Dermatology
Inevitably, most dogs and cats will experience symptoms of skin problems at some point in their lives. Fortunately, in most cases the underlying cause will not be serious and the condition can easily be treated.
Common Symptoms:
- Strange Bumps or Lumps
- Red, Irritated Skin or Sores
- Excessive Scratching or Licking
- Obsessive Biting or Chewing of Skin
- Dry or Flaking Skin
- Scooting
- Constant Rubbing of the Face or Ears
- Loss of Hair/Fur
Skin problems are common in dogs and cats and can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. These issues can be particularly difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly.
We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions do require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Often this will include a skin cytology to look for infection under the microscope. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, or biopsies.
Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps.
Ways to Help Prevent Your Cat or Dog From Developing Skin Problems
The cause of your pet’s skin problem will dictate the type of preventive measures you can can take. Once your dog or cat has been diagnosed and treated, your veterinarian will be able to recommend steps you can take to help prevent the issue from recurring.
Changing your pet’s diet, soaps and/or grooming products are all possible actions you can take to help keep your pet’s skin healthy and free from irritations. Your vet may also recommend parasite prevention, grooming changes, or creating a quieter environment for an anxious pet.
Skin problems are common in dogs and cats and can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. These issues can be particularly difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly.
We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions do require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Often this will include a skin cytology to look for infection under the microscope. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, or biopsies.
Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps.
Ways to Help Prevent Your Cat or Dog From Developing Skin Problems
The cause of your pet’s skin problem will dictate the type of preventive measures you can can take. Once your dog or cat has been diagnosed and treated, your veterinarian will be able to recommend steps you can take to help prevent the issue from recurring.
Changing your pet’s diet, soaps and/or grooming products are all possible actions you can take to help keep your pet’s skin healthy and free from irritations. Your vet may also recommend parasite prevention, grooming changes, or creating a quieter environment for an anxious pet.
