Section: Veterinary Care In-depth
Treatment
The only way to relieve pruritus long-term is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Medications may be effective in mild cases or may offer temporary relief for more severe cases while waiting for the underlying cause to respond to treatment. But the itching often recurs after the medication is finished. Generally, treatment consists of the following:
Antihistamines. These drugs are much less helpful in dogs than they are in humans and will significantly help only 25 to 30 percent of cases. Nevertheless, they are often prescribed since they are relatively safe drugs when compared to corticosteroids. Some dogs respond better to one antihistamine than another, so veterinarians may try two or three different types before giving up on them.
Fatty acid supplements. These may help relieve pruritus by modulating the immune response and may be helpful for chronic pruritus. Certain fatty acids, such as eicosapentanoic acid found in fish oils, help to change the chemical composition of mediators produced during the allergic response, thereby making them less inflammatory. Like antihistamines, these products are not always helpful but they are relatively safe. Some dogs that do not respond to antihistamines may do well with a combination of antihistamines and fatty acids.
Shampoo therapy. Shampoos that contain colloidal oatmeal are soothing, and because these shampoos are moisturizing, they can be used frequently without drying the skin. Some oatmeal-based shampoos contain topical anesthetics or topical corticosteroids that are safe and further help in reducing pruritus.
Corticosteroids. When other therapies are not effective, corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed. Again, these drugs may help in some cases but are less effective in others. Many side effects associated with corticosteroids restrict their long-term use. Some of these include increased thirst and hunger, which may lead to obesity and suppression of the immune system, which may lead to infections, irritation of the stomach and damage to the liver or adrenal glands. Short-acting, oral corticosteroids are much safer than long-acting injectable, since they can be cleared from the body rapidly should side effects occur.
Related Articles
-
1
Atopy in Dogs
Atopic disease (atopy) is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy.
» Read More
-
2
Food Allergy in Dogs
Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...
» Read More
-
3
Demodicosis (Red Mange) in Dogs
Demodicosis (red mange) is a common skin disease of dogs causes by a microscopic mite that are present in small numbers on all dogs. In predisposed individuals the mites increase in number causing disease....
» Read More
-
4
Acute Moist Dermatitis (Hot Spots)
A hot spot starts because something irritates the skin, and the body either itches or becomes inflamed. The itching then causes the dog to lick or chew the area, which further damages the skin, creating...
» Read More
-
5
Sarcoptic Mange in Dogs
Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious disease caused by microscopic mites that invade the skin of healthy dogs and puppies and create a variety of skin problems.
» Read More
-
6
Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...
» Read More
