August Is Itchy Pet Awareness Month: Helping Your Furry Friend Find Relief

August isn’t just about back-to-school and late summer barbecues—it’s also Itchy Pet Awareness Month, a reminder for pet parents to check in on their fur babies’ skin health. If your dog or cat has been scratching more than usual, it might be time to visit a trusted veterinarian in St. Charles to rule out skin problems and find lasting relief.

Persistent itching isn’t just annoying—it’s a red flag. Left untreated, itchy skin can turn into infections, hair loss, or even chronic conditions. The good news? Many of these issues are manageable with proper care from a vet hospital in St. Charles.

What’s Causing All That Itching?

Itching in pets is more common than you think—and there’s usually an underlying cause. Here are the top culprits:

Allergies – Pets can be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, grass, and even certain foods. These reactions often cause itchy skin, ear infections, and hot spots.

Fleas and Mites – Even indoor pets are at risk. Flea bites, especially in sensitive pets, can lead to Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), a severe reaction that causes nonstop scratching.

Skin Infections – Bacterial or fungal infections can result from scratching, which creates open wounds. These infections often smell bad and appear red or crusty.

Parasites – Ear mites and mange (caused by scabies or demodex mites) are common sources of extreme itching.

Dry Skin – Seasonal changes, poor nutrition, or indoor heating and cooling can lead to dry, flaky, itchy skin.

If you’re unsure what’s behind your pet’s scratching, a vet near you can perform diagnostic tests like skin scrapings or allergy panels.

Signs Your Pet May Be Itching for Help

How do you know if your pet's scratching is something to worry about? Watch for these symptoms:

• Repeated scratching, licking, or chewing at the same area
• Red or inflamed patches of skin
• Excessive shedding or bald spots
• Head shaking or frequent ear scratching
• Scabs, bumps, or crusts on the skin
• Unusual odors from skin or ears
• Behavioral changes like restlessness or irritability

What You Can Do to Help

The most important step? Don’t wait it out—itching usually doesn’t resolve on its own. Here's how you can help:

Schedule a Vet Visit

Your first move should be a check-up at a veterinarian in St. Charles. Your vet will determine if it’s allergies, parasites, or something more serious—and recommend treatment like medicated shampoos, antibiotics, antihistamines, or even allergy shots.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Year-round parasite control is essential. Ask your vet for a safe and effective topical or oral medication.

CDC: Flea and Tick Prevention Guide

Maintain a Grooming Routine

Regular baths with hypoallergenic or oatmeal shampoos can soothe skin and remove allergens

Upgrade Their Diet

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids supports skin barrier function and reduces inflammation. Ask your vet about foods or supplements that promote skin health.

Keep Their Environment Clean

Vacuum frequently, wash pet bedding weekly, and consider an air purifier to reduce environmental allergens like dust mites and pollen.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Preventive care matters. At our vet hospital in St. Charles, we offer wellness plans that include annual skin assessments, parasite prevention, and allergy management. Keeping up with these appointments helps detect minor problems before they become serious—and keeps your pet comfortable all year long.

Itch-Free Starts Here: Visit a Vet Near You

If your pet is itching more than usual, don’t ignore it. Schedule a visit with a veterinarian in St. Charles and get to the root of the issue. At Kindred Petcare, we’re here to help your pets feel their best—with personalized dermatologic care, cutting-edge diagnostics, and compassionate service.

Contact us today to book your pet’s itch consultation or explore our wellness plans for year-round skin health.

Let’s make August a month of healing, comfort, and calm. Your furry friend deserves relief—and we’re here to help.