Explore our other services
article-information-icon

Pet Insurance

10 May 2024

Why is my pet scratching?

 

Dr Harry: Why is my pet scratching?

Here comes summer, but we need to get through spring, the season where allergies begin to raise their ugly heads.

Our dogs and cats are no different. It was always fleas that were the number one culprit when it came to allergies. The sight of a poor dog constantly scratching, usually at the lower part of its back, till the condition became so bad hair would fall out, the skin would be constantly oozing serum, in short the dogs smelt and looked terrible. Cats were never quite  that bad but they did continually scratch too, with the inevitable ‘flea eggs’ deposited everywhere. They were however not flea eggs that we saw, but rather little black granules. Almost like a grain of sand. If you wet them they turned brick red. This was in fact flea manure,partly digested blood!

An easy way to test if your pet has fleas is to have them sleep on a nice white sheet overnight. In the morning very gently pick up all four corners and slowly agitate the material until whatever is present accumulates in the centre. If it is typical ‘flea dirt’ and you can confirm this with the water test, you have all the proof you need.  

Dr. Harry and Dog Image

Fleas should not be a problem for your pet today. There are a great number of tablets, spot-ons, and collars that will keep them at bay. The problem always was that for every flea on your pet there are another 25 waiting in the wings as eggs or larvae, ready to reinfest your pet.

The important thing about all of these products is that you must follow the directions. They will not control the flea problem in your household unless used regularly, following the manufacturers recommendations. What if your pet still scratches? Well, you have to look elsewhere.

Food allergies are a possibility, as are dust mites that inhabit your home.

 

Over my years in practice though there is one other standout that causes severe allergies. Wandering Jew, it is a dark green, lush looking weed that grows in a prostrate fashion in shaded and dampish areas. It always feels cool to touch, which is why your dog loves to lie on it on a hot day. This weed is not easy to kill! Smothering it with black plastic works well for me.

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Comprehensive Plus annual limit#

Claim up to $30,000 a year

Comprehensive Plus annual limit#

Claim up to 80% back*

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills

Claim up to 80% back*

Lifetime cover‡

Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life

Lifetime cover‡

Introducing GapOnly®

Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims=

Introducing GapOnly®

Get access to VetAssist free with every new pet policy†

With Everyday VetAssist you can have a video call or online chat consultation with a licensed Australian Vet. It's perfect for those times when you're unsure if a trip to the Vet is required and you need some advice.

Find out more

VettAssit Icon

Related articles

Why do dogs lick?                                           

Find out more
Dog Image

Why do dogs get anxious?                                 

Find out more
Dog Image

Can you trust Dr Google?                                   

Find out more
Dr. Harry

The first 200 days of owning a puppy

Find out more
Dr. Harry and Puppy Image
text

† Offer available to new Everyday Pet Insurance policyholders, and is limited to 1 membership per eligible policy. The free membership offer (valued at $199p.a) is from the date of your policy commencement, provided your Everyday Pet Insurance policy remains active. You are not eligible to redeem the free membership subscription for cash or credit. VetAssist is a separate subscription based service to the Everyday Pet Insurance product, and is provided independently by Everyday Insurance third party service provider, VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). Click here for full VetAssist Service terms and conditions. Everyday Insurance reserves the right to withdraw or extend this offer at anytime, without notice.

text

* Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text

# Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text

= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text

‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text

Any general advice provided by Dr Harry Cooper in relation to Everyday Pet Insurance is provided as an Authorised Representative of Hollard and PetSure through an arrangement with Woolworths AR No. 1000933.

text

Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

footer-acknowledgement

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples and acknowledge Elders past and present.

Read more about our commitment to reconciliation

Life Insurance is issued by Swiss Re Life & Health Australia Limited ABN 74 000 218 306 AFSL No. 324908 (Swiss Re) and administered by Greenstone Financial Services Pty Ltd, ABN 53 128 692 884; AFSL No. 343079 (Greenstone). Roadside assistance is provided by Digicall Assist Pty Ltd ABN 92 152 605 340. Car, Home, and Landlords Insurance are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473 AFSL No. 241436 (Hollard).

Pet Insurance policies are issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183, except for those entered into before 17 July 2023 & subsequent renewals, which are issued by Hollard.

Travel Insurance policies are issued by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193 and administered by nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461. 

Woolworths Group Limited, AR 245476 acts as Hollard, PetSure, nib’s and Greenstone's Authorised Representative.

Any general advice provided does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) Target Market Determination (TMD) available on this website, to decide if the product is right for you.

© Woolworths Group Limited 2020. All rights reserved. ABN 88 000 014 675