Skin problems are common in both cats and dogs. But this may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem. Itching isn’t just a nuisance when it happens to your pet; it can be a very stressful and even painful situation for them.
Scratching irritates the skin and increases the risk of infection by creating tiny cuts. The health of your pet as a whole depends on how you look after their skin. So, keep reading to find out about common pet skin issues and learn when to seek help from a vet.
Medical Conditions Which Typically Cause Itching
Just like humans, our pets will experience itchy skin at one point or another. Since the skin is the biggest organ in both humans and animals, any issues with it can cause considerable distress. That being said, skin problems do need to be checked out by a vet and may require treatment, so they don’t become worse.
Fleas
One of the most frequent causes of itching in cats and dogs is the bite of one of these tiny bloodsucking, disease-transmitting pests. When a pet develops an allergy to the flea’s saliva, a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis can set in, causing intense itching and even infection, particularly on the animal’s back.
Medications can be prescribed by your vet to help with the parasite problem. In addition, you can prevent fleas by giving your pet preventative puppy vaccinations, as they are a critical part of ensuring your pet’s overall health.
Allergies
Many different types of allergies exist. There are numerous things in your pet’s environment that can trigger an allergic reaction, including fleas, their food or treats, dust mites, pollens, grasses and other plants, wool, and more. Allergies in dogs and cats can manifest as a rash, redness, and sometimes even ear and skin infections.
So it is important to work with your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s allergies. To learn more about diagnosing and treating skin allergies in pets, visit this page.
Bacterial and Yeast Infections
Small amounts of bacteria or yeast on your pet’s skin are normal, but when these microorganisms grow their numbers and an infection sets in, the itching gets out of hand. Allergies and parasites are common causes of secondary illnesses in canines and felines.
Hot Spots
Excessive licking, biting, or scratching of one area of the body causes hot spots, usually as a symptom of another problem. These spots, most commonly seen on dogs, are red and swollen and can grow rapidly in size, sometimes from the size of a quarter in just a few hours.
The discharge from hot spots could be pus or watery, which produces a foul smell. If you notice your dog is itching excessively and unable to stop, you should take it to a Dallas veterinary clinic to find the cause and treat it.
What Can the Vet Do to Help Your Pet’s Skin Problem?
Your vet can provide you with a number of highly effective and safe treatment choices, like oral medications and injectable serum, to alleviate your pet’s itching and infection. First, your veterinarian will examine your pet’s history of symptoms and run diagnostics like skin scrapings, allergy testing, and microscopic evaluation to determine the probable nature of your pet’s skin condition. After making a prognosis, the vet will choose a treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
It’s frustrating when your pet has skin issues, and you can’t help them stop scratching. The good news is that you can effectively treat your pet’s condition with the help of your vet and get them feeling better quickly so they can do all their favorite activities once again without suffering from annoying itching.
