Pet owners know that skin conditions are among the most common reasons why they seek veterinary care. Watching their furry friends scratch, lick, and bite at their skin in discomfort can be heartbreaking, and frustrating. Pets’ skin conditions are the result of many different factors, and you must understand the underlying reasons to help your pet feel better. At Aberdeen Veterinary Clinic, your pet’s well-being is our priority, so we explain the reasons for common skin conditions and how you can help your pet. 

Skin conditions can occur anytime, but spring is prime time for pets to suffer. However, skin conditions can be hard to identify, so pet owners must understand and be able to recognize skin conditions in pets so they can help their pet feel comfortable.

1: Flea allergy dermatitis

Flea bites are the most common reason for pet itchiness and skin problems, despite the fact that flea allergies are easily preventable. Flea bites cause all pets discomfort, but a single flea bite can cause extremely intense itching in some extra-sensitive pets. The resulting condition, called flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), is characterized by red, inflamed skin, hair loss, and open sores, and can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections when the skin is broken. Pets with FAD must be on year-round monthly flea preventives, and pet owners must eliminate all fleas in the home by washing pet bedding and thorough house-wide regular cleaning, although total elimination may need a professional exterminator. 

2: Atopic dermatitis

Seasonal allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, result when pets are allergic to a substance in their environment, such as food, pollen, mold, dust, and grasses. Atopic pets often are intensely itchy and may scratch, rub, bite, or chew at their skin, causing redness, raw, inflamed paws and feet, recurrent ear infections, and skin lesions. Treatment includes regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos, wiping paws when coming indoors, using air purifiers with HEPA filters in the home, and taking oral systemic medications (e.g., Apoquel, Cytopoint). 

3: Skin infections

A pet’s skin can become infected when a primary skin issue is left untreated. Broken skin from itching and scratching can harbor bacteria and yeast, and some pets will have two infections at once. The open, oozing sores are usually accompanied by redness, swelling, and foul odor. Your veterinarian will diagnose the type of infection and may prescribe oral antibiotics and antifungals, lotions, ointments, or medicated shampoo. 

4: Hot spots

Hot spots are self-inflicted open sores caused by intense licking or scratching in one specific area. Hot spots are oozing, red, inflamed sores often found on the head, legs, and hips, but can occur anywhere on the body. Hot spots are extremely uncomfortable and intensely itchy, and pets often cannot leave the spot alone. Veterinary treatment is necessary and will likely include clipping the hair around the spot, cleaning with an antiseptic solution, and applying medicated ointment or lotion several times a day. Your pet may also need to wear an Elizabethan cone or Buster collar so the hot spot can heal fully. 

5: Mange

Several types of parasitic mites cause mange in dogs. In its early stages, mange manifests as itchiness and hair loss, but then progresses to lesions, intense itchiness, and thickened skin, if not treated. Secondary skin infections are common, as the immune system may be depressed when mange is present. Treatment includes oral systemic medications, medicated shampoo and, if the ears are affected, medicated ointment or drops. 

6: Ringworm

Ringworm is not a worm, as the name would suggest, but a fungal infection that appears as a red, ring-shaped, hairless skin lesion. Ringworm is highly contagious to other pets and people, so recognizing and treating ringworm quickly is vital. Treatment includes oral systemic medications and topical medications. 

7: Seborrhea

A hormonal imbalance, autoimmune diseases, nutrition deficiencies, parasites, or allergies can cause seborrhea in dogs. Signs include hair loss, itchy skin, dry, flaky skin, foul odor, or an oily or greasy coat. Depending on the cause, treatment can consist of systemic medications, anti-seborrheic shampoos or sprays, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements. 

8: Feline chin acne

The small red pimples that appear on a cat’s chin are poorly understood. This condition appears as a dirty-looking chin with pimples, hair loss, itchiness, and swelling. Possible causes are stress, allergies, a depressed immune system, poor grooming, and abnormal sebaceous gland production. Treatment may include improved hygiene, cleaning with antiseptic pads or wipes, omega-3 supplements, and an antibiotic ointment. 

Pets with skin conditions are never comfortable, and veterinary treatment is required. As soon as you recognize that your pet has a skin condition, schedule an appointment with your Aberdeen Veterinary Clinic team. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. We want to ditch their itch.