Topic: Scratching - Fleas and Allergies

Scratching - Fleas and Allergies

During this season of hot and muggy weather, we often see our pets scratching more. Cats and dogs will scratch their ears, chew their paws and hind areas, and rub themselves to relieve their itchy skin, but what causes all this scratching? There are two main causes for scratching, and they can both be easily addressed.

Fleas are a common issue, especially during warmer weather, although they are present year round. They can be seen crawling on your pet’s skin, under their fur, often hiding on their bellies. Another way to determine if your pet has fleas is by looking for "flea dirt," which refers to their droppings, in your pet’s fur. This can be differentiated from just plain old dirt by smearing it in water; if it's flea dirt, you'll see a red tinge to the smear. Fleas are an external parasite that bites your pet, and sucks their blood. When they bite and latch on, this causes your pet to scratch that area. In some pets, flea bites can even cause an allergic reaction, which causes more irritation and itchiness, and can sometimes result in skin infections.

Luckily, there are safe and effective medications we can offer your pets to kill fleas and help control their population in your home. Based on your pet’s needs, our doctors can recommend Bravecto, Revolution and/or Sentinel Spectrum, which all offer flea protection. These medications can help you solve your flea problems, and make your pet more comfortable by getting rid of those pesky fleas.

The second most common reason for scratching, chewing, or rubbing is environmental allergies. Environmental allergies can present as scratching ears, chewing a raw or bald spot, persistent scratching in one or multiple areas, rubbing on objects or the ground, chewing the base of the tail and beneath, or licking paws. As the name suggests, these allergies are usually caused by pollen from something blooming at the time it begins, and can last a short or long period. When the allergens land on the skin, they cause irritation, inflammation and discomfort, which cause your pet to scratch. Besides being uncomfortably itchy, your pet may also create a hot spot with persistent scratching, causing them to be at risk of infection.

There are several options for medications that can be prescribed to help alleviate your pet’s discomfort, and deal with the allergies, as well as prevent or treat infection stemming from the scratching. Treatments range from topical and oral medications, to injectables and prescription shampoos.

Knowing when to bring your pet in for itchiness can be difficult, so follow these tips to keep your pet comfortable. Call us, or bring your pet in for an exam if you see:

-Persistent itching, more than the occasional scratch

-Scratching focused in one area of the body

-Red or raw area(s) on the skin or paws

-Red, irritated or painful ears

-Hair loss

Any of these symptoms indicates discomfort, and should be evaluated by our doctors to determine the best treatment. Let us help you solve your pet’s itchiness; give us a call or stop by with your pet today!

By Sara Neuman

August 17, 2025