The most common cause of excessive licking, biting, scratching, and chewing of the skin in dogs and cats is allergic skin disease. These diseases are not curable, but can be successfully managed and abated with targeted and diligent therapies. Intense, rapid-onset itch, as well as the formation of skin lesions in the absence of significant itch should be investigated at once by a dermatologist, as these allergy ‘look-a-likes’ may actually be parasitic, auto-immune, or neoplastic (cancerous) skin diseases.  

The most common reason that people seek dermatologic consultation for their pets is that ‘the anti-itch medications don’t work.’ We’re fortunate to be living at a time in which we have a plethora of anti-itch medications for both dogs and cats, and most of them have upwards of 75-80% success rates. While I see the lion’s share of dogs and cats that fall into that unlucky 20-25%, the truth is that most of these medications DO work for most patients, but are being given: 1) at the wrong dose or frequency, 2) with incorrect expectations of their duration of efficacy, 3) in the face of significant skin infections which lessen their efficacy, or 4) without addressing the underlying disease. For many patients, we are able to help them use the ‘first-choice,’ well-tolerated anti-itch medications that have previously failed them with much greater success.  

If you think you pet is itchy and would like more information on our Dermatology service please visit the Dermatology page.

Dr. Lindsey Citron is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. She graduated from the TUFTS University, where she majored in English Literature. She attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine before completing a 1-year Small Animal internship at Friendship followed by a 3-year dermatology residency program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.