🐾 Vet-Approved 2025 Guide: Itch Relief for Dogs and Cats—Non-Steroidal Options & Soothing Solutions 🐶🐱🧴

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Itchy pets suffer—and so do their families. Whether it's scratching, licking, chewing, or rolling, chronic itch is frustrating and can lead to skin damage, infections, and sleepless nights 😿🛌. While steroids like prednisone provide fast relief, they’re not ideal for long-term use due to side effects.

This 2025 guide explores effective alternatives to steroids for itch control in dogs and cats, plus new products, home care strategies, and what to do when your pet just won’t stop scratching 🧼🐾

🦠 Start with Infection Control

• 🧫 Scratching leads to wounds that can become infected
• 🦠 Most infections involve Staph bacteria or Malassezia yeast
• 🔬 Vets often examine skin samples under a microscope before treatment
• 💊 Antibiotics or antifungals may be needed

✨ Treating the infection often reduces the itch significantly—especially in pets with allergies.

💉 Long-Acting Injection: Lokivetmab (Cytopoint®)

• 🧬 Monoclonal antibody that targets IL-31, a key itch mediator
• 🕐 Works within 8 hours, with relief lasting 4+ weeks
• 📉 Stops the itch-scratch cycle without suppressing the immune system

💊 Oral Itch Medications

1️⃣ Antihistamines

• 💊 Work well in mild or chronic daily cases
• 🧪 Variable success (15% on average)
• 💤 Often cause drowsiness—can help overnight

Common antihistamines to trial:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Loratadine (Claritin®)
• Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)

2️⃣ Cyclosporine (Atopica®)

• 💊 Immune modulator originally for transplant patients
• ⏱️ Takes 4–8 weeks to work
• 🤢 Bitter taste and may cause mild stomach upset

3️⃣ Oclacitinib (Apoquel®)

• 🧠 Janus kinase inhibitor that blocks itch signals rapidly
• 🔥 Effective for flare-ups and chronic management
• 🚫 Doesn’t treat inflammation—monitor for underlying infection
• 🧬 Approved for dogs; feline use under investigation

🫙 Supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• 🐟 Fish oil or evening primrose oil-based
• 📆 Takes 4–6 weeks to show results
• 💧 Moisturizes skin and reduces inflammatory response

PEA (Redonyl®)

• 🌱 Derived from soybeans
• 🧬 Helps balance skin biochemistry and reduce itching
• 🐶 Flavored chewable for dogs and can be used in cats

🧴 Topical Relief Options

• 🧴 Cortisone creams and sprays—for small hot spots
• 🚿 Medicated shampoos—relieve itching and wash away allergens

Recommended Topicals:

• 🌾 Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo & Rinses (for 1–3 days of relief)
• 🛡️ Phytosphingosine (Douxo® line)—restores skin barrier and controls infection
• 🥴 Lime Sulfur Dip—controls ringworm and infections but smells awful!

⏱️ All medicated shampoos need 10 minutes of contact time before rinsing.

📌 Respect the Steroid

🐾 Steroids like prednisone still have their place—especially in severe or crisis situations. They’re fast, effective, and affordable. The goal is to use them sparingly and only when truly necessary 💊🔥

🦟 The Flea Factor

Fleas make every itchy pet worse—even if you don't see them. Ensure all pets are on monthly flea control. Lower back itching is a major flea allergy clue.

📲 Need Itch Relief Guidance?

For help choosing the right combination of treatments or resolving chronic itching, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱

😌 With the right approach, your pet’s itch can be managed safely and effectively—so you both can rest easy 🐶🛏️🐱