Skin conditions are one of the most disconcerting and common issues that bring pet lovers to the veterinarian. When pet owners on Oahu are worried about their furry family member’s skin, they bring them to Honolulu's leading pet hospital: The Pet Clinic. Dr. Scott is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology with over 20 years of experience diagnosing, testing, and treating allergies and skin conditions in both your canine and feline companions. 

As part of this pet hospital’s commitment to improving their patient’s lives through partnership with their families, they’ve put together this guide to common skin condition causes and treatments:

• Allergies: Sometimes rashes, itching, or other symptoms stem from a simple allergic reaction. Allergies can develop at any age and be rooted in everything from inhaled dust and pollen to a hypersensitivity to flea saliva. Dr. Scott can pinpoint the exact source of your pet’s discomfort. He’ll then prescribe an appropriate treatment, which may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy.
• Infectious Diseases: Infectious skin diseases encompass both fungal and parasitic conditions. The former, including ringworm and dermatophytosis, are treated with special fungicidal shampoos. Parasitic conditions include mange (caused by mites), fleas, lice, and tick infestations. Since they are all caused by different parasites, these conditions typically require different treatments. Your veterinarian will guide you towards effective treatment.
• Hereditary, Hormonal & Internal Diseases: Occasionally, skin conditions can’t be traced to an external cause. They may be hereditary, such as hereditary hypertrichosis in cats, or hormonal, as seen in dogs with hypothyroidism. Other times, a skin condition may be a symptom of an internal illness. While these conditions are harder to diagnose, the experienced pet dermatology team at The Pet Clinic has the expertise to care for your pet effectively.

The Pet Clinic is your source for specialized veterinary dermatology on Oahu. Call (808) 946-5096 to make an appointment for your pet today, or visit their website to learn more about this Honolulu pet clinic’s comprehensive veterinarian services.