Treating Pet Skin Conditions
Dogs and cats can develop a variety of chronic and inflammatory skin conditions, but some are more common than others. Allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, chronic scratching, skin parasites, and hair loss are just a few of them.
Chronic recurrent skin problems, ear infections, and allergies can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable for your pet, as well as frustrating for you as a pet owner. Our veterinarians understand this.
With our in-house lab, we can test for the root of your pet’s dermatological problem and offer a customized treatment plan to start the healing process.
Our Dermatological Services
At our Rancho Cucamonga animal hospital we offer a range of vet dermatology services including testing, diagnosis, and treatment for the following issues:
- Ear & nose disorders
- Mites (demodex & scabies)
- Hair loss & hormonal disease
- Paw & nail disorders
- Seborrheic & breed disorders
- Immune disorders
- Skin cancer & tumors
FAQs About Skin Problems & Allergies
For more information on vet dermatology read through the FAQ answers below.
- What are common skin conditions in dogs and cats?
Many common skin conditions can affect dogs and cats. These include allergies, itchy skin, skin irritation, hot spots, hair loss, flea bites, and dry skin.
Some of these conditions can be mild, temporary ones, while others can be more serious, and can lead to skin infections and other health issues, depending on their cause.
- What causes skin problems in dogs and cats?
Pets most commonly develop skin problems due to environmental factors, and underlying disease or condition, or fleas.
They can also often develop skin problems as a result of allergic reactions to substances in their environment, such as chemicals in cleaning products.
- What are some common types of pet allergies?
At Rancho Regional Veterinary Hospital we see the following common types of allergies among our furry friends:
1. Flea allergy
2. Food allergy or hypersensitivity to proteins in a food
3. Inhalant allergies (environmental pollens or irritants)
4. Contact allergens (grasses, bedding)
5. Bacterial hypersensitivities
6. Ecto-parasites (Demodex, Sarcoptes) - What are some ways to help prevent pet skin problems?
The most effective preventive measures for your pet depend on the specific cause of the skin problem. Once this has been diagnosed and treated, the vet will provide advice on how to prevent the problem from recurring or flaring up.
Things that may help include changes in your household products, flea treatment, hypoallergenic soaps, and grooming products, brushing to prevent matting, or a quieter, less stressful environment for the pet.
- When should I bring my pet to the vet for a skin problem?
You should make a dermatological appointment with the vet if your pet is scratching a lot or even biting, especially if sores or bleeding have occurred. If they are losing fur at an unusual rate, or if they have a strange bump or lump on the skin this requires veterinary attention as well.
- What if my pet is scratching, but shows no visible signs of skin problems?
If your pet is scratching or grooming excessively, but you can't see any indicators that there is a skin problem, you should still get your pet checked out by a vet. Excessive scratching and grooming could be a sign of several underlying health issues or even stress and can cause skin problems to develop if left unaddressed.