If you’ve ever experienced a rash, sunburn, or poison ivy, you know how aggravating and uncomfortable skin problems can be. Pets can also suffer from skin disorders that affect their health and well-being. The Old 41 Animal Hospital team diagnoses and treats many dermatological conditions in pets. Here are some of the more common skin conditions and potential treatments for them.

Pet skin disorder 1: Flea allergy dermatitis 

Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders affecting cats and dogs. This type of dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which is injected into the pet’s skin when a flea bites.

Signs include:

  • Intense itching and scratching
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Hair loss, especially around the tail and lower back
  • Hot spots (i.e., acute moist dermatitis)

Our team uses flea control products (e.g., topical treatments, oral medications), anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections to treat flea allergy dermatitis. We also advise pet owners to deep clean their home after a flea infestation, which may entail laundering all linens and pet beds and sometimes using a professional extermination service.

Pet skin disorder 2: Atopic dermatitis (Atopy) 

Atopy is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease often associated with allergies. Pets can be allergic to various environmental substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and contact allergens (e.g., laundry soap, fabric dyes).

Signs include:

  • Itchy, inflamed skin
  • Licking and chewing of paws
  • Red, irritated ears
  • Recurrent skin and ear infections

Our team approaches the treatment of atopy by first identifying the allergens affecting the pet. We may also recommend antihistamines or corticosteroids, medicated shampoos, dietary changes, and immunotherapy (allergy shots). 

Pet skin disorder 3: Mange

Mange is caused by parasitic mites and results in intense itching and hair loss. There are two main types of mange: sarcoptic mange (scabies), which is highly contagious, and demodectic mange, which is not infectious and often affects young or immunocompromised pets.

Signs include:

  • Severe itching and scratching
  • Redness and inflammation
  • Hair loss
  • Scaly, crusty skin

Our team treats mange through prescription medications to kill mites, medicated baths, and antibiotics for secondary infections. Because sarcoptic mange is contagious, we recommend quarantining affected pets and the use of safe handling protocols by pet owners.

Pet skin disorder 4: Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) 

Hot spots are localized skin inflammation and infection areas that appear as raised skin lesions. Hot spots can be caused by anything that irritates the skin, including insect bites, allergies, or excessive licking and scratching.

Signs include:

  • Red, moist, and oozing lesions
  • Intense itching and discomfort
  • Hair loss around the affected area

Our team treats hot spots by cleaning and drying the affected area, applying topical antibiotics, and prescribing anti-inflammatory medications. 

Pet skin disorder 5: Ringworm 

Even though the name implies worms, ringworm is actually a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails.

Signs include:

  • Circular, hairless patches of skin
  • Red, scaly, or crusty lesions
  • Itching and discomfort

Our team recommends using antifungal medications (topical and oral), cleaning the pet’s environment, and quarantining the infected pet to treat and prevent ringworm. 

Pet skin disorder 6: Pyoderma

Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection, often secondary to other skin conditions, such as allergies or parasites.

Signs include:

  • Pustules and papules on the skin
  • Red, inflamed areas
  • Itching and discomfort
  • Foul skin odor

Our veterinary team treats pyoderma using antibiotics (topical and/or oral) while also addressing underlying conditions contributing to the problem.

Pet skin disorder 7: Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a disorder of the sebaceous glands, leading to either excessively oily or excessively dry skin. This skin disorder can be primary (genetic) or secondary to other conditions.

Signs include:

  • Greasy or dry, flaky skin
  • Skin odor
  • Hair loss
  • Itching

To treat seborrhea, our veterinarian prescribes medicated shampoos, along with managing the underlying condition triggering the problem.

Dermatology issues can be distressing for you and your four-legged friend. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve your pet’s quality of life. Schedule an appointment with The Old 41 Animal Hospital team for accurate diagnosis and treatment to help relieve your pet’s discomfort.