Skin diseases in dogs are one of the main reasons for consulting a veterinarian1and itching is the most common symptom of these diseases, affecting one in every six dogs that visit the clinic2.
Itching is an unpleasant and frequent problem that reduces the quality of life of dogs and their owners. Most dogs with itching may experience a vicious cycle of itching and scratching that damages their skin. If left untreated, itching can cause permanent inflammation and serious skin lesions. That is why it is essential to stop our dog's itching as soon as possible with a specific treatment, and it is also necessary for the veterinarian to carry out the tests they consider appropriate to determine the cause of the itching.
Why is diagnosis important?
Itching can be caused by multiple factors: allergies, parasites, and infections. Given the possible multifactorial nature of the problem, it is important to carry out a correct diagnosis by following rigorous steps to find its cause, which will take the veterinarian time.
The first thing the veterinarian will complete after your visit to the veterinary clinic will be the medical history, that is, the medical document containing all the information necessary for the proper care of your pet: information about its surroundings and environment, when the problem began, whether or not it is seasonal, previous treatments, etc. The veterinarian will ask you various questions to obtain as much useful and valuable information as possible to formulate the diagnosis; this is known as anamnesis.
After this first and important step, the next step will be the physical examination of our pet. If lesions are detected, the clinician will most likely carry out different diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out possible causes. Depending on the findings, the veterinarian will establish the best treatment for your dog.
It is vital to stop the itching quickly and effectively to prevent even more serious skin lesions and allow our pet to regain its well-being as soon as possible. Therefore, it will be crucial that this symptomatic treatment does not interfere with the diagnosis should additional tests be needed.
Available treatments
Currently, we have some treatments to stop our pets' itching that provide truly optimal results. Some of these treatments are effective in reducing itching and improving skin lesions, but, specifically in the case of corticosteroids, they can trigger serious short-term side effects and long-term complications3. On the other hand, cyclosporine, another available treatment, may take several weeks to show an effect4. Ultimately, there was a need for a treatment with an improved safety profile for both short- and long-term use, with a rapid and effective effect.
For several years now, veterinary clinics have had access to an innovative treatment with these characteristics. A medication that combats itching caused by allergies affecting the dog's skin, with a rapid effect, acting within the first 24 hours, and a prolonged effect, as well as a safety profile without the side effects typically associated with corticosteroids.
Furthermore, another noteworthy aspect of this drug is that it allows the veterinarian to perform any tests they deem necessary to investigate the cause of the itching in greater depth, unlike other medications.
We recommend that you consult your veterinarian for more information about this innovative product, which must always be administered under their supervision.
References
1. To 10 dog and cat medical conditions of 2011, VPI Pet insurance. March 2012.
2. Hill PB, et al. Vet Rec. 2006; 158(16):533-539
3. Bonenger T, London Vet Show, Nov 2012
4. Dip R, et al. BMC Vet Res 2013, 9:173