Outside of routine wellness exams and vaccinations, one of the most common reasons pets see us is for a skin (dermatological) problem. While we are not pet dermatology specialists, we can investigate your pet’s particular problem, run diagnostics, and explore possible treatment options to give them relief. Itchy skin may be common among dogs and some cats, but left untreated, it can lead to secondary infections and other health problems. Woodland Animal Hospital’s doctors are experienced when it comes to treating various skin disorders and pet allergies. If your pet is itchy and unhappy, our team can help!
Signs of a Skin Condition in Dogs and Cats
Skin disorders and allergies are more common in dogs, but cats can suffer from them as well. Below are some of the common characteristics of a skin condition that should warrant timely treatment from your veterinarian.
- Incessant scratching, licking, and chewing at the skin
- Areas of redness and inflammation on the skin
- Bald patches/hair loss on the body and between the toes
- Ear infection (ears are inflamed)
- Dull/greasy coat
- Dandruff
- Scaly, dry patches of skin
- Clusters of bumps on the skin (could be hives)
- A pungent odor coming from the skin and/or ears
Could My Pet Have an Allergy?
Pets can and do get allergies, and while they are not permanently curable, they can still be managed with the right treatment. Allergies in dogs and cats are caused by a hypersensitivity to certain allergens, including:
- Grass
- Pollen
- Mold
- Human and animal dander
- Dust/dust mites
- Flea saliva
- Chicken, pork, beef, and eggs
Can My Pet Be Treated?
Woodland Animal Hospital offers several options for relieving your pet’s itching and other allergy symptoms (if they have an allergy), and helping them live a more comfortable and happy life. Additionally, if your pet has a secondary skin infection resulting from licking and scratching, we can prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection and heal the damaged skin barrier.
Treatment for allergies and skin disorders can take time, especially if we need to try more than one approach. However, we have different options for relieving itchy skin, which is our foremost concern. From there, we can explore diagnostic modalities and further treatment options to improve your pet’s quality of life.
