i have 2 dogs and a cat..lately they have been scratching more than normal..but we have checked all three of them out to see if they have any flees or ticks on them..but all three were clean of anything..what do u think it might be..any ideas?
2006-09-13 15:21:55 · 20 answers · asked by Laura B 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
allergys...give her one 25 mg of benadryl (dogs 25-40 pounds)unless under 25 pounds then 1/2 it.2x daily..
2006-09-13 15:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by Bekah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are all scratching, chances are it is probably due to fleas. Even 1 flea can cause an allergic reaction in a pet and cause it to itch, and flea allergies is probably the number one skin issue we see this time of year at my clinic. However, environment allergies are also a possibility, especially for this time of year, although it would be highly coincidental that all of your pets would have environmental allergies.
My advice: Treat each pet with a dose of frontline now and again in 30 days. It may still be necessary to visit your vet to get some sort of antihistamine or possibly a cortizone injection if the irritation is very bad. If, after treating for fleas this has not resolved, you may need to consider other types of allergies, in which case your vet would need to be consulted. Also, it would be a good idea to treat your house with a flea spray, such as knockout area spray, to rid the environment of fleas.
2006-09-13 22:50:38 · answer #2 · answered by IndyVetTech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flea infestations start small (invisible). Get all your animals on flea prevention like Frontline or Advantage. Vacuum your house and see if the itch stops in a week or two. If yes, it was fleas and your problems are solved. If not:
Has anything changed in the environment? New fertilizer? Pesticide? Cleaning agents (carpet, floor, walls, laundry). Did you get new carpet, drapes, furniture? Anything could have residue or chemicals that are bothering them.
Neighboring yards could also be effecting them.
In California, we have wildfires burning, sometimes that wreaks havoc with all sorts of allergies.
My bet is fleas.
EDIT
I don't think its food allergies because it's 3 animals, all at the same time. What are the odds that all 3 will start allergies to their foods at the same time? Especially if they get different foods. Still think fleas.
2006-09-13 22:31:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If one was scratching I would say an allergy but all three......
Sometimes you can't notice the fleas. Get a damp paper towel and gently rub above the base of the tail and on the underbelly just above their private parts. If the towel turns pink or red.... there is flea dirt, hence fleas. Treat accordingly.
I don;t see anything else that could cause all three..... especially when one is a cat......... to scratch.
Hope I helped and good luck!
2006-09-13 22:29:47 · answer #4 · answered by rolahey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's not flees then it might be allergies to there environment or food. Some animals can develop new allergies to food they have been getting fed for a long period of time.
2006-09-13 22:30:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, in my books, if they have some sort of skin condition, that may be it. It's caused by either a certain type of soap you're using, or a type of hair product you're using to make your dog's hair to look shinier or to make it smell nice. I think it's either that or (if you moved recently) they're trying to get used to the new environment. But I can't think of anything else; it could also be the type of flea collors you're using. Either way, it could be an illergic reaction or environmental reasons.
2006-09-13 22:46:07 · answer #6 · answered by Magdalena's Rose~*~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how often do you vacuum? Also check the air filters in your home...extra dust can dry out poor pooch and kitty and make them extra itchy.
Also? Do they have any lumps or bumps? Could be other kinds of bug bites too? Do they go outside?
Did you change detergents lately? Allergic to bedding?
2006-09-13 22:30:31 · answer #7 · answered by mimaolta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you wash your pets yourself and use a shampoo you would normally use on yourself. It could be irratating their skin.... Some cats and dogs have skin problems, but you don't find out if they do or not till there in the midst of it pretty bad.
2006-09-13 22:27:14 · answer #8 · answered by Melissa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you recently start using a new cleaning product around your house? If so it might be irritating their skin. Try switching to something milder.
2006-09-14 03:28:23 · answer #9 · answered by beachgirlkandy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fleas are hard for humans to find They hide quite well, so don;t rule them out. Also have you used and rug deodorizer or any new chemicals in your home or theirs? It could be an allergic reaction to something in their environment..
2006-09-13 22:25:39 · answer #10 · answered by justmeinNC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