Our pet cats and dogs scratch themselves to alleviate an itch. It is perfectly instinctive and normal. Nature through evolution gave them that behavioural trait. It is not learned. They are born with it as it is handed down in their DNA – as it is for us.
Here is the problem: cats and dogs can overdo it. If they have a chronic condition such as ear mites or mange, they’ll scratch itchy skin until it bleeds because they self-mutilate themselves. Their instinctive behaviour does not have a brake and rational thought which tells them that scratching themselves has become destructive and no longer beneficial does not click in.
Their instincts continue and continue until the vet treats them for the underlying cause and they eventually stop and/or they wear and Elizabethan collar which they have to wear after an operation that itches.
As I said, we itch sometimes and we instinctively scratch but we don’t have to. The classic reason to scratch incessantly is eczema. The itching does not go away so the scratching continues.
Here is the problem: scratching temporarily relieves an itch but it makes the itch worse in the long-term as it causes the skin to become more inflamed, perpetuating the itchiness. As for cats and dogs perpetual scratching can and does break the epidermal skin barrier leading potentially to a localised bacterial infection which can spread and become serious.
So for humans here is the cure: change one’s habit. Use mind over matter in employing ‘habit-reversal therapy’.
David Farmer, 68, suffers from eczema. He said that it was really bad and he couldn’t stop scratching himself. For him, the scratching felt uncontrollable. He turned to habit-reversal therapy as provided by an NHS psychodermatology clinic.
Christopher Bridgett, a consultant psychiatrist at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London recommended that he use a cheap handheld tally counter to count the number of itches and scratches throughout the day. The idea was to remind him that he was scratching himself so often and to help him control it.
Farmer said: “For three weeks, every time I touched my body – even touching my nose or my ear or something – I used the clicker. I realised that as someone with eczema, I was habitually touching or scratching my face and body hundreds of times a day, which was making it worse.”
Realising how often he touched and scratched himself, helped him break the cycle. He added: “The scratching had felt uncontrollable but using the clicker change my habits. After just three weeks, I realised I was going to bed with no itchiness whatsoever. It was the first time I’ve experienced that in my life. I’m not cured but I am so much more in control of what happens.”
Psychodermatology tackles both the mental health issues and also the impact that skin conditions can have on mental health. It tackles how mental health can impact skin conditions and how skin conditions can impact mental health. And it involves teaching techniques to recognise and stop a scratching habit. These habits often occur at bed time and before and after showers which dries the skin.
Once the patient is aware of how often they do it they are then encouraged to find an alternative response when they feel itchy. This might be pinching or pressing the skin, tapping it or saying positive affirmations or clenching their fists for 30 seconds.
It’s a difficult cycle to break because, as mentioned and as we know, scratching provides a brief pleasurable relief which is addictive but also it makes things worse.
It would be nice to be able to teach our cats and dogs how to break this itching cycle. It doesn’t take long through Internet research to find many instances of cats and dogs mutilating themselves through constant scratching which is very distressing to see. Careless cat and dog owners allow it to continue which they shouldn’t. Humans are able to do better because they can apply some rational thought although it takes self-discipline and help.
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There are several health conditions that can cause a cat or dog to scratch themselves excessively, leading to self-inflicted harm. Here are some of the most common causes:
Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites are all common parasites that can cause intense itching in pets. These tiny pests can burrow into your pet’s skin and feed on their blood, causing irritation and inflammation.
Allergies: Just like humans, pets can also develop allergies to things like pollen, dust mites, and food. When a pet comes into contact with something they’re allergic to, it can trigger an itchy skin reaction.
Skin infections: Bacterial and yeast skin infections can cause a lot of itching and discomfort for your pet. These infections can be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergies, parasites, or even a moist skin fold.
Dry skin: Dry, flaky skin can be very itchy for pets. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as weather conditions, low-quality food, or underlying health conditions.
Anxiety or boredom: Cats and dogs can also scratch themselves excessively due to boredom or anxiety. This is sometimes referred to as psychogenic dermatitis.
If you notice your pet scratching themselves excessively, it’s important to see a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent your pet from injuring themselves.