If you’ve got an itchy dog or itchy cat, chances are, she has a skin condition and should be examined by your veterinarian. There are many different conditions that can impact your pet’s skin, and effective pet skincare requires an accurate diagnosis.
At Summeridge Animal Clinic, we offer dermatology diagnostics and treatment options in Ontario, Canada to keep your pet comfortable in her own skin. Some conditions, like allergies, can flare up in warmer months, while other issues, like dry skin, can be triggered by cold weather. Whatever the case, we’ll get to the bottom of your pet’s discomfort and customize a course of effective treatment.
Symptoms of Skin Problems
Skin conditions can manifest in a variety of ways, including the following:
- Incessant scratching, rubbing against something, or licking the same spot
- Bald patches
- Rashes or grainy bumps
- Dry, scaly skin
- Inflammation and redness
- Open sores or scabs
- Yellow discharge or crusty patches
- Oily skin
Common Conditions That Require Pet Skincare
Allergies: Both environmental and food allergies rank near the top of health conditions that cause skin and coat issues in cats and dogs.
Parasitic Infections: Flea bites can cause allergic dermatitis and make pets extremely uncomfortable.
Other Infections: Fungal infections such as ringworm, impetigo (a bacterial infection more commonly seen in puppies), and yeast infections can all cause skin and coat problems for pets.
Mange: This serious skin condition is caused by several species of mites that take up residence on our cats and dogs.
Stress: Dogs and cats may over groom or bite at their skin if they’re experiencing anxiety.
Dandruff: Dry winter weather can make your pet’s skin dry and flaky.
Contact Dermatitis: Our pets can have reactions to things that they come into contact with, like cat litter, home cleaning products, and pet shampoos.
How to Help Your Itchy Dog or Itchy Cat
First, your pet needs an accurate diagnosis. At Summeridge Animal Clinic servicing Thornhill and Vaughan, Ontario, Dr. Bouchard will examine your pet during every wellness visit for signs of skin abnormalities. This is also the perfect time to report any behaviours you’ve spotted that could indicate that your pet has a skin problem.
To pinpoint the cause of your pet’s discomfort, we may perform one of the following:
- Cytology
- Skin scrape
- Biopsy
Preventing Skin Conditions in Pets
A high-quality diet goes a long way toward keeping your pet’s skin and coat healthy. Additionally, parasite preventives are a must, even for indoor pets. And keep anxiety at bay by providing your pets with plenty of TLC, playtime, and exercise.
Please call us at (905) 731–1225 with any questions or concerns about your pet’s skin. We’re here to help!
