REGION — “We’re dedicating the tail end of summer to itchy pet awareness.”

That’s the word from Zoetis Animal Health, a producer of medications and vaccines for animals. August has been designated Itchy Pet Awareness Month by the company since 2019. 

Either there are more itchy pets, or “more pet owners have realized that itchiness in pets is not the norm—and is treatable,” wrote Katie Burns on the American Veterinary Medical Association website. 

When it comes to dogs, “ear infections were the top health issue, and skin disorders and allergies were third and fourth,” Burns wrote. “For cats, the top seven health issues included skin disorders, allergies and ear infections.”

Itch, Zoetis notes on one of its posters, can be caused by flea allergies, allergies to something indoors or out, allergies to food, to parasites such as fleas or mites and more. 

Signs of an itchy pet can include 

Scratching

Biting

Rubbing on things

Chewing on themselves

Licking

Ear trouble—scratching the ear, rubbing the ear

Hair loss

Skin changes

Allergy, Burns wrote, “is the most common cause of pruritus in dogs and can be particularly daunting because it is a lifelong condition.” Secondary infections can develop, and repeated treatment with antimicrobials can lead to resistant bacteria. A veterinarian she consulted said that it’s “not uncommon” for dogs with allergies to require injected antibiotics.

If you notice your pet has any of the above symptoms, discuss with your veterinarian—who, after all, knows your pet and the area best.