Finding the cause of itching often takes time and more than one vet visit1. The AVMA says your vet will ask when signs began, how itchy your pet is, about flea and parasite control, diet and treats, home and surroundings, and what has been tried before1. This diary keeps all of that in one place.
Signs worth writing down
- Scratching, licking, biting, chewing, rubbing or rolling1
- Overgrooming (cats)1
- Red skin, hair loss or hot spots1
- Head shaking, red ears or an odor from the ears1
- Sneezing or coughing1
- Vomiting, diarrhea or gas1
Many of these signs can point to other health problems too, so the AVMA says to contact your vet when you notice them1.
Before your visit
- Age when the itching first started: ______________________
- Flea and tick control used, and the last date given: ______________________ (for pets allergic to flea saliva, even a few bites can set off an intense reaction1)
- Everything your pet eats: food, treats, chews and table scraps: ______________________
- Anything new at home or outside: cleaners, bedding, plants, yard work, season: ______________________
- What you have tried so far, and what happened: ______________________
Daily itch score
Each evening, rate your pet from 0 to 10. 0 = normal. 5 = scratching often but can be distracted. 10 = can't stop, even to eat, sleep or play. This is your own scale, so keep it consistent.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | |||||||
| Week 2 | |||||||
| Week 3 | |||||||
| Week 4 |
| Week | Where (paws, ears, belly, face, rear) | Weather, pollen, season | New foods or treats? | Baths (dates) | Notes and photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | |||||
| 4 |
If your vet suggests a food trial
When other causes are ruled out, a vet may suggest an elimination diet trial to see whether food is involved1. A 2015 review found that by 8 weeks on the trial diet, more than 90% of dogs and cats with food-related skin reactions had fully improved. The authors concluded these trials should last at least 8 weeks2. Ask your vet exactly what is allowed during the trial, including treats and chews, and keep using this diary.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Allergies in pets. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/allergies-pets
- Olivry T, Mueller RS, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (1): duration of elimination diets. BMC Veterinary Research 2015;11:225. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0541-3