“Warm and humid conditions increase allergens and flea activity, making skin irritation more common in pets.”
Mon / Fri 7:30 am - 7 pm | Sat 9 am - 4 pm
Here’s an issue your pet may be facing, and some ways you can help with the problem.
Itching and scratching
Many dogs and cats suffer from allergic skin disease (also called atopy). Atopy is when your pet’s body reacts to environmental triggers. This reaction appears on the skin. The skin gets red and inflamed. Your pet doesn’t like the itchy feeling; he scratches or bites it, making it worse… and before you know it, you have secondary skin infections and a very unhappy, sometimes very unwell pet.
It can be really difficult to identify the cause of atopy. It can be an insect or flea bite, something your pet eats, something he touches or even something he breathes in.
Warm, humid weather like we are experiencing right now means 3 things.
Firstly, there are more allergens, such as yeasts and moulds, around. Secondly, the flea population is exploding!
And thirdly, when the weather is warm, your pet is often hot and bothered, which means skin problems annoy him (and you!) more.
Helping your pet
The number one thing you can do at the moment to help your pet cope with his skin problems is to make absolutely sure you are up to date with flea prevention
Not all flea prevention products are effective in preventing flea bites, and not all are suitable for dogs and cats with skin problems. Call me if you need to know what prevention is best for your pet.
A cool (not cold) bath or shower using a gentle shampoo suitable for atopic pets can really help your pet to feel better and alleviate some of the itch for a while. Keeping the house cool also helps.
If your pet has broken skin, call a vet for help before the problem gets out of hand.
For small patches of superficial skin trouble, we can prescribe ointments to treat the problem. In more severe cases, we’ll often need to run tests to identify the underlying cause and prescribe tablets to treat the skin from the inside out.
If you have any concerns at all about your pet’s health, we’re only a phone call away.
“Untreated itching can quickly progress to skin damage and secondary infection.”
Key Takeaways
- Humid weather increases skin problems in pets
Warm, moist conditions lead to increased allergen levels and higher flea activity. - Itching is often linked to allergic skin disease
Pets may react to environmental, dietary or contact triggers. - Scratching can quickly worsen the condition
Untreated, skin damage can lead to secondary infections. - Early treatment helps prevent escalation
Addressing symptoms early reduces the risk of more serious skin issues.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pets scratch more in humid weather?
Humid weather increases the presence of allergens such as moulds and yeasts. It also increases flea activity, which can trigger skin irritation. These factors together make itching more common during warmer months.
What is atopy in dogs and cats?
Atopy is an allergic skin condition in which a pet reacts to environmental substances. These triggers can include insects, food, contact irritants or airborne particles. The reaction typically shows as red, inflamed and itchy skin.
Can flea bites cause severe itching in pets?
Yes, flea bites are a common cause of allergic skin reactions in pets. Even a few bites can trigger significant itching in sensitive animals. Keeping flea prevention up to date is an important part of managing skin health.
How can I help relieve my pet’s itching at home?
A cool bath using a gentle shampoo designed for sensitive skin can help soothe irritation. Keeping your home environment cool may also reduce discomfort. These measures can provide temporary relief but may not address the underlying cause.
When should I seek veterinary care for my pet’s skin condition?
If your pet has broken skin, persistent scratching or worsening symptoms, veterinary assessment is recommended. Early treatment can prevent infection and more serious complications. More severe cases may require further investigation and medication.
How are allergic skin conditions in pets treated?
Mild cases may be treated with topical ointments to calm the skin. More severe cases often require medication, such as tablets, to manage the condition from within. Testing may also be needed to identify and address the underlying cause.