With warmer weather invariably comes the summer itches, brought on by skin allergies and the increasing number of external parasites that prefer warmer conditions. Dogs nibble their feet and scratch excessively, and cats will also scratch or over-groom themselves, sometimes to the point of baldness. It can be distressing to see Fido or Felix constantly licking or chewing themselves, or to wake to the sound of a leg thumping repeatedly on the floor.

The classic ‘hot spot’ is an area of skin infection where a pet has made the skin so raw from self-trauma, creating a weeping, oozing mess of discomfort. Anything that sore requires veterinary attention, but there are things we can do to try to reduce the symptoms or need for vet visits.

First, look at external parasite control – and by that we usually mean flea treatments. Dogs and cats with itchy skin should be on the most effective flea control available. Even one flea bite can set some pets off in a vicious scratching cycle and some flea treatments are too weak or slow to prevent a flea bite. Some pets are very allergic to flea saliva and it is this reaction rather than the physical bite that causes the problems. There are new flea tablets available that can kill fleas within minutes of administering and these are the best way to eliminate them as a potential trigger.

Don’t let your pet scratch in silence!

Food allergies are uncommon, but a diet trial is a relatively cheap and easy thing to do at home. Pick a strict hypoallergenic diet like Purina HA or Hills z/d and try feeding this for 4-6 weeks. Remember, no other treats or supplements while you are feeding the diet. Food allergies are hard to diagnose but the easiest to cure.

Supplementing with omega fatty acids can improve skin and coat health, and reduce the need for stronger medication. A healthy skin barrier will reduce some of the symptoms of dermatitis. Anti-histamines can also help. Talk to your vet if these are appropriate, as they can provide a low level of anti-inflammatory relief and are relatively safe.

Regular washing with an antiseptic shampoo will help to wash off irritants and soothe itchy skin. There are a large number of medicated washes available for skin problems that can significantly reduce the symptoms of dry, itchy skin.

Ultimately, if a pet has a chronic itch that keeps recurring, sometimes the answer is to do either a skin patch test or blood test to try to work out what pollen, grass or dust mite is setting the skin off. If the offending allergen can be diagnosed it is possible to be desensitised to it by having a vaccine made up.

Finally, if all else fails there are a number of very effective anti-inflammatory medications that will settle itchy skin down. There are several newer treatments and drugs that are well tolerated and very effective in calming itchy skin. If you’re worried about your pet’s skin, don’t let them scratch in silence! Ask your vet what the best flea treatment, food, shampoo or medication is for your pet’s problem.