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Health
SOME SIGNS OF ANXIETY IN CATS INCLUDE HIDING, ACCIDENTS OUTSIDE OF LITTER BOX, INCREASED VOCALIZATION, AND A CHANGE IN MOOD.
Why does my pet excessively
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lick or itch? by CARRIE VIGEANT D.V.M.
WHILE IT IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR for dogs and cats to lick or scratch themselves occasionally, if your pet is driving you crazy with excessive licking or itching, it may be time to see a veterinarian. Here are the top reasons why pets excessively scratch and lick themselves:
1. I am itchy! The most common reason is due to an allergy. The top four types of allergies are reactions to fleas, environmental allergens, food, and contact allergies. It can be challenging to diagnose the exact cause of the allergy. Veterinarians will consider the age of your pet, the areas of their body that are affected, evidence of fleas, and any seasonality to the displayed behavior to help determine the cause. Flea allergy is the only allergy that can be easily controlled with monthly flea prevention. Food and environmental allergies are tough to control without major medical efforts and lengthy, strict hypoallergenic food trials.
2. I am painful!
Another reason for excessive licking is due to the underlying area being painful, and that pain can present in many different ways. A geriatric pet that is struggling with orthopedic pain may lick over top of the joint that is bothering it. A pet experiencing post-operative pain will often lick or scratch an incision. And even a cat experiencing kidney failure may lick its fur excessively over the lumbar spine.
3. I am anxious!
Anxiety is a very common reason for pets to excessively lick, causing thinning hair or hair loss often in a symmetrical pattern. Cats in particular tend to present with these lesions on their sides and their belly. Owners may not actually observe their cat excessively grooming as they tend to hide and be “closet groomers.”
If you find yourself telling your pet to STOP licking or itching a few times a day, it’s time to seek a medical opinion from a veterinarian. Alleviating the underlying cause for your pet’s discomfort will be well worth the trip to your vet.
