| Level of Itch |
|
| 1 |
Normal pet. A bored, lazy scratch here or there. |
| 2 |
Very mild. Occasional episodes of itching. Slightly more itchy than usual bored scratch. |
| 3 |
Scratching maybe a few times a day. Can be stopped when called, with distraction, food, play time. Sleeps soundly during the night. |
| 4 |
Scratching or licking episodes increase, maybe a half-dozen times a day. Can still be stopped easily by the owner. Irritated skin may appear pink. |
| 5 |
Frequency of itching is annoying to me. Happens only when pet is awake and not doing anything else. Sleeps and eats without scratching interruptions. |
| 6 |
Itching more frequently throughout the day. Furniture, bed, or pet’s skin may be damp when itching. Primarily during the day. Redness at skin or hair discoloration may be noted at scratched / licked areas. |
| 7 |
Regular episodes of itching while awake. May also wake up occasionally at night to scratch. Irritated areas appear inflamed, hair may be thinning. |
| 8 |
Pet itching for longer stretches when awake. Frequently gets up at night to scratch. Sometimes scratches during playtime or mealtimes. Redness becoming more apparent, hair may be coming out in clumps. |
| 9 |
Scratching or chewing through most of the day. Will stop eating or playing to scratch for a long period. Staying up throughout the night to itch. Patches of hairloss visible, red or thickened skin. |
| 10 |
Pet is scratching constantly. Chewing, licking, itching almost never stops, regardless of any other activity or distraction going on around pet. Chases itch, it is urgent for the pet to scratch / chew. Obvious hairloss and irritation visible, pet may be injuring itself to the point of bleeding or ulceration. |
