If your dog or cat is scratching a lot even though you can’t see any fleas, they may have an environmental or food allergy, mites, a skin infection, an ear infection, contact dermatitis or another skin condition. Furthermore, not finding any fleas when checking their coat does not rule them out entirely, especially if the animal is allergic to their saliva.
Itching, also known as itching, is not a specific condition, but a symptom. It can manifest as scratching, licking, gnawing, rubbing against furniture, head shaking or hair loss caused by the animal itself.
If the scratching is severe, lasts for several days, causes sores or recurs frequently, it is advisable to seek veterinary dermatology clinic in Benissa to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
Common causes of itching in dogs and cats with no visible fleas
The most common causes of itching in dogs and cats are parasites, infections and allergies. Some pets may have more than one problem at the same time; for example, an allergy can weaken the skin’s barrier and lead to a secondary bacterial or yeast infection.
The main causes include:
- Allergy to flea bites, even if no fleas are visible.
- Mites and other external parasites.
- Environmental allergies to pollen, dust mites, mould or other allergens.
- Allergy or adverse reaction to certain foods.
- Bacterial skin infections.
- Yeast overgrowth.
- Otitis externa.
- Contact dermatitis caused by plants, cleaning products or cosmetics.
- Wounds, irritation, dryness or impairments of the skin barrier.
- Behavioural problems or stress, particularly where excessive licking occurs.
Can you have fleas even if you can’t see them?
Yes. Fleas can go unnoticed because they are small, move quickly and the animal may brush them off whilst grooming itself. Furthermore, a dog or cat that is allergic to flea saliva may experience severe itching after just a few bites.
In dogs, flea allergy usually causes itching and lesions in the lower back, at the base of the tail and on the back of the thighs. In cats, it can affect the neck, head, back, base of the tail or abdomen.
For this reason, your vet may recommend a full parasite treatment even if no fleas are found during the examination. It is important to use products suitable for the animal’s species and weight, as some parasite treatments for dogs can be toxic to cats.
To review your pet’s preventative care plan, you can consult the service at veterinary worming treatment for dogs and cats. You can also find out more about How to detect internal and external parasites in pets.
How do allergies manifest in dogs and cats?
Allergies can cause seasonal or year-round itching. In dogs, it is common to see them licking or chewing their paws, redness between the toes, scratching their ears, recurrent ear infections, abdominal irritation and rubbing their faces.
In cats, an allergy may manifest as scratching of the neck and head, small scabs, sores, hair loss or excessive grooming. Some cats do not appear to scratch in front of their owners, but they lick themselves to the point of causing bald patches.
Atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions cannot be diagnosed on the basis of a single test. The vet will review the animal’s medical history, the distribution of the lesions, any seasonal patterns and the response to various treatments, whilst first ruling out parasites and infections.
Could it be due to a food allergy?
Yes. A food-related adverse reaction can cause persistent itching, recurrent ear infections, paw licking and lesions on the face, ears, abdomen or other areas. Some animals also experience vomiting, diarrhoea or loose stools, although digestive symptoms do not occur in all cases.
A food allergy cannot be confirmed simply by changing the pet’s food for a few days, nor by carrying out isolated commercial tests. Diagnosis usually requires a strict elimination diet for the period recommended by the vet, followed by an assessment of the response.
If it is suspected that diet is linked to the itching, a veterinary nutritional assessment for dogs and cats It enables you to plan a suitable diet and avoid ingredients, treats or supplements that might affect the result.
Bacterial or yeast skin infections
Skin infections can cause itching, a foul odour, redness, flaking, scabs, spots, oily skin, discharge or hair loss. In many cases, they arise as a result of an allergy, a disruption to the skin barrier or persistent scratching.
One particularly useful test is the veterinary skin and ear cytology. Using a sample taken with a swab, a strip or a smear on a microscope slide, it enables the detection of bacteria, yeasts and inflammatory cells under the microscope.
Correctly identifying the infection helps in choosing the right treatment and avoiding the unnecessary use of antibiotics or antifungals. It is also important to investigate the underlying cause in order to reduce the risk of relapse.
