Itching, skin problems and allergies in dogs and cats
My dog keeps scratching, my cat is shedding and itchy: usually there is a cause underneath, whether parasites, food, environmental triggers or a skin infection. We explain what to watch for and when to worry; the decision is your vet's.
Two sentences come up a lot: my dog keeps scratching, and my cat is shedding and itching non-stop. Itching is not an illness on its own; it can be a sign of something underneath. This article helps you recognise that sign and understand when to worry; it does not diagnose, and the decision belongs to the vet who examines the animal. You can reach the nearest clinics from the directory home page.
Possible causes of itching
- Parasites. External parasites such as fleas, ticks and sandflies are among the most common causes of itching. In the Mediterranean climate these parasites can stay active almost year-round, so the risk in Alanya is higher; for details see ticks, fleas and sandflies.
- Food allergy. Some animals react to certain proteins or ingredients; the itching can sometimes come with digestive complaints. For the basics of feeding see choosing food and feeding, and for the digestive side vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Environmental triggers. Pollen, house dust, certain plants or cleaning products can cause seasonal or ongoing itching.
- Skin infections. Bacterial or fungal skin problems can bring redness and odour along with the itching.
What can you observe at home?
A few observations make the visit easier before you go to the vet: when the itching started, where on the body it is concentrated, whether it gets worse at night or during the day, and whether there has been a recent change in food, season or living space. Noting these speeds up the examination. Rather than trying a treatment on your own at home, just observe. You can find details on the directory being an independent, free resource on the about page.
When should you see a vet?
- The itching does not pass for days or keeps getting worse.
- There is an open wound, crust, clear redness or swelling on the skin.
- Patchy or widespread hair loss or bald spots have begun.
- Constant scratching is distressing the animal or disturbing its sleep or appetite.
- You can see which of these signs count as urgent in when to see a vet.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Do not apply human medicines, cortisone creams or any shampoo on your own initiative; the wrong product can make the skin worse. Diagnosis and treatment are decided solely by the vet who examines the animal.