Various dermatologic conditions can affect your pet’s comfort and overall health, and cause issues such as excessive itchiness, hair loss, rashes, and severe skin lesions. Our Peak City Veterinary Hospital team wants your pet to receive the highest standard of care possible, and we provide information about common pet skin conditions so you know what to expect if your four-legged friend is affected.

Flea allergy dermatitis in pets

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common skin conditions seen in pets. The condition results when the affected pet’s immune system overreacts to proteins in the flea’s saliva. Important information pet owners should know about FAD includes:

  • Signs — Common FAD signs include excessive itching, small red papules or spots on the inner thighs and abdomen, and hair loss at the lower back. Skin excoriations may also be present from the pet’s constant scratching.
  • Diagnosis — Finding fleas or flea dirt (i.e., feces) in your pet’s coat indicates their itchiness is likely caused by FAD. 
  • Treatment — Treatment involves eradicating all fleas from your pet and their environment. Steps include strict year-round flea prevention for the affected pet and other pets in your home, laundering all bedding, vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstery, and, in some cases, seeking professional pest control services. 

Atopic dermatitis in pets

Atopy refers to environmental allergens, such as grass and tree pollen, mold spores, and dust, that trigger an affected pet’s allergies. The condition affects about 10% to 15% of the pet population and is considered the second most common allergy problem in pets after FAD. Important information pet owners should know about atopy includes:

  • Signs — Atopic pets typically have chronic or recurrent itching, which may be seasonal or nonseasonal. Commonly affected areas include the face, paws, ears, armpits, groin, and hind end. The constant scratching can lead to hair loss and skin lesions. Atopic pets also frequently have chronic or recurrent skin and ear infections. 
  • Diagnosis — Diagnosing atopy involves ruling out other potential causes and may include blood work, skin or ear cultures, skin biopsy, and medication trials. Once atopy is diagnosed, testing can be done to determine the triggering allergens.
  • Treatment — A multi-factored approach is usually best to manage atopic pets. Treatments may include frequent bathing to remove allergens and calm inflamed skin, steroids, anti-itch medications, allergen avoidance, and allergy shots to desensitize your pet to the triggering allergens. 

Hot spots in pets

Acute moist dermatitis (i.e., hot spot) is caused by self-trauma, which can be triggered by issues such as allergies, ear or skin infections, poor grooming, boredom, orthopedic problems, and anal gland inflammation. Hot spots can grow dramatically in size over a short period because licking, biting, and scratching at the area irritates superficial nerve endings, causing the pet to continue the self-trauma. Important information pet owners should know about hot spots includes:

  • Signs — Hot spots are localized areas of red, moist skin, which may ooze or have pus. They can occur anywhere on the pet’s body, but common sites include the head, legs, and hips. The open wounds may be obvious or may be hidden under matted fur.
  • Diagnosis — A physical examination is typically sufficient to diagnose a hot spot, and a culture may be taken to provide the appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
  • Treatment — Hot spot treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and preventing further self-trauma. Trimming the hair around the hot spot helps the area dry and heal, and our team will prescribe appropriate topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. Using an Elizabethan collar is also necessary to help prevent your pet from chewing at the hot spot.

Ringworm in pets

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect a pet’s skin. Transmission occurs through contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects or surfaces. The condition is highly contagious and can be spread to humans. Important information pet owners should know about ringworm includes:

  • Signs — Ringworm lesions typically appear as roughly circular areas of hair loss with inflamed, crusting, or scaling skin. The lesions can occur anywhere, but common areas affected include paws, limbs, head, and ears.
  • Diagnosis — Some ringworm species glow under an ultraviolet light called a Wood’s lamp, but the most accurate way to diagnose ringworm is by cytology and culture.
  • Treatment — Ringworm treatment involves topical and systemic antifungal medication and eliminating environmental contamination.

If your pet has a skin condition that is affecting their well-being, contact our Peak City Veterinary Hospital team so we can determine the cause and put together an appropriate treatment plan to alleviate their discomfort.