SKIN problems such as itchiness, sores and inflammation are one of the most common reasons that pets are brought to see the vet. Pets such as dogs and cats can suffer from a large variety of skin problems caused by allergies, parasites, bacterial and fungal infections, metabolic diseases and immune disorders. A common cause for licking and swelling, leading to infection is imbedded grass seeds. Checking in-between paws and daily grooming can help prevent this from happening.
There are some common signs of skin problems in pets. These include itching, scratching or licking areas of the skin excessively. You may also notice areas of hair-loss, coat thinning, red or inflamed skin, or development of pustules, sores or scabby skin. If you notice changes like these, it can be a good idea to initially carefully check their skin and coat for any obvious lesions. If your pet is showing any of the signs associated with skin problems, it is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will conduct a full physical examination of your pet, and ask you the relevant questions about your pets history and if there has been any changes around the house or garden.
Skins problems in pets can develop from a variety of causes. There are several skin parasites which can affect pets including fleas, and mites – also referred to as mange. Fleas can affect both dogs and cats – with pets suffering from both flea infestations and also flea allergy dermatitis.
Some pets are allergic to the flea’s saliva when they bite the pet, resulting in a high degree of itchiness, referred to as flea allergy dermatitis. There are a variety of widely available flea prevention products which can help with both flea infestations and flea allergy dermatitis. Skin mites or mange is another skin problem in pets. Some pets can have skin mites and won’t display any signs of irritation, whilst in other cases, dogs will be itchy and may develop areas of hair loss and skin damage with secondary skin infections. Skin mites or mange can be treated, and there are also several preventative products available which will help protect your pet.
Pets can suffer from a large variety of skin allergies, which can cause itchiness, hair-loss and development of areas of scabby dermatitis – or inflammation of the skin. Skin allergies are often referred to as atopy or atopic dermatitis, with atopy referring to the pet’s genetic tendency to develop allergic disease. Atopy in pets can be caused by indoor and outdoor allergens, and can affect your pet if the allergens are eaten, inhaled or if they come into physical contact with them.
This means that some pets may be allergic to certain foods, or they can be allergic to pollens, grasses, mould, dust mites or a large variety of other allergens. Allergic pets will often excessively lick their paws or scratch their ears. Skin allergies are often chronic or long term diseases, and usually require ongoing treatment and management to help your pet. Pets can also develop hypersensitivity skin reactions to insect bites such as from spiders, bees and ants.
Pets can also get a variety of skin problems caused by infections with bacterial and fungal micro-organisms. Bacterial infections can quickly cause sores and dermatitis, which can be itchy and painful.
Dogs can commonly suffer from hot spots, which refers to areas of bacterial dermatitis on the skin usually initially caused by some sort of trauma – such as the pet licking or scratching a particular area of their skin as a result of allergies, flea bites or small wounds. Skin infections often need to be treated with topical and systemic medications, together with cleaning the affected area.
Through examining your pet, undertaking clinical investigations and diagnosing what is causing the skin problems, your vet will then be able to implement a management plan for your pet – to keep them as happy and healthy as possible.
