Understanding Pet Dermatology
Your cat or dog needs proper skin care, just like you do. Pets with dermatology issues can suffer significant discomfort that disrupts their daily life. They can even experience hair loss and severe infections if they do not get treatment. Understanding pet dermatology issues and their causes is vital for ensuring your pet receives the best care possible to keep it healthy and happy. Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic in Yorktown, VA, is here to provide long-lasting relief for your pet’s dermatology problems. Continue reading to learn about common causes of pet skin issues and how we can resolve them.
Common Causes of Pet Skin Issues
One of the main culprits of skin problems in pets is seasonal allergies. Pollen, mold, grass, and ragweed can all contribute to your pet’s irritation. Other frequent causes of dermatology issues include parasites, such as fleas and ticks, and food allergies. Your pet may constantly itch or scratch when bit by fleas or ticks. Food ingredients can also cause skin issues in pets, such as repeated skin infections, smelly skin, and hair loss.
Symptoms and Treatments of Dermatology Issues
Dermatology symptoms can be far-ranging and include multiple signs of discomfort in your pet. You should get your cat or dog evaluated by a veterinarian near you if it exhibits the following:
• Itching or scratching
• Loss of fur
• Hot spots, or bald patches with red inflamed skin
• Scaly skin
• Excessive dandruff
• Excessive licking
• Rubbing against furniture
• Bumps, lumps, and pimples
• Crusted skin
• Smelly skin
• Biting or chewing its skin
• Bleeding
Your vet will perform a thorough exam, which may include blood and skin tests, to pinpoint the cause of your pet’s dermatology problems and allow for proper treatment. Your veterinarian may prescribe medicated shampoo, topical steroid cream, oral anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medicine, and parasite control. You can also help alleviate skin problems in your pet by wiping down its paws and face when it comes in from outdoors. Regularly bathing and grooming your pet can remove irritants on its skin. You must also consider limiting your pet’s time outside on high pollen and mold days.
Get Treatment for Your Pet’s Skin Issues Today at Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic
Your pet’s skin issues can be an extremely frustrating experience that may cause significant health problems if you do not treat them, so contact Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic in Yorktown, VA, to get your pet the treatment necessary to remain happy and healthy. Call us and schedule an appointment with our veterinary team at (757) 865-6510.
