Pets can experience various skin issues, like dry skin and discoloration, just like humans can. Your furry family member’s epidermis can reveal a lot of information about their overall health, so animal skin care is of the utmost importance. The staff members at Veterinary Dermatology Services in Cincinnati, OH, offer a detailed explanation of signs, causes, and treatments of different conditions.

Warning Signs

Many pets show signs that they are experiencing skin problems, so it’s important to pay attention to your furry family member’s behavior. Here are some common signs of animal skin conditions:

• Dry Skin: If you notice that your pet’s skin is drier and flakier than normal, it can signal various conditions, like allergies or hormonal imbalances.
• Discoloration: Changes in skin color can indicate a hormonal disorder or a reaction from eating certain foods.
• Scratching: While occasional scratching is perfectly normal, doing it all the time can damage the skin. If your pet is constantly scratching, it could signal infection, parasites, or allergies.
• Bumps & Rashes: Bumps and rashes on your pet’s skin can be a sign of several conditions, like parasites, allergies, or immune disorders.

Common Causes

The only way to make an accurate diagnosis and effectively treat a skin condition is to figure out the cause. Here are some common causes of skin conditions:

• Environmental Allergies: Pets can experience allergic reactions from various substances in the environment, like pollen, mold, and dust. Inform your veterinarian about all the environmental allergies your pet is regularly exposed to.
• Food Allergies: It’s possible for some pets to experience allergic reactions after they’ve eaten a new food. If your pet scratches, licks, chews, or develops a rash after eating a particular food, let your veterinarian know.
• Parasites: These can negatively affect many parts of your pet’s body, including the skin. If your furry friend has a history of ticks, fleas, or ear mites, inform your vet.
• Endocrine Disorders: If your pet’s endocrine system doesn’t produce the right amount of hormones, it can lead to several skin problems, like discoloration, hair loss, and infections.

Recommended Treatments

The good news is that there are many available treatment options for pet skin issues. If your pet is exhibiting any of the signs above, your veterinarian or dermatologist may recommend one of the following animal skin care options:

• Antibiotics: These drugs fight infections by destroying bacteria that are infecting the skin.
• Shampoo: Certain shampoos can help with itchy skin, dryness, and hot spots.
• Corticosteroids: These medications can alleviate itching and inflammation.
• Parasiticides: A topical or oral parasiticide may be the best option if your pet’s skin problem is caused by parasites.

If you have additional questions about animal skin care, consult with a veterinarian. The professionals at Veterinary Dermatology Services specialize in pet dermatology and can treat everything from allergies to dry skin. Their professionals help pets in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 489-4644, and visit their website to learn more about their team’s specialties.