Spring Has Sprung!

Spring is upon us! Finally!

Spring brings flowers and sunny days! However, for many of our fluffy family members it also brings the itch.

Some of our pets are prone to itchy skin or feet and this heightens in spring due to the pollen in the air during this time.

There are many ways we can help them ditch the itch.

Why do dogs get itchy?

Let’s have a quick look at why our pets get itchy.

Itching is a sensation that creates an inclination to scratch. This is generally triggered by something, it could be a leaf, bug, sand or fly, anything that touches the skin and irritates it will cause your pet to scratch as a defence mechanism to rid them of the irritation. Unfortunately this mechanism can sometimes go into overdrive and tell your pet to itch when they don’t need too.

Skin Explained

It can all get a little bit confusing when we start talking about different nerves and things but below I have summarised the different layers that make up the skin and what role they each play.

There are 3 layers of the skin, the epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous tissue (refer skin diagram to the right).

The Epidermis

The epidermis, the superficial layer of the skin is the external barrier to different pathogens. The dermis works as the nutritional hub of the skin, the regulator of temperature, and the home of your pet’s sensory nerves.

The Dermis

The dermis plays a huge role in sensing external stimuli and sends signals for the need to scratch. There are also immune cells present within this layer of skin that helps defined the skin against dangerous pathogens.

Subcutaneous Tissue

The innermost layer of the skin is the subcutaneous tissue, which is made up of different muscles as well as fat. It stores energy, fluid, and can be used as the ‘shock absorber’ for the body if needed.

What can I do about it?

There are many options to help your pet ditch the itch. Including but not limited to nutrition, bathing, over the counter and prescription treatment.

Medication

It is always best to speak with your veterinarian to see what treatment is best suited to your pet.

Below I have compiled a list of some medications that they may prescribe to help your pet ditch the itch.

Apoquel

Apoquel is an anti-inflammatory tablet medication that inhibits the body’s ability to release particular cytokines. Cytokines are a protein that is released when the body experiences some kind of allergy, they generate inflammation and ‘itchiness’ at the site of the allergy. This medication works by blocking that mechanism so that your pet does not feel the need to scratch.

Cytopoint

Cytopoint is an injectable medication that works by blocking the signal that gets sent to the brain telling your pet that they are itchy. It is able to block this itch for a total of 4-8 weeks, making it an affective treatment if your pet is not easy to tablet or gets seasonal ‘itchiness’.

Bathing

Bathing your pet can be helpful to remove any factors that may be causing an itch, e.g. pollen. They are also helpful as a collaborative tool to helping your pet to become less itchy.

Malaseb shampoo

Malaseb is a medicated shampoo that works by killing the micro-organisms that may be causing your pet to be itchy. It is an affective tool for some types of dermatitis as well as cases of ringworm.

Aloveen conditioner

Aloveen conditioner works as a barrier cream and helps to soothe the skin, almost acting as a moisturiser. It is to be left in after they are bathed to ensure it has its full affect.

Ear Cleaners

We often forget to check our pets ears but it’s important to do so. Ears are a great spot for dirt, sand and pollen to build up, so it’s important to check your pet’s ears regularly to ensure that they can be cleaned to avoid irritation and infection.

There are many ear cleaners available, a couple of good general ear cleaners include Otoflush and Epiotic.

Otoflush

Otoflush is a ‘pH neutral buffered solution’ which means that upon application it will not sting your pet’s ears. Which is a great option if your pet has sensitive ears. This solution works by decreasing the build up of yeast and bacteria in the ear, along with cleaning any wax or purulent discharge in the ear.

Epiotic

Epiotic is an alcohol free, non-irritant ear cleaner. It decreases bacteria and yeast through its unique blend of 4 different antimicrobials, to help protect your pet’s ears against infection. It also removes debris, wax and purulent discharge from the ear. This cleaner is an excellent choice if your pet is an avid swimmer as it contains a drying agent to remove excess water in the ear.

There are also prescription ear cleaners available if your pet’s ears are irritated or have an infection but these require a veterinary consultation to dispense.

Nutrtion

Hills Prescription Derm Complete

The Hills prescription Term Complete is a rice based diet. It promotes a balanced diet for dogs that suffer with the following conditions: Environmental allergies, Otitis externa (ear inflammation), Pruritic dermatitis, Flea allergy dermatitis, secondary skin infections, dermatoses and Adverse food reactions. This diet works by using a unique blend of ingredients, called the histaguard complex, to support the immune system in responding to environmental allergens.

Hills Prescription D/d

The Hills prescription diet d/d is a potato and venison based food. It promotes a balanced diet for dogs that suffer with the following issues: Environmental allergies, Otitis externa (ear inflammation), Pruritic dermatitis, IBD, Flea allergy dermatitis and Adverse food reactions.

This diet works by utilising the fact that potato allergies are extremely uncommon and through the limitation of proteins being undigested. It also contains a number of antioxidants which encourages a good immune system and the body’s skin barrier function.

Royal Canin Skin support

The Royal Canin Skin Support is a poultry based diet. It promotes a balanced diet for dogs that suffer with the following conditions: atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, pyodermatitis, and assists in wound healing, skin and hair support. This diet works by supporting the skin’s defence and healing mechanisms.

There are many different way to help your pet control their itch this Spring contact our team if you’d like to learn more about what might work best for your pet.

Newstead Vets 

‘for a healthier tomorrow’