Stay on Top of Your Pet's Dermatology Issues

We at White Rock Animal Hospital are proud to offer a wide range of services that include both general preventative care as well as more specialized services for your pet. One service we offer that people usually do not think about for their pet is dermatology. Dermatology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of issues related to the skin. Untreated skin issues lead to constant scratching and licking that can turn into sores on the body and can lead to several other problems. If your pet is experiencing any skin issues, our team is here to help. Here are some common symptoms of underlying dermatology issues and how we diagnose and treat them at our office. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Dermatology Issues

Here are some common signs and symptoms of dermatology issues in your pet.

• Excessive scratching or licking, especially when it’s in the same spot
• Hair loss
• Flaky, dry skin
• Constant scooting or rubbing against surfaces like carpeting or thick upholstered furniture
• Chewing or biting the skin
• Repeatedly rubbing faces or ears
• Refusal to allow you to touch certain areas of their body

If any of these signs persist for more than a few days, you should contact our team about scheduling a dermatology appointment. 

Common Pet Conditions

There are several reasons why your pet may be exhibiting any of these dermatological symptoms. However, there are a few more common conditions that our veterinarian team generally see.

Allergic Dermatitis: Humans aren't the only ones to have allergies. All animals can potentially have an allergic reaction to certain foods and grasses. A dermatological reaction to that allergen is common in these cases. Reactions like itching, redness, and hair loss in addition to non-skin reactions like sneezing and runny eyes could be signs of an allergy. 

Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen. It can also be caused by the ingestion of substances that the animal is sensitive to. This can cause irritation in a certain spot or all over the pet’s body.

Cushing's Disease: Also called hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing's disease occurs when the adrenal glands secrete excess cortisone. More common in dogs than cats, this disease can result in hair loss, as well as non-skin symptoms like lethargy and excessive thirst with excessive urination. 

Ringworm: Ringworm is a bit of a misnomer, as this is a skin condition that is caused by fungi and not a type of worm. Ringworm generally affects younger puppies and kittens but it be can present in dogs of any age. It is generally more common to appear in pets that frequent boarding and daycare-like facilities. The dermatological symptoms of ringworm include skin lesions, scaly patches, hair loss, and excessive itching or licking. 

Contact Our Team to Make an Appointment

Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your pet? If so, do not let your pet continue to be in pain or discomfort. Our team at White Rock Animal Hospital can help treat a pet’s skin problems. Contact us today to see how we can provide quality dermatology to pets living in the Lakewood, Lochwood, or Lake Highland area.