Why Is My Pet Scratching So Much? | Dog & Cat Skin Care Dubai

Is your dog or cat scratching non-stop? Have you noticed bald patches, redness, or irritation on their skin? Persistent scratching can drive both you and your pet up the wall — but it's also your pet’s way of telling you something’s wrong. At Pets Haven, a trusted vet clinic in Dubai, we frequently see pets with skin concerns. Let's break down what could be causing this behaviour and how to help.

Common Reasons Pets Scratch Excessively

Not all scratching is the same. Some pets might have occasional itches, while others develop chronic skin issues. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Fleas, Ticks, and Mites

Parasites are one of the top reasons for itchy pets. Fleas in particular can trigger flea allergy dermatitis — a severe reaction to flea saliva.

Signs include:

Intense scratching or biting at skin
Hair loss, especially near the tail or lower back
Tiny black specks in fur (flea dirt)

Allergies

Pets develop allergies in the same way that humans do. These may be:

Food-related (e.g., beef, dairy, wheat)
Environmental (pollen, dust mites, mould)
Contact-based (shampoos, cleaning products)

Your pet's scratching behavior after meals or walks or during specific seasons could indicate an allergic reaction.

2. Dry Skin or Weather Changes

Dubai's dry climate can strip moisture from your pet’s skin. Just like humans, pets need proper hydration and skin care — especially during seasonal shifts.

3. Infections (Bacterial or Fungal)

Persistent scratching can damage the skin, creating open wounds that become infected. Yeast infections are common, particularly in dogs with floppy ears or skin folds.

Look for:

Redness or swelling
Foul odour
Scabbing or crusty skin

4. Underlying Health Issues

Conditions like hypothyroidism or autoimmune diseases can affect skin health. If itching doesn’t improve with basic treatment, a full diagnostic work-up at a vet clinic in Dubai is essential.

When Should You See a Vet?

If your pet is scratching more than usual and you notice any of the following, it’s time to seek help:

Open sores or bleeding
Persistent licking or chewing
Loss of appetite or energy
Bad odour from the skin or ears

Our team at Pets Haven offers expert dog and cat skin treatment in Dubai, with diagnostic tools like skin scrapings, allergy testing, and biopsies to identify the root cause.

How We Treat Skin Conditions at Pets Haven

Every pet is unique, so we tailor treatments based on your animal’s condition. Some options include:

Anti-parasitic treatments Topical or oral meds to eliminate fleas, ticks, or mites.
Medicated baths and shampoos For soothing inflamed or infected skin.
Allergy management plans Including elimination diets and antihistamines.
Advanced diagnostics Blood tests, skin cytology, and more to identify hidden issues.

We’re proud to be a trusted vet clinic in Dubai, with a strong focus on dog and cat skin treatment in Dubai for both common and complex cases.

Can Exotic Pets Have Skin Problems Too?

Absolutely. At Pets Haven, we don’t just treat cats and dogs — we also care for exotic pets like rabbits, reptiles, and birds. Skin issues in these animals are often harder to spot, but no less serious.

Common problems include:

Reptiles: Shedding issues, scale rot, mites
Rabbits: Fur mites, abscesses, or sore hocks
Birds: Feather loss, skin mites, or fungal infections

If your exotic pet is constantly grooming, twitching, or losing feathers or scales, it’s worth scheduling a visit to a vet clinic in Dubai that specialises in exotics — like Pets Haven.

Home Care Tips for Itchy Pets

While you wait for your vet appointment, there are a few safe steps you can take to ease your pet’s discomfort:

Avoid human shampoos or perfumes, which can irritate skin
Keep bedding clean and dust-free
Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking or scratching
Switch to stainless steel or ceramic bowls if plastic is causing contact dermatitis
Document when scratching happens (e.g., after meals or walks)

These small measures won’t replace expert treatment, but they can provide relief and help your vet diagnose the issue more efficiently.

Don’t Let Your Pet Suffer in Silence

Pet scratching serves as a warning sign which indicates potential underlying health issues. Early detection of allergies parasites or infections makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes. At Pets Haven, we treat every pet like family. Our expert team provides state-of-the-art dog and cat skin treatment services in Dubai to help your pet enjoy a life without itching and full of happiness. Book an appointment with our expert vets today because your pet deserves the best care.

FAQ: Common Pet Skin Questions

Q1: Why is my dog suddenly scratching his ears and shaking his head?

This often points to an ear infection or ear mites. Moisture, bacteria, or yeast can build up inside the ear canal, causing discomfort.

Q2: Can my cat have allergies?

Absolutely. Cats develop allergies because of food substances, dust particles, pollen and plastic bowls. The symptoms of allergies in cats include scratching and excessive grooming and sneezing.

Q3: How do I know if my pet’s scratching is serious?

A veterinary checkup becomes necessary when your pet continues scratching persistently while developing wounds that disrupt both sleep patterns and behavioral activities.

Q4: Are certain breeds more prone to skin problems?

Yes. Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Retrievers, and Persians often have more sensitive skin and are more likely to suffer from dermatitis or infections.

Q6: Will the scratching stop on its own?

Rarely. Scratching usually worsens without treatment. Early care at a vet clinic in Dubai helps prevent complications while providing relief to your pet.