Many pets experience similar dermatological issues as humans. Your pet can have dermatitis, alopecia, impetigo, folliculitis, and yeast infections. When the skin is affected, your pet’s entire appearance changes, and they experience immense discomfort. To combat these problems, our team offers dermatological services. We are experienced in diagnosing skin problems in pets and providing effective treatment.
What are signs of skin problems?
Skin problems can manifest in different ways in your pet. The good news is that they can be spotted easily if you know what to look for. If you notice any of these abnormalities in your pet, please take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Red patches
- Smelly fur
- Bald patches
- Thinning hair or dull coat
- Dandruff
What’s causing my pet to itch?
Your pet’s itch may be due to the following issues:
- Parasites – Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause intense itching in pets. These parasites can easily infect your pet anytime, even during the winter. Ticks are active when the weather is above 4 degrees Celsius. Your pet can get parasites from other animals or areas with tall grass or bushes.
- Hormonal disease – Canines often suffer from hypothyroidism, while felines have hyperthyroidism. Dogs will have excess weight gain, greasy skin, and chronic infections. Hormonal disorders can lead to yeast infections.
- Food allergy – Some pets are allergic to certain foods and treats. The reaction will cause your pet to itch around their ears, belly, armpits, and in their rear.
- Environmental allergy – Dust mites, pollen, and grass are just some of the environmental allergens that can affect pets. You may notice your pet excessively licking their paw, rubbing their face or, shaking their head after spending time outside.
What treatments are available for my pet’s skin issues?
This depends on the root cause of your pet’s dermatological issues. Our team will perform tests to determine what is causing your pet to have flare-ups and then treat them accordingly. We don’t recommend using DIYs to treat dermatological issues. Here are the treatment options based on the cause:
- Modified diet – If your pet’s skin issues are due to food allergies, we may recommend a new diet. Reducing certain foods or adding low allergen foods to your pet’s diet may improve their skin.
- Oral medications or topical creams – This treatment is helpful if your pet’s issues are caused by parasites and/or infections.
- Supplements – Thyroid supplements are also a great option to treat certain skin issues.