We know that you can’t stand to see your furry pal uncomfortable and miserable as they lick, chew, and scratch at itchy skin. But, incessant licking and scratching can do more than keep you and your pet awake all night—this behavior can also lead to oozing sores, skin infections, and behavioral changes. Why is your pet so itchy? We explore the most common reasons pets can’t stop scratching.

#1: Your pet has allergies

Allergies—whether environmental, flea, or food allergies—are the number one cause of itching in pets. Instead of manifesting as hay fever, like allergies in people, allergies in pets typically appear as skin issues, such as irritation, inflammation, and infection. Depending on the allergy cause, your pet can develop widespread itching and inflammation, or a localized reaction on their paws or ears.

Pets with environmental allergies (i.e., atopy) are most likely to have generalized inflammation, but they also can develop chronic ear infections and anal gland impactions. Pollens, mold spores, and dust and storage mites are the main environmental allergy causes.

Pets with flea allergies are hypersensitive to a protein found in flea saliva, and their skin will flare up into an itchy, scabby rash after only a few bites. Fleas prefer the tail base, so pets with flea allergies often present with the classic sign of a hairless hind end.

Pets with food allergies are most likely sensitive to the protein—rather than grain—in their diet. Chicken, lamb, and beef are the top contenders for causing food allergies, which may cause vomiting and diarrhea in addition to itchy paws and ears.

#2: Your pet has parasites

Fleas aren’t the only parasite that can create intense itching in your pet. Ticks, lice, and mange and ear mites can cause your pet to lick, chew, scratch, and shake their head. These parasites typically prefer to stay on their chosen host, but your infected pet can pass sarcoptic mange mites to you or other pets. Fortunately, effective treatments that tackle external parasites are available, although your pet may need extended therapy to ensure all the parasite’s life stages are eradicated.

#3: Your pet has a skin infection

Bacterial or fungal skin infections can make your pet so itchy that they damage their skin further as they attempt to ease their discomfort. Often, bacteria and yeast penetrate the skin barrier that allergies or endocrine disorders have weakened, and a secondary skin infection develops. Some infections can be caused by anatomical issues, such as excessive skin folds or floppy ears that trap moisture and provide the perfect breeding ground for pathogens. These issues require constant maintenance to decrease the frequency and severity of skin infections, and to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. 

Your pet can also contract ringworm, another itchy fungal skin infection they can pass on to you.

#4: Your pet has dry skin

While your pet more likely will have dry skin during the winter, their dry, flaky skin can be itchy all year long if they eat an unbalanced diet. If your pet’s diet is causing their poor skin health, consider switching to a higher quality food, or adding essential fatty acids to their diet. Regular daily or weekly grooming can also assist with dry skin, by dispersing natural oils throughout the skin and hair coat. Bathing your pet in cool, not hot, water with a skin-soothing oatmeal or soap-free shampoo can reduce irritation and inflammation, but do not bathe them too frequently, which can strip their skin of healthy oils. 

#5: Your pet is stressed or anxious

Believe it or not, stress can play a substantial role in your pet’s dermatological comfort. Much the same as people who bite their nails when stressed or nervous, anxious pets lick, chew, or scratch at their skin. Pets with separation anxiety may chew themselves raw when left home alone. A pet with a leg sore may lick obsessively long after the spot is healed, and stopping this compulsive behavior can be extremely challenging.

If your pet is itchy, they may be suffering from more than one health issue. Get your furry pal relief from skin irritation by scheduling an appointment with our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team as soon as possible.