Skin Problems

There are many issues that can effect the skin of your pets. I have tried to list a few of the most common issues here for your reference. The first thing you should do is rule out the possibility of a contagious disease-especially if you have other pets. Remember, it is ALWAYS best to seek veterinary care for your animal for ANY suspected medical issues!

Contagious

Sarcoptic mange mites - (also known by many as Scabies) cause frantic scratching. These mites also cause hair loss in dogs, especially around the elbows and ears, which can become crusty and scabby. Sarcoptic mange is transmitted through direct contact with other canines and can be passed to humans. Treatment consists of a series of medicated dips or injections.

Ringworm- is a fungal infection that causes inflammation, scaly patches and hair loss in dogs and cats, particularly young ones. Ringworm can be passed to other animals and to humans. Treatment may involve shampoo and creams available from your veterinarian. In severe cases, oral drugs may be prescribed.

Fleas - continuous, persistent scratching can be the first sign that your dog or cat is infested. Skin irritations and allergic reactions may be caused by flea bites or droppings. And some animals, especially cats, are sensitive to the products used to kill fleas. An allergic reaction to the medication in a flea collar, for example, can cause redness and irritation on some cats' necks. Never use products that have been developed for dogs on your cat, and vice versa.

Non-Contagious

Demodectic Mange - (also called Demodex or Red Mange) Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite called Demodex Canis.  All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess this mite as mites are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of life.  (After the pup is older it is unable to pick up demodex mites. Puppies raised by hand, do not ever get demodex mites.)  For some reason, conditions change in certain dogs to allow demodex mites to "gain the upper hand;" the mites proliferate and can cause serious skin disease. There are three forms of Demodex; localized,  generalized and Demodectic Pododermatitis. Symptoms usually  appear as red, scaly, well-circumscribed lesions along with hair loss in affected areas. The location and severity of the symptoms usually determine the form of the Demodex. 

Hay fever and allergies - your pet's itching can indicate a sensitivity to various substances such as trees, mold, grasses, fleas, rugs, fabrics and food. Bathing your pet too frequently or with the wrong product can also promote skin problems. ASPCA experts recommend a monthly bath for most dogs, and much less frequent baths for cats.

 Dry, flaky, itchy skin in the cold winter months - A dietary supplement that contains essential fatty acids may provide relief. You can also rub a topical conditioner into your pet's coat to help soothe irritated skin and restore lost moisture. A good diet, too, is essential in maintaining a healthy skin and coat.

Food Allergies - Food allergy is one of the itchiest conditions known to cat and dog. Animals eat a variety of processed food proteins, fillers, and colorings which are further processed inside their bodies. Proteins may be combined or changed into substances recognized by the immune system as foreign invaders to be attacked. The classical canine food allergy lesion distribution includes signs of facial itching, foot or limb chewing, belly itching, recurrent ear infections. The resulting inflammation may target the GI tract or other organ systems but, in dogs and cats, it is the skin that most often suffers from this immunologic activity.

Always consult a veterinarian when your pet has skin problems. Hair loss can be the first sign of more serious health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushings' disease. You and your veterinarian must determine what's making your pet itch and, ideally, eliminate it from his diet or environment.