Itchy Pets 

In the early Autumn. in our area, the most common cause of skin irritation is Harvest mites or Berry Bugs, as we call them. Some dogs - and cats - are allergic to these forrage mites and exposure causes extreme skin irritation, which results in self trauma, with sores and scabs. They look like tiny orange dots on the skin - often between a dogs toes and in front of the elbow. In cats we frequently see Milliary Exema with these mites being a trigger factor. This produces lots of small scabby sores anywhere on the cat - often atound the head and neck.

Treatment is essential to prevent pets from causing further damave to themselves. We may recommend a spray for dogs to help kill these mites as well as treatment for the dog to cool the skin and stop itching.

Fleas are also more and more common as the season progresses (see fleas ) and their bites cause irritaion in most pets. Most people prevent these by using monthly skin treatments which are safe and VERY effective. Beware of pet-shop immitations which are said to repel fleas - but very poorly! Our preparations KILL fleas on contact so there is no way that an infestation could start in the home.

Other allergies cause itching  and we frequently carry out allergy teating to see what is involved. Grass allergies last all summer but disappear all winter - the grass is only a problem when it is growing, while house-dust-mite and food allergies are the same all year.

Guinea Pigs often become itchy because of mange mites and need a course on weekly injections to erdicate them. Some are sensitive to forrage mites (on hay and straw) and do better if bedded on shredded news paper.

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