Mites and other parasites that cause itching
Scabies mites, ear mites and other ectoparasites can cause intense itching even when they are not visible to the naked eye. Some are contagious to other animals, and certain species can also cause temporary skin lesions in humans.
To detect them, the vet may carry out skin scrapings, examine the coat, check the ears, perform a cytology test or carry out diagnostic tests, depending on the case. A negative result does not always rule out all parasites, so the clinical history and the distribution of the lesions are also important.
Could scratching be caused by an ear infection?
Yes. A dog or cat with an ear infection may scratch its ears, shake its head, rub against furniture or tilt its head to one side. It may also show signs of redness, pain, a foul odour or discharge from the ear canal.
Ear infections may be caused by allergies, dust mites, bacteria, yeast, foreign bodies or problems with the ear itself. Inserting cotton buds, ear cleaners or ear drops without first checking the ear canal may increase irritation or be dangerous if the eardrum is damaged.
Recurrent ear infections require an investigation into the underlying cause, rather than simply treating each episode in isolation. The veterinary dermatology for skin and ear problems It enables a comprehensive assessment to be carried out and follow-up to be planned.
Warning signs when a pet is scratching a lot
Ask your vet to examine your pet if you notice any of the following signs:
- Intense, persistent itching, or itching that prevents you from resting.
- Wounds, bleeding, scabs or moist areas.
- Hair loss or bald patches.
- Red, swollen, dark or thickened skin.
- Bad odour, grease, pus or discharge.
- Frequent head-shaking or earache.
- Constant licking or nibbling of the paws.
- Itching that returns after stopping treatment.
- Other animals or people in the household are also experiencing itching.
- Fatigue, fever, loss of appetite or pain.
- Sudden swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Sudden swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, weakness or collapse may indicate a severe allergic reaction and require immediate veterinary attention.
How is the cause of the itching diagnosed?
A dermatological diagnosis is carried out in a systematic manner. The vet checks when the itching began, where it appears, whether it is seasonal, what the animal is fed, what anti-parasitic treatments are used, and whether it has responded to any previous treatment.
Depending on the circumstances, the following may be recommended:
- Combing the fur to check for fleas or flea droppings.
- Skin scrapings to investigate mites.
- Skin and ear cytology.
- Bacterial or fungal culture.
- Examination of the ear canal.
- Elimination diet for suspected food allergies.
- Allergy tests to plan immunotherapy in selected cases.
- A skin biopsy when lesions require further investigation.
Allergy tests are not usually used as the sole method for diagnosing atopic dermatitis. Their main purpose is to identify relevant allergens when immunotherapy is being considered, after other causes of itching have been ruled out.
What not to do if your dog or cat is scratching a lot
- Do not administer corticosteroids, antibiotics or antihistamines without a veterinary prescription.
- Do not use medicines or creams intended for human use.
- Do not apply essential oils or home remedies to your skin.
- Don’t keep changing your diet without a diagnostic plan.
- Do not use anti-parasite products intended for dogs on cats.
- Do not clean your ears thoroughly or insert cotton buds.
- Do not delay seeking veterinary advice if your pet is injuring itself.
Temporarily relieving the itching may improve the animal’s wellbeing, but it is no substitute for investigating the cause. If the underlying problem is not identified, lesions and infections may recur.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Book an appointment if your dog or cat has been scratching for several days, is licking itself compulsively, is losing fur, has sores, a foul odour, an ear infection or frequent relapses. You should also seek advice if the itching persists despite using a parasite treatment, or if you are unsure whether the product you are using provides adequate protection.
At Benivet Benissa, we can assess whether the itching is caused by fleas, mites, allergies, infections, ear infections, diet or other skin conditions. Depending on the case, the assessment may include cytology, skin scrapings, an ear examination, a parasite check, an elimination diet and dermatological follow-up.
If your dog or cat is scratching a lot and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can Contact Benivet Benissa to book a veterinary dermatology consultation.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
