Itching and Allergies in Dogs

Coping with an itchy pet can be an extremely frustrating experience for you, the pet owner, and can truly test the limits of the human-animal bond.  Persistent scratching and chewing by the pet can also result in damage and infection to the skin.  Below are some of the more common causes of itching and scratching in our pets.

The Most Common Causes of Chronic Itching

The common causes fall into two groups: external parasites and allergies.  The external parasite that most commonly causes chronic itching dermatitis is fleas.   We always recommend stepped-up flea control and monitoring for fleas, as flea infestation can really make allergy worse! Different products work better in certain situations so always ask your vet for advice on the best product for your pet.

What are Allergies?

Allergy is a state of hypersensitivity in which exposure to a harmless substance known as an allergen induces the body’s immune system to “overreact.”  The incidence of allergies is increasing in both humans and their pets.  People with allergies usually have “hay fever” (watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing) or asthma. While dogs can rarely also have respiratory allergies, more commonly they experience the effects of allergic hypersensitivities as skin problems.  Though there are a variety of presentations, this can often be seen as redness and itching, recurring skin or ear infections, and hair loss.  This is sometimes called eczema or atopic dermatitis. 

What are the Major Types of Allergies in Dogs?

Flea Allergy

Flea allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in dogs and cats.  For the flea allergic patient, 100% flea control is essential for the pet to remain symptom-free. 

“But doctor, I never see fleas on my pet.”   You may not see them, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.  The allergy is caused by the flea’s saliva, and it only takes a few bites to induce the problem.  Also, the itchy pet often scratches so much that adult fleas are removed, making them hard to find. 

“If fleas are the problem, why is my pet still itchy in the winter?”  In warm climates or in our homes, fleas may survive in low numbers year-round.  Because flea allergy is so common, we recommend that complete flea control be instituted before proceeding with diagnostics for other allergies and that year-round flea control be maintained for all allergy patients.

Food Allergy

Some pets develop specific hypersensitivities to components of their diets.  The allergen usually is a major protein or carbohydrate ingredient such as beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat, or soy.  Minor ingredients such as preservatives or dyes are also potential allergens.  The diagnosis of food allergy requires that we test your pet by feeding special strict diets that contain only ingredients that he has never eaten before. This is often achieved by feeding a prescription diet for a period of 10 to 16 weeks.  If the signs resolve, a challenge is performed by feeding the former diet and watching for a return of the itching.  If this occurs, a diagnosis of food allergy is confirmed. 

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inherited predisposition to develop skin problems from exposure to variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances including the pollens of weeds, grasses and trees, as well as house dust mites and mold spores.  Diagnosis of AD is made based on the results of intradermal skin testing or by in vitro blood testing.  Evaluating the results of these tests helps us compile a list of allergens for a “vaccine” to decrease the pet’s sensitivity.  Sometimes multiple skin and/or blood tests are necessary to accurately assess the patient’s allergies.

Secondary Infections

Allergies are often the underlying cause of recurring skin and/or ear infections.  Bacterial and yeast infections, though secondary to the allergy, can cause an increase in your pet’s level of itching. Long-term treatment with antibiotics and anti-yeast medications is commonly required, along with medicated bathing programs.

Can Allergies be Cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergy and it is usually a life-long problem. We seek to control allergies and improve the quality of life for both you and your pet.  We will formulate the best program of management that suits all involved with your pet’s care. 

Can I have the Itching Treated without the Expense of Diagnostic Testing?

Symptomatic drug therapy can help to reduce itching.  Steroids, such as prednisone tablets in particular, are often employed to stop the itch.  However, without addressing the underlying cause, the itching will return.  Long-term use of steroids can result in many health problems.  This is the reason that we encourage diagnosis of the underlying cause of the allergy and more specific or less potentially harmful treatments.

Rat Bait Poisoning

Rat bait poisoning poses a significant risk to our beloved pets. As the use of rat poisons becomes more prevalent, accidental poisonings are also on the rise. Many of these products are visually appealing to rats but may resemble pet food to our dogs and cats, leading to ingestion. Understanding the dangers and taking immediate action is crucial in safeguarding our pets’ well-being.

Recognising Rat Bait Poisoning:

If you suspect your pet has ingested rat bait poison, it’s essential to act swiftly. Contact our clinic immediately and bring your pet in for prompt examination and treatment. If possible, provide information about the brand of rat bait and bring the packaging along.
Common active ingredients include brodifacoum, diphacinone, warfarin, and bromadiolone.

How Rat Bait Works

Rat bait kills by interfering with the ability of the body to produce clotting factors. Anticoagulant rodenticides disrupt the recycling of vitamin K, which is essential for the clotting cascade. Depletion of active vitamin K reserves leads to impaired blood clotting. This process typically takes several days, after which even minor injuries can result in life-threatening bleeding.

