Skin

A pet’s skin and hair are often true indicators of general good health. If abnormal, they also can be a signal that a problem is present. Take a close look at your pet—is it scratching, rubbing or licking excessively? Does its coat lack luster? Is there excessive hair loss? Do you smell any skin or body odor?

A “yes” to any of these questions may be a good reason to check with your veterinarian. These symptoms may indicate the presence of allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, parasites, or a hormonal problem. Let’s examine these causes.

Allergies

Humans with allergies usually react by sneezing; animals scratch! Both are reacting to an allergen, a substance to which they are sensitive. Most allergens, like pollen, dust, and molds, are airborne and are inhaled. A few are of the contact type—an allergy to wool or other materials which react on the skin. And some allergens are found in food, most commonly in corn, wheat, soy, beef and dairy products. The first signs of an allergic reaction are scratching, licking, biting, or rubbing the skin. This can lead to infection which is characterized by red bumps and pimples. Because of the discomfort and infections, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible. Some allergens, such as pollens, are seasonal. However, others, like dust, molds and foods, can be year-round. It is important to realize that curing an allergy problem is almost impossible, but most allergies can be successfully controlled with the help of your veterinarian.

In long-term serious allergies, the identification of the specific allergens is important. Skin, food, or blood testing may be required. In some cases, you may be asked to help in the diagnostic procedures—particularly when a food allergy is suspected. Your veterinarian may recommend a controlled diet to help identify the food allergy.

Allergy Treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs may give prompt relief to seasonal or short-term allergies. Your veterinarian may prescribe some type of steroid, antihistamine, or special fatty acid supplement. For long-term allergies, once the allergens have been identified, exposure to the allergens can be avoided or the pet can be desensitized from them with allergy shots.

Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infection is a very common problem of the skin. However, it is usually secondary to another underlying disease such as allergies, parasites, or hormonal problems. It is important to seek professional help to treat the bacterial infection while searching for the underlying disease.

Treatment for bacterial infections may include antibiotics given orally and/or applied in ointments. Your veterinarian may need to culture the bacteria in order to select the proper antibiotic. Localized treatment also may include cleaning and bandaging the affected area.

Fungal Infection

Fungal infection, or ringworm, often is mistaken for other skin problems. Many of the symptoms, such as dry and scaly skin and hair loss, are similar to other skin diseases. When a fungal disease is suspected, an ultraviolet light screening can suggest a diagnosis. The diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic analysis of affected hairs and laboratory culturing.

Treatments, including ointments, shampoos, or anti-fungal agents given orally, either will control or eliminate the infection.

External Parasites

Some common pet parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mange and lice, can be a problem for your pet. The problem can be compounded if your pet has an allergic reaction to insect bites.

If you detect external parasites on your pet, your first reaction might be to apply a flea collar. This is a mistake! First, the pest must be identified. The type of parasite dictates the treatment and control measures that are necessary.

To control Lice, the pet is treated. But to control fleas, ticks and mange, it is important to treat the environment as well as the pet. This may include spraying or dusting the areas of you home and grounds with pesticides. There are several excellent products now available to treat fleas, ticks and mange.

Hormonal

Hormonal imbalances can cause skin disease as well as general illness. They often are difficult to diagnose, as most of them look identical. They are caused by malfunctions of the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, or other glands.

Hair loss and changes in the skin texture are usually the dermatological sign of a hormone problem. It is important that the condition be correctly identified through blood testing. Once identified, proper therapy can be administered.