30‑second decision guide
Likely fleas
- Small black specks (“flea dirt”) on skin/comb
- Itch worse at rump, tail base, inner thighs
- Recent outdoor time or gaps in prevention
Likely allergies
- Seasonal flares (spring/summer/fall)
- Paws/face/ears itchy; rubbing or licking
- Chronic or recurring with normal skin early
Likely infection
- Red, moist, smelly areas; scabs or pustules
- Ear discharge/odor; head shaking
- Painful to touch; hot spots
Fleas: how to tell
Check for flea dirt: brush a fine comb through the coat over a damp paper towel—black specks that turn reddish indicate digested blood from fleas. Cats may over‑groom, hiding evidence; focus on neck and rump.
- Tail base, groin, and inner thighs are classic hotspots
- Any lapse in prevention can trigger a flare
- All pets in the home must be treated simultaneously
Allergies: environmental vs. food
Environmental allergies (atopy) tend to be seasonal and target paws, face, and ears. Food allergies are less common and often non‑seasonal, sometimes with GI signs.
Clues for allergies
- Itchy paws/face, frequent ear issues
- Seasonal pattern or lifelong, starting young
- Normal skin early, then thickened/dark with chronicity
Skin and ear infections
Bacterial or yeast infections often follow allergies or moisture. Look for red, smelly, painful areas, discharge, and head shaking in ear cases. Infections usually need prescription treatment.
- Oozing hot spots or crusts
- Strong odor or brown/black ear debris
- Visible pustules or widespread redness
Red flags — see a vet promptly
- Open wounds, severe swelling, or bleeding
- Ear tilt, severe pain, or head tilt/balance changes
- Fever, lethargy, or not eating
- Rash covering large body areas
- Puppy/kitten or pets with chronic disease
Safe home steps (if no red flags)
- Check for fleas and start a vet‑recommended prevention for all pets. Wash bedding, vacuum carpets, and treat the environment as advised.
- For allergies, rinse paws after outdoor time, use hypoallergenic wipes, and consider an omega‑3 supplement.
- For mild ear itch without discharge, clean with a gentle vet‑approved ear cleaner. Stop if pain or discharge appears.
- Avoid new foods, flavored chews, or harsh shampoos during flares.
- If no improvement in 3–5 days or symptoms worsen, consult a vet.
When to see a vet or use TeleVet
TeleVet can help you distinguish likely causes, choose safe over‑the‑counter options, and decide whether exams, cytology, allergy control, or prescription meds are needed. We’ll direct urgent in‑person care when necessary.
Average wait ~2 minutes • Prescriptions when appropriate
Prevention tips
- Year‑round flea prevention for all pets in the home
- Regular ear cleaning for prone pets (per vet guidance)
- Weekly grooming and prompt drying after baths or swims
- Allergy plans: medicated shampoos, wipes, and vet‑guided therapies
FAQ
Could food be causing my pet’s itch?
Food allergies are less common than environmental allergies but possible. A strict 6–8 week elimination diet trial is the gold standard—chat with a vet to plan safely.
What can I use over the counter?
Mild antiseborrheic or chlorhexidine shampoos/wipes may help; dosing for oral meds depends on species and weight. Avoid human creams unless a vet approves—many are unsafe for pets.
How fast should flea treatments work?
Modern preventives start killing fleas within hours, but it can take 3–4 weeks to break the life cycle. Treat all pets and the environment consistently.