Itching for relief

     One of the most common complaints pet owners have is that their dog (usually), or cat (occasionally) has skin irritation and is chewing, biting, licking, rubbing, or all of the above.  This problem can be either relatively minor in scale or can be a major impediment.  There are a multitude of things that can cause skin inflammation.  Most commonly we see allergies (fleas, environmental, food).  Pet owners are obviously seeking relief for these itchy pets.  A safe at home medication to start animals on is benadryl.  Pets can also be bathed in oatmeal based shampoos to obtain temporary relief.  The most important thing to do is to have your pet evaluated when itching occurs, so that our therapy can be specifically targeted to your pet.  Pet owners should bear in mind that control of itchy animals can be a long drawn out process, so patience is crucial as we work through treatment options.  Rarely, it becomes necessary to refer our pets to a board certified dermatologist for consulation and further diagnostics such as intradermal skin testing.