Owner Resources: Skin and Itch

Evidence-based guides for pet owners dealing with chronic itch and skin issues in dogs. These articles complement Track the Itch by helping you understand what your vet is doing and how to support your dog.

Topics

Understanding the condition

• Understanding Atopic Dermatitis — What it is, what to expect, and realistic goals.
• Diagnostic Workflow — Step-by-step: what your vet will do and when.

Tracking and scoring

• Itch Scoring Guide — The 0–10 scale and behaviours to watch.

Treatment and care

• Treatment Overview — Anti-itch medications, infection control, parasite prevention.
• Elimination Diet — How to do a food trial and why strictness matters.
• Infection and Skin Care — Skin and ear infections, when to recheck.
• Rechecks and Tracking — Why metrics matter and what to bring to visits.

Reference

• Glossary — Definitions of dermatology and itch terms.
• Common Medications — Anti-itch meds, antibiotics, antifungals, and skin care.
• Flea and Worm Products (NZ) — What products are available in New Zealand and what they cover.

Using Track the Itch with these guides

Log daily itch scores, treatments, and parasite prevention in the app. Download or email a report before each vet visit so your vet has the full picture.