Pet skin conditions are one of the most common reasons most pet owners take their pet to a veterinarian. Skin disorders characterized by redness, inflammation, excessive scratching, and bumps might result from fleas, allergies, ticks, or mange. Don't let your pet suffer from the discomfort of any pet skin condition! Please contact our veterinarian at Central Virginia Veterinary Clinic, serving the Louisa region. We understand how important it is for pets to have healthy skin and fur.
Symptoms of Pet Skin Conditions
Pet skin conditions are more widespread in warmer seasons, where seasonal allergies and other prevailing allergic symptoms are likely to be experienced. As a pet owner, it's imperative to be attentive to spot any skin conditions your pet is struggling with, as they can signal an underlying health condition. Pet skin conditions may range from mild to severe, which warrants the services of a reputable veterinarian.
There are several signs that your pets manifest, which signal that they are experiencing pet skin conditions. They include:
- Sensitivity to touch
- Excessive licking, chewing or scratching
- Discolored or reddish skin
- Dry, oily, or flaky skin
- Skin wounds
- Disruption of regular play to lick or scratch a particular body part
- Explicit lump located underneath or on your pet's skin
- A foul odor emanating from your pet's skin
- Dull and dry looking coat or losing hair in patches
Causes of Pet Skin Conditions
Pets can contract various skin diseases just like humans can, and some are prevalent in both people and pets. Some of them include:
Environmental or food allergies: Pets can be allergic to the food they consume. Food allergies pronounced in dogs are proteins, with the apparent culprits being beef, dairy eggs, and chicken. Environmental allergies are primarily hereditary and are widespread in certain breeds. Contact with grass, pollen, or dust mites may cause itchiness on the face, feet, and tummy.
Fleas: Pets are sensitive to fleas and can develop allergies, propagating severe skin ailments. Pets infested with fleas may become allergic to flea saliva and experience a lot of itchiness after being bitten.
Mange: This is propagated by several species of mites. Mite infections are mostly seasonal, but sometimes they can crop up all year round. Other causes include:
- Bacterial infections
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Dandruff
- Yeast infections
How a Veterinarian Treats Pet Skin Conditions
Successful treatment of skin disorders requires finding the primary trigger. Several treatment plans for pet skin conditions are applied directly to the skin. Some skin ailments can be treated either through the application(topically) to the skin or systematic treatment that comprises medications taken by mouth or injections.
Let Our Veterinary Team Treat Your Pet Today
Statistics reveal that skin pet conditions are the number one canine disorder diagnosed by veterinarians. Although many pet owners take them as minor cases, they may be painful and debilitating to your pet. Don't hesitate to contact Central Virginia Animal Clinic serving the Louisa region. Call (540) 967-1404 for an appointment today.