This condition causes constant inflammation, skin lesions, and intense itching that directly impacts the animal's quality of life. Symptoms signaling a bigger problem Among the most common signs are constant scratching, redness, hair loss, patches from excessive licking, thickened or scaly skin, and lesions that can lead to infections. Beyond the physical impact, these issues can alter the dog's behavior, causing irritability and affecting its rest. When itching becomes complicated: risk of otitis Experts warn that if not treated in time, the itching can lead to more serious problems. Although it may seem like a minor issue, in many cases it is a sign of diseases that require timely diagnosis and treatment. Skin conditions, which represent over a third of diseases in dogs, can have multiple causes, from parasites to chronic ailments like dermatitis. Parasites: the most common cause of itching in dogs At a press conference, veterinarians Alejandro Sánchez and Adrián Polo Jerez, both specialists in companion animals from MSD Animal Health, pointed out that one of the main factors behind the itching are external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Itching in dogs, known as pruritus, is one of the most frequent symptoms in veterinary medicine and accounts for about 35% of clinical consultations, according to animal health specialists. Up to 80% of dogs with atopic dermatitis can develop otitis externa, which evidences the relationship between skin and ear as a single inflammatory axis. These organisms can cause intense irritation in the skin and trigger diseases such as allergic dermatitis. In Mexico, flea-induced dermatitis represents nearly 28% of cases, due to the body's reaction to these parasites' saliva, which causes inflammation and persistent itching. Allergies and atopic dermatitis Alejandro Sánchez indicated that another frequent cause is atopic dermatitis, a chronic condition that affects between 20% and 30% of dogs and usually appears from an early age. Early attention, key to avoiding chronic diseases The management of itching in dogs requires an integral approach that includes parasite control and inflammation treatment. Specialists recommend seeing a veterinarian at the first signs to avoid complications and improve the pets' quality of life. Persistent pruritus not only affects the animal's health but also its behavior and coexistence, so timely attention is key within responsible care. MSD Animal Health reinforces its commitment to managing otitis externa with Mometamax Ultra, a single-dose solution, which was presented at the Veterinary Dermatology Congress, held in March in Mérida, Yucatán. The specialists agreed that dermatological management should be approached integrally and begin with the control of external parasites.
