At this time of year, some pets can develop seasonal allergies, reacting to pollens and grasses for example, or they may get infestations of ear mites such as harvest mites which are small and orange and gather in ear flaps and between toes – these especially affect cats.
Even flea bites can cause an inflammatory response in the host pet, developing into a cycle of inflammation, scratch, immune response, scratch, chew, lick, more inflammation, leading to dermatitis, a bacterial infection which may need medication to treat.
A significant percentage of pets react severely to commonly occurring allergens such as house dust mites, or foods. Contact with these may trigger an extreme itchy response leading to the pet continuously scratching/biting themselves. Identifying possible trigger factors and prompt treatment is essential for a successful outcome and occasionally, allergy tests may be recommended.
Skin issues are complex, so please ask us for advice.
