1) Flea combing (2 minutes): Comb from neck to tail and over the rump. Tap debris onto a wet white paper towel. If it turns reddish-brown (the “flea dirt” wet paper towel test), treat this as a likely flea problem even if you don’t see live fleas. Next step: contact your vet for appropriate parasite control and ask whether other pets in the home need coordinated prevention.
2) Paws (2 minutes): Look between toes for redness, moisture, odor, or brown staining from saliva. This often points toward allergy-driven itch with secondary yeast/bacterial overgrowth. Next step: schedule a vet visit; ask whether skin cytology (a quick microscope check) is appropriate to confirm yeast/bacteria.
3) Ears (2 minutes): Smell the ear and look for discharge (waxy, dark, or pus-like) or obvious discomfort when you lift the ear flap. Ear odor/discharge plus head shaking suggests otitis. Next step: book a vet exam and request an ear swab/cytology before any treatment decisions.
4) Belly/groin (2 minutes): A symmetrical pink rash or small bumps can fit environmental/contact irritation or allergy patterns. Next step: review recent grass exposure, new detergent, cleaners, or bedding; if it persists beyond a few days or worsens, schedule a vet visit.
5) Recent bathing/grooming (2 minutes): If itching started within 24–72 hours of a bath, new shampoo, fragrance, wipes, or grooming spray, contact irritation is possible. Next step: stop the new product and monitor closely; if there’s swelling, hives, or escalating itch, seek veterinary advice.
If any check reveals open sores, rapidly spreading redness, or significant pain, skip monitoring and seek prompt care.