Is itchy skin making your dog or cat miserable?

Constant scratching, licking, or chewing can make your pet’s skin even more irritated, leading to a seemingly endless cycle of itching and scratching. What’s more, all of that itching and scratching can lead to skin damage, hair loss, and secondary infections.

In honor of Itchy Pet Awareness Month, here are our top five ways to stop itchy skin in pets in a matter of minutes.

1.Wipe Away The Itch

The quickest, most convenient way to relieve itchy skin in pets is with itch relief wipes. They’re great for on-the-go. You can use itch relief wipes on your pet’s paws, on their belly, armpits, inner thighs, back, neck, and face. Read package instructions before using on sensitive areas.

2.Spray The Itch Away.

Itch-relief spray is another fast, mess-free way to instantly relieve itchy skin in pets. Sprays make it easy to quickly cover large areas of skin and eliminate the need to rub in the product, keeping your hands mess-free.

3.Give Your Pet An Antihistamine.

If your pet’s itch may be caused by an allergic reaction, you can give them an antihistamine for fast, temporary relief. Antihistamines for pets work by blocking histamines, proteins released by the immune system that trigger itching and inflammation. They can work as quickly as fifteen to thirty minutes and can keep the itch at bay for several hours. Ask your veterinarian before administering over the counter antihistamine to your pet.

4.Apply a Cool Compress.

A cool compress is a fast, medication-free way to quickly relieve itchy skin. You can use a damp rag or an ice pack, wrapped in a towel to protect your pet’s skin, to cool down hot, inflamed, itchy skin. Cool compresses work by reducing inflammation and gently numbing the affected area, offering near-instant relief. The only drawback is that a cool compress, especially an ice pack, should be applied no more than five minutes at a time.

5.Give Your Pet An Itch-Soothing Bath.

While giving your pet a bath takes more time to set up than other itch-relief techniques, it also tends to be the most effective. Use a medicated shampoo to help treat itch caused by a bacterial or fungal skin infection. Moisturizing shampoo and leave on conditioner can help dry, itchy skin. For pets with allergic itch, use an allergy shampoo to relieve inflammation and eliminate allergens that may be present on the skin and coat. Limit baths to no more than twice a month to avoid stripping the skin’s protective, moisturizing barrier. You can use topical sprays or wipes between baths to keep the itch at bay.

Lasting Itch Relief For Pets

These quick fixes will stop the itch, helping to protect your pet’s skin from damage and secondary infections. However, it’s important to diagnose and treat the underlying issue to help stop the itch from coming back. If your pet has an allergy or sensitivity, you may need to change their diet. If the itch is due to bug bites, they may need flea and tick protection. Your veterinarian can help you make lifestyle changes or may recommend prescription allergy medication to keep your pet happy and itch-free.

If you’re not sure what is making your pet itch, see your veterinarian or schedule an online televet appointment today.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.