Is your dog and cat driving you crazy by constantly scratching themselves? Is their itchiness driving them crazy? Just like humans may be affected by seasonal allergies, pollen can also affect our pets, causing itchy skin, sneezing, and watery eyes. Some pets may also be allergic to grass, resulting in itchy and irritated feet. At the very least, wipe off your pet’s feet following a walk outdoors; this will remove a large quantity of pollen and other environmental allergens. If your dog is especially itchy, consider Pro·Sense® Itch Solutions Hydrocortisone Shampoo. This shampoo helps relieve dermatologic inflammation caused by allergic reactions and also contains soothing aloe vera, providing your dog with head-to-toe relief from itchy skin. Does your dog hate baths? Ask your veterinarian if Pro·Sense® Itch & Allergy Solutions Tablets are a good option to help manage your dog’s seasonal allergies. This over-the-counter product contains an oral antihistamine (Diphenydramine HCl 25 mg) that temporarily reduces the side effects of many allergic reactions.
Sometimes, the itchiness (or pruritus) from skin allergies is so intense that pets may traumatize their skin via excessive scratching, chewing, or licking. This trauma triggers an inflammatory cascade that generates more skin inflammation, subsequently promoting more swelling and itchiness, which therefore prompts your pet to scratch more. And on and on and on, causing a cycle of worsening inflammation and scratching. Such self-trauma can also lead to secondary bacterial infections of the wounded skin due to disruption of the protective skin barrier. Moreover, the hot, humid summer weather that many of us are currently experiencing may predispose some dogs to develop hot spots (or acute moist dermatitis), red and painful skin lesions, typically requiring treatment by your vet.
Before things get out of hand, help reduce the severity of your pet’s itching early on with a hydrocortisone-based topical spray. Pro·Sense® Itch Solutions Hydrocortisone Spray for Dogs and Pro·Sense® Itch Solutions Hydrocortisone Spray for Cats are formulated with a non-stinging solution to help reduce inflammation at the source of an allergic reaction. This is a great option to help reduce swelling and itchiness at most sites of bug bites and bee stings, too! Is your household both canine and feline friendly? Consider Pro·Sense® Itch Solutions Hydrocortisone Spray for Dogs and Cats to apply to both species.
If your dog or cat’s allergies persist or worsen, of if you have any doubt whether or not a hydrocortisone spray is appropriate for your pet’s wound, consult with your personal veterinarian. And remember to ask if the line of Itch & Allergy Solutions by Pro·Sense® is right for your pet’s specific needs. May you and your pets have a fun and itch-free remainder of summer!
- Maranda Elswick, DVM – The Meowing Vet, LLC (www.themeowingvet.com)
Dr. Elswick was compensated by Pro·Sense® brand for writing this blog post