Scratch. Scratch. Scratch. It's not just a chronic habit a lot of dogs and cats have, it's a sign that something is wrong. It's also so common that many pet owners all but give up trying to find the reason that their furry friends itch so often. The truth is, however, that most scratching is directly related to problems that could possibly be solved without expensive medicine or ongoing trips to the vet. While medicine can certainly help, it may not address the source of the problem, so the primary goal is to find out what's making Fido itch.

The first thing to consider is whether a pet may have allergies. Dogs and cats can be allergic to any number of things. Just like people, we can react to environmental conditions like pollen and mold. We can also have trouble dealing with pesticides, like the ones many lawn care companies use on our yards. We can even be allergic to some shampoos and soaps.

If our allergies are not environmental, it's highly likely that they are food-related. Interestingly, we can develop allergies to many common foods even if we've not been sensitive to them in the past. Allergies to chicken, for instance, can develop later in a pet's life because of overexposure. Well-known culprits are wheat and corn, but we can be allergic to any number of proteins, vegetables, fruits or grains. Vets can run allergy panels to determine what's making us uncomfortable. However, if your pet is scratching a lot or chewing his or her paws, you could see a major difference just by switching to a wheat- or corn-free food. If the change does not work, a trip to the vet may be in order. Don't forget to include wheat-and corn-free treats when making the switch!

Dry skin can also cause us to scratch. Adding healthy fats to our diet can be very helpful in combating dryness. Most pet supply stores sell fish oil formulated for cats and dogs. Just a tiny bit in our food can add moisture to our skin.

Of course, if we're chewing one spot in particular, such as a paw, it is important to rule out any foreign objects that may have gotten lodged in our pads. Additionally, if we seem particularly itchy, it's possible that we have parasites like fleas, ticks or mites. Some of these are far too small for people to see, so a trip to the vet is definitely in order if you suspect parasites.

Finally, we may be chronically scratching simply because we're bored. Similar to people who chew their finger-nails because of anxiety, we may develop unhealthy habits because we're in need of exercise or attention. While this is not usually the cause of constant scratching, it is an important consideration.

When a dog or cat exhibits frequent scratching, develops hot spots, or shakes his head a lot (a sign of ear infections), it's best to see a vet. That said, I'm a big believer in finding out why we're itching rather than just treating the problem. Many vets will prescribe steroids or antibiotics, and while these may be necessary, staying on them long-term is not a viable solution. Before resorting to a daily medication regimen, it's best to assess all of the factors that might be behind your pet's discomfort.

Who knows, just a simple change in diet could mean the difference between scratch, scratch, scratch or wag, wag, wag … purr, purr, purr!