Dermatological problems have been found to be the second most common reason owners bring their dogs to the veterinarian, after preventive healthcare.¹

Of course you want to ease the discomfort of the pets (and their owners) as quickly as possible, but with the number of treatment plans and prescription options, it can be overwhelming for pet owners to know what they should be doing. It may also be difficult for them to follow through with sometimes-complicated treatment plans for chronic problems. 

Testing and Explaining the Problem  
Dermatological problems in pets can come from many different sources, and while most pet owners are probably hoping for a quick solution and like the advice to give their pet diphenhydramine HCl or cetirizine when they get itchy, that’s not always possible.^2,3

Clients need to understand the potential causes of itching, whether it be from ectoparasites, allergies, or infections, so that they understand the treatment plan.

Diagnosing the cause of itchiness can be time consuming; it’s important to walk clients through the process. One common disease that may take some extra education is atopic dermatitis.⁴ Explain the condition thoroughly to improve both compliance with your treatment plan, and the quality of life for their pet.  

Talking Through Treatment Options 
There is a broad spectrum of treatment for pets with dermatological issues. Once you have determined the cause of the itching, you can better help your clients understand their options. When discussing treatment options with your clients, remember the advice “the best therapy is the one that’s doable." If you are prescribing topical products like sprays, mousses, wipes, or shampoos, it’s important to make sure that your clients understand how frequently to use them, as overuse can cause adverse effects.^5,6

Rather than prescribing two baths a week because that is the best course of treatment (or avoiding that recommendation because you aren’t sure that the client will be able to follow through with it), try starting with a discussion. If the best treatment is indeed a full bath, make sure that that is something that is possible within their home, physical capabilities, and schedule. If not, work with them to see if their obstacles can be overcome, or consider a modified plan.

The goal of any treatment plan, whether topical or systemic, is relief for the pet. If your client picks up their prescription but never uses it, you’re likely to see them back for the same problem. In the case of chronic disease, this becomes even more important, because the need for treatment isn’t going away. Consider starting out slowly so their pet can get used to the approach, and then work up to the optimal plan once the client and patient are more comfortable.  

Prescription Management
Whatever solution you and your clients land on for their itchy pets, it’s probably going to involve a pill, topical cream, shampoo, or spray. To avoid purchasing and stocking a large variety of products in your practice, consider using Covetrus^® Prescription Management. In addition to saving you time, money, and shelf space, an online pharmacy can help you to easily create and renew scripts and monitor compliance.

References
1. Hill, P. B., A. Lo, C. A. Eden, S. Huntley, V. Morey, S. Ramsey, C. Richardson, D. J. Smith, C. Sutton, M. D. Taylor, E. Thorpe, R. Tidmarsh, and V. Williams. "Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice." Vet Rec, June 3, 2006, 158(16): 533–539. Accessed June 8, 2023.

2. Price, Tierra, DVM. "Benadryl for Dogs." Great Pet Care. Published December 15, 2020. Accessed June 8, 2023. https://www.greatpetcare.com/petmedication/ benadryl-for-dogs/.

3. Barnette, Catherine, DVM. "Zyrtec for Dogs: Is It Safe?" Great Pet Care. Published January 23, 2023. Accessed June 8, 2023. https://www. greatpetcare.com/pet-medication/zyrtec-for-dogs/.

4. Olivry, Thierry, and Wolfgang Baeumer. "Treatment of Itch in Dogs: A Mechanistic Approach." Advances in Veterinary Dermatology, pp. 63-70. June 2017. Accessed June 8, 2023.

5. Pachel, Christopher. "Multimodal Approach to an Itchy Dog." Interview by Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD. dvm360. Recorded June 18, 2021. Accessed June 9, 2023. https://www.dvm360.com/view/multimodal-approach-to-anitchy- dog.

6. Anderson, Shilo, LVT, VTS. "Why Does My Dog Have Itchy Skin?" Today's Veterinary Nurse. March 11, 2022. Accessed June 9, 2023. https:// todaysveterinarynurse.com/dermatology/why-does-my-dog-have-itchy-skin/.