brushing, nail trimming, eye and ear cleaning are important to their overall wellness. Cats also do require daily brushing (for long-haired cats especially), nail trimming to avoid in-grown claws, eye and ear cleaning, and weekly/fortnightly showers even so that any bacteria does not fester. Make sure your pets are dried thoroughly between their paws, in their ears especially to prevent moisture build-up in areas that are prone to bacteria and yeast growth.
Don’t forget to make sure your pet’s monthly heartworm and flea and tick preventatives are up to date. Getting their vaccinations annually also helps with making sure they don’t pick up any infectious diseases and infections from various sources. If you need to get your monthly preventatives or check if your pet needs them, you can visit our shop or book a video call with our vets.
Use oatmeal and aloe vera shampoos
If your pet is prone to itchy skin, using soothing shampoos with oatmeal and aloe vera helps to soothe those red patches. Hopefully, this helps to make it less itchy for them and the itchy patch goes away after a while. Ensure that you use a conditioning shampoo, or follow up with a pet conditioner afterwards (to prevent the skin from drying out).
With itchy skin, we want to ensure that these hot spots don’t become larger issues that could get infected and even start to bleed. Always remember to consult a vet if you are unsure of what to do next if your pet is displaying any concerning symptoms.
Our vets are only a video call away. Book your consultation with us here. To get free* and immediate personalised advice from our health expert professionals, try out ZumVet Connect today!
You can also purchase a home-based Fur Loss: Dermatophyte (ringworm) Test kit for your pet’s itchy skin at here.
*free for a limited time only
