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This guide is a home-care support tool. It does not replace personalized advice from your veterinarian. For any questions, contact us at 514-223-1197.
Scratching, and why to see the vet first
A pet that scratches nonstop can damage its skin, and the tissue beneath, in very little time. The key is to have it evaluated by a veterinarian: they are the one who will find the cause of the itch and treat the underlying disease. While the medication takes effect, you can help it avoid lesions.
Allergies
Environmental (grasses, pollens) or food, and sometimes to fleas.
Hot spots
Acute moist dermatitis: red and intensely itchy.
Fleas and mites
Tiny parasites that itch enormously.
Infections
Bacterial or fungal, often secondary to the scratching.
Ask about a bridge treatment
While the cause is being brought under control, ask us whether a short-term treatment can reduce the itch. It can take a few days before the underlying treatment fully kicks in.
Before you start
The devices below help protect the skin, but only with a few precautions.
- Always supervised: pets are very clever at removing whatever you put on them. Do not leave your pet alone with a device you have just put on.
- A collar long enough: it should extend past the muzzle, so the pet cannot reach its head, ears, eyes, or neck with its hind legs.
- A lesion that grows: if a skin lesion increases in size, call us for a prompt check.
Preventing self-trauma
Four physical barriers to keep claws and teeth from reaching the area while the treatment works. None is perfect; choose based on the area to protect and your pet's temperament.
The Elizabethan collar
It keeps the hind legs from reaching a lesion on the head, and the mouth from nibbling the trunk and legs. Bulky, but it does not cover the wound: a hot spot can dry in the air, which slows bacteria and speeds healing.
See the Elizabethan collar guideA t-shirt
In the right size, head through the neck and front legs through the sleeves, it limits scratching of the upper body. On males, do not cover the penis. Many pets scratch right through the fabric: it is a stopgap.
Socks
On the paws, they soften the force of scratching. Secure them if needed with a cohesive wrap (snug, never tight), keep them dry, and change them daily. Outside, a plastic bag over each keeps them dry; remove it once back in.
Booties
Booties on the hind paws prevent scratching. For chronic or recurring itch, they are often the best option.
Easing the itch
Alongside the devices, a few measures can calm the sensation, carefully.
Soothing creams
Aloe vera, vitamin E ointments: one or two applications on intact skin carry little risk. Never on an open wound, and prevent licking right after. For prolonged use, ask us: some products worsen infections.
A cool-water rinse
It can soothe, but only if your pet is comfortable and you can dry the whole coat right after.
Medicated shampoo
A gentle, soothing shampoo (colloidal oatmeal, for example) can help. Rinse extremely well: soap residue is itchy too.
Inflamed skin is very painful
Very inflamed skin is extremely sensitive: even room-temperature water can feel icy and hurt. Only rinse if your pet is comfortable, and dry the coat completely right after; damp hair encourages bacteria and can worsen the itch.
The foundation is treating the cause
All of these measures only buy time. The medications your veterinarian prescribes against the cause of the itch are the real treatment: they go after the root of the problem.
Watch, and when to call us
These devices help, but they call for vigilance.
Never without supervision
Unsupervised, these items can be removed (and the area scratched again), or pieces of material (a sock, wrap, plastic) can be swallowed, with a risk of intestinal obstruction. Stay nearby, and remove anything your pet starts to chew.
- A lesion that grows, or skin that gets more damaged.
- A pet that keeps scratching despite treatment.
- An area that turns red, hot, moist, and very sensitive (a possible hot spot).
- A swallowed piece of material, or a device your pet manages to chew.
Your questions, our answers
What owners ask us most about scratching.
Is it normal for my pet to scratch?
How do allergies make my pet itchy?
What is a 'hot spot'?
Can I 'catch' what my pet has?
Protect the skin while the cause is treated
Stopping the scratching, calming the itch, and above all treating the cause with your veterinarian: that combination protects your pet's skin and brings lasting relief. As long as the scratching continues, do not face it alone, we are here.