Your pet’s skin protects their internal organs and acts as a barrier from external harm. As the skin is exposed it is common that pets develop skin issues throughout their life. When you notice a skin problem it’s imperative they are treated right away by a licensed veterinarian.
What are signs of skin issues in pets?
Itching and scratching are one of the first signs you’ll notice when your pet is having skin issues. Other signs to look out for are:
- Skin sores
- Bald patches
- Thinning hair or fur
- Dull coat
- Red, irritated or dry skin
- Bumps and lumps on the skin
- Licking and gnawing at their own skin
- Scooting
What dermatological problems might my pet have?
The skin issues that your pet faces are very similar to the ones that humans experience. Pets can have dermatitis, acne, folliculitis, alopecia, parasitic infections and yeast infections. These issues often develop in your pet due to exposure to irritants in their environment, their diet, parasites and underlying health conditions. To learn if your pet has one of those skin issues, book an appointment at 613-829-0220 or 613-843-1334.
How are skin issues diagnosed and treated?
When your pet has a skin problem we will perform a physical exam to see what areas of the skin are affected. For a better understanding of the problem we may run blood tests and collect skin samples for biopsies. At our hospitals we have an in-house lab that allows us to perform skin and ear cytology which can be used during diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis, our veterinarian will recommend the best option to soothe their skin. We may recommend oral medications, topical creams, medicated shampoos, laser therapy, dietary changes if their problem is caused by a food sensitivity, or lifestyle changes if an environmental irritant is causing the flare up. If your pet is suffering from parasites, we will administer medication to completely rid them of parasites.
