You want your pet to live a long and happy life, and that means monitoring them for a variety of common health issues, including hair and nail problems. Unfortunately, these conditions can sometimes be a bit tricky to spot. Veterinary Dermatology Services, serving the residents of Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southern Indiana, treats pet allergies and skin conditions with compassionate care and cutting-edge techniques. These veterinary dermatology specialists say there are three common symptoms of hair and nail problems you need to watch out for.

Veterinary Dermatology Services Lists 3 Common Pet Hair & Nail Problems

1. Excessive Itching

Excessive itching could indicate an allergic reaction to fleas, environmental factors, or food. Hair can exacerbate the problem by trapping aggravating elements and hiding the effects of constant scratching, like skin redness. Mites, fleas, and bacterial infections can also trigger extreme discomfort. Disproportionate hair loss could also be a sign of an infection.

2. Dull Coat

Healthy pets should have shiny coats and normal skin, so if your animal’s fur is dull and you’ve been noticing flakes of dry skin of their body, it’s time to see a veterinary dermatology expert to get some answers. You may need to adjust your pet’s diet.

3. Nail Sensitivity

If your pet demonstrates difficulty walking and/or licks their paws frequently, they may be suffering from a nail disorder, like an infection. Look for signs of swelling and irritation of the feet and nail abnormalities, like excessively brittle nails, as possible manifestations of a larger issue. 

Veterinary Dermatology Services offers allergy consulting, laser surgery for the removal of skin growths, and treatments for animal skin diseases and disorders. Serving pet patients in Greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and southern Indiana, they are dedicated to animal wellness and are always available to answer questions on the phone. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for your pet, call them at (513) 489-4644 or visit their website today.