FACTS ABOUT ITCHING:
WHEN IT’S MORE THAN JUST AN ITCH
Although an occasional itch may be normal, it can often be difficult to distinguish between an occasional itch and one that occurs often enough to indicate something more serious, so it’s important to rely on your dog’s body language—or your own instinct. Here are some signs that your dog may need an appointment with your veterinarian for medical treatment:
Excessive licking, chewing, biting or scratching
Excessive rolling, rubbing or scooting
Foot chewing
Hair loss
Recurrent ear problems
Changes in the skin, like sores or darkened color
Redness of the skin
Body odor
If your dog exhibits any of the signs listed above, it’s possible that your dog may have an underlying skin condition. The good news is there are safe and effective treatments available for allergic itching. Talk to your veterinarian and click here to learn more about a treatment that can help lessen itch and inflammation caused by allergic skin disease.
Facts About Itching
Does your dog lick a lot?
Your dog could be itching for help.
ITCHING-TO-KNOW QUIZ
Should you talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s itching? Take this quiz.
You will not only be helping your dog, but you will also be helping service dogs in need. By completing the quiz,* Zoetis will donate to expand the number of dogs in its K-9 Courage Program, which provides financial and in-kind product donations to retired military dogs, active police dogs, and active service dogs that assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress.
*One entry per person.
IF YOUR DOG HAS ALLERGIC ITCH, YOUR VETERINARIAN CAN HELP!
For many years, steroids or antihistamines were the only treatment for allergic dog itch. However, treating with these types of therapies also meant dealing with certain unpleasant side effects.
Antihistamines, for instance, can cause drowsiness, panting, and trembling.1 They also have been shown to have little or no benefit in treating skin allergies in most dogs because they don't get to the underlying cause of itch.2 Steroids can cause increased urination, drinking, and weight gain as well as behavior changes, such as aggression.3,4 In addition to these physical signs that cause suffering for you and your pet, these side effects can be emotionally taxing and even impact you financially --with additional veterinary visits, medicines, and even the cost of cleaning soiled carpets or furniture due to “accidents.”5
Today there are treatments designed specifically for dogs to help relieve itch and the desire to scratch, while also targeting inflammation, redness or swelling of the skin.6 Ask your veterinarian about effective treatment for allergic dog itch, including daily oral tablets and an injectable that can provide relief that lasts 4 to 8 weeks.