Symptoms

Signs of rodenticide poisoning usually appear approx one week after ingestion. Look out for the following symptoms in your pet:

• Lethargy and weakness
• Pale gums
• Blood in feces and urine
• Bleeding on the gum line
• Nosebleeds
• Small bruises on the body
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Testing and Treatment

If ingestion has occurred within the past few hours, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the poison from your pet’s system. However, if poison is found in the vomit, it’s important to note that absorption may have already taken place. A blood test will be performed to check for any clotting abnormalities, typically 2-3 days after ingestion. If the blood test is normal then your pet will not require any ongoing treatment.

In cases where the poison is not expelled, the vet will administer medication to trap the ingested poison in the gut, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. Additional measures may include an enema to remove any poison from the lower bowel. Another blood test will be conducted after 2-3 days to assess the impact on the clotting cascade. If the blood test shows interference in the clotting cascade then treatment is immediately started.

The duration of treatment for rat bait poisoning depends on the specific type of poison ingested and can range from three to six weeks. Regular blood tests will be performed to ensure stable clotting levels. In severe cases where a significant amount of blood has already been lost, a blood transfusion may be necessary to save your pet’s life.

Risks Associated with Consuming Poisoned Rats

Even when the rat bait poison has been absorbed by the targeted rat species, risks can still arise if your pet consumes a rat that has died from the poison. We recommend visiting the veterinarian as a precautionary measure, especially if your pet has ingested a large number of poisoned mice/rats or if the rat/mouse recently consumed the poison and it is still active in its stomach.

When using rat bait in your home or garden, exercise extreme caution. Rat bait poisoning can have devastating effects on pets if left untreated. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact our clinic immediately, and remember to bring the box of rat bait with you. Swift action and veterinary care are essential in ensuring the well-being and recovery of your beloved companion.

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is the fear of being away from a carer. Several factors may contribute to the development of separation anxiety in pets:

• Sudden changes in routine or environment
• Previous traumatic experiences, such as abandonment or prolonged confinement
• Lack of socialisation or exposure to being alone
• Genetic predisposition

Separation Anxiety is commonly recognised in dogs and cats, in varying forms, and can result in unwanted behaviours including:

• Excessive barking/noise
• Destructive behavior
• Inappropriate toileting
• Pacing or restlessness
• Excessive drooling or panting
• Attempts to escape or excessively cling to the owner when they are preparing to leave

If you have identified that your pet is displaying any of the above behaviours, or you have some concerns, please book a Behavioural Consultation. Our Vets specialise in Separation Anxiety and work in conjunction with you to determine the best way to support your pet through this behaviour.

Behaviour Modifying Training Tools

Fortunately, there are several strategies pet owners can employ to help their furry friends cope with separation anxiety.
Providing mental stimulation and keeping pets occupied when you are not home is a great and simple way to redirect their anxiety and improve behaviour and well-being.
Food dispensing toys are a great way to keep dogs and cats entertained and mentally stimulated. They provide a challenge that can help pets stay engaged and focused, as well as offering a reward for their efforts.
Some enrichment ideas to keep your pet busy when you are not home are:

• Lick mats
• Kongs or puzzle toys
• A digging pit with hidden goodies to discover in the day
• Doc and Phoebe Hunting toy for cats

Gradually accustom your pet to being alone by practicing short departures and slowly increasing the duration over time. This can help reduce their anxiety and build their confidence.
Establishing a consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security for your pet. Stick to regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions to help reduce anxiety.
Creating a safe space for your pet to retreat to when you’re not home. This could be a cozy bed or a favourite spot where they feel safe and relaxed.
Synthetic pheromone products, such as ADAPTIL for dogs or FELIWAY for cats, are designed to promote a sense of calm and reduce anxiety in pets. These products come in various forms, including diffusers, collars, and sprays.

If you are concerned about your pet’s behaviour, and have not seen a change after implementing some behavioural tools, please book a Behavioural Consultation.

Neutraceuticals, Supplements and Pharmaceuticals

ZYLKENE is a capsule that contains Casein, the amino acid identified in inducing the sense of calm experienced after a warm mild drink or by babies who are milk drunk. It is a safe medication that can be used long-term or just in situations where anxiety can be anticipated.

TRYPTOPHAN is used by the body to produce serotonin (a “happy feeling” neurotransmitter) and melatonin (a sleep inducing hormone). By supplementing this amino acid utilised in the neurological pathway, Tryptophan is thought to have anti-anxiety and calming effects. It is found in Blackmore PAW Complete Calm Chews for dogs.

If your pet is showing severe signs of behavioural disorder, as a last resort the Veterinarian may prescribe a period of behavioural modifying medications. Medication can support pets with high levels of anxiety to learn new training techniques, allowing them to switch off and relax. For dogs with dangerous behaviours, or who are at risk of more serious medical consequences, early use of these medications can be imperative to success.

Conclusion

Separation anxiety can be distressing for both pets and their owners, but with patience, understanding, and proactive management, it can be effectively managed. By recognising the signs of separation anxiety, identifying potential triggers, and implementing appropriate strategies, pet owners can help their furry companions feel more secure and confident when left alone. Remember, addressing separation anxiety requires time and consistency, but with dedication, you can help your pet lead a happier and more relaxed life.