Pet Scratching Remedies

Seeing our pets scratch themselves at some time during the day is a fairly routine thing. However, excessive scratching in your cat or dog may indicate something more than just an ordinary itch. Like us, pets can have allergies to certain substances inside or outside of the home. Even poor nutritional support can weaken their immune systems, allowing infections to occur. Knowing what's causing the itch is the first step in finding a remedy.

  1. Steroids and Antihistamines

    • A variety of items can cause allergic reactions in our pets. Topical antibiobtic creams, chemicals in carpet cleaning products, indoor or outdoor plants and even certain metals like nickel can be allergens. Symptoms of these allergies can be red blotches on your pet's skin, hair loss and constant scratching or biting of certain body parts that may be more directly exposed to the irritant. Steroids and antihistamines prescribed by your vet can control allergic responses.

    Pyrethrin

    • If your cat is showing symptoms of itchy, irritating bumps on her abdomen, feet or around the base of her ears, this may be a sign of chigger infestation. Chiggers are parasites that burrow into the skin to feed off the blood and cause an extreme itching sensation. Pyrethrin is a botanical insecticide that comes in various liquid or powder forms. Pyrethrin is a safe, effective way to rid your pet of chiggers.

    Lime Sulfur Dips

    • Mange, which is caused by parasitic mites, can cause extreme hair loss and excessive scratching and biting in your pet. Mange is a contagious infestation that can be transmitted from animal to animal either by direct contact or by objects your pet may have come in contact with. An effective remedy for this condition is the use of lime sulfur dips. This remedy consists of lime and sulfur boiled in water which can be applied in powder or liquid form.