Dermatology

Symptoms Of Dermatological Problems in Pets

Many dermatological conditions have very similar symptoms, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause of the issue yourself. If the underlying cause of your pet’s skin, ear, or nail condition is not tended to, it can lead to severe discomfort and long-term problems for your pet.

Below is a list of some of the most common signs of dermatological issues in pets. However, we encourage you to check in with your local veterinarian if you notice any sort of change to your pet’s health or overall well-being.

Excessive scratching/itching
Excessive licking, chewing, or biting of feet, legs, or skin
Red, irritated, inflamed skin, scabs, or sores
Scooting or rubbing on surfaces
Hair loss
Frequent ear infections
Foul or unusual odor
Sensitivity around the ears or paws
Color changes of the fur or claws

Most primary care veterinarians can help with the itches, scratches, cuts, and bruises that come with being an active pet. Many of our family pet clinics have in-house laboratories to help diagnose skin abnormalities and infections, along with caring veterinarians who will help recommend treatment options that best suit the needs of your pet and family lifestyle.

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General Practice Dermatology

The most common dermatological conditions treated by primary care veterinarians include the following ailments listed below. For chronic, unexplained, or advanced stages of these conditions, a consultation from a specialty dermatologist may be advisable.

Allergies

Just like humans, pets can suffer from a wide range of allergies. The three main categories of allergies in pets are environmental allergies (e.g., pollens, grasses, dust, molds, and dander), food allergies (typically protein sources like chicken or beef), and flea allergies.

Learn more about allergies in pets ->

Parasite infestation (e.g. fleas, ticks, ringworm, ear mites, mange)

There are many species of parasites that can infect our pets (and us humans too!); most pet parasites like to live on the skin and feed on their blood or skin cells. Depending on the type of parasite, symptoms can vary. One of the most common pet parasites is fleas which cause intense skin irritation, while other parasites, like ticks, can transmit serious diseases like Lyme Disease.

Thankfully, parasite infestations are very preventable. It is important that no matter where you live, your pet should be on a reliable parasite preventative year-round.

Fungal, bacterial, or yeast infection

Whether on the skin or inside the ears, these infections can be caused by a variety of factors like having cuts in the skin, poor hygiene, moisture buildup, and parasites. Pets with underlying allergies tend to be more prone to skin and/or ear infections.

Without targeted treatment, dermatological infections can cause serious long-term health issues for your pet. Accordingly, if you suspect an infection please reach out to your vet for an evaluation.

Physical trauma

Physical trauma includes deep cuts and lacerations that need to be medically cleaned and potentially stitched in order to allow your pet’s skin to fully heal without complications.  Ears can also suffer trauma, such as tears or swelling due to a bite wound or getting caught on something.  

Foreign bodies

Sometimes vets find the strangest objects lodged inside pet’s ears, often when they are sharing the house with small playful children!  Dirt, grass awns, insects, and parasites can also get stuck inside a pet's ears after time spent outside. 

If you suspect there could be foreign material stuck inside your pet’s ear, it is important that you bring them to your family veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist to have them removed safely, as there is a high risk of infection and physical damage that can result.

Overgrown Claws

If a pet’s claws are not trimmed regularly, the claws grow too long and begin to curl back, growing into the foot pad. It can be incredibly painful, lead to infections, and even cause lameness if left untreated.

Quick Dermatology Facts

What is a veterinary dermatologist?

Board Certified Dermatologists have years of education, training, and experience focused solely on animals’ skin, ears, hair, and claw. Their additional expertise and qualifications within this field allows them to tackle more complex or recurrent conditions, or those that require sophisticated technologies unavailable at primary care clinics. 

Our skilled specialists work alongside your primary care veterinarian to diagnose, manage, and treat your pet’s advanced dermatological conditions with a hands-on, collaborative approach.

Learn More About Specialty Dermatology ->

Does my pet need a specialist?

Many of our Thrive Primary Care clinics now have the technology to diagnose some less-common causes of dermatological issues in pets. However, due to the more complex nature of these conditions and the need for closer management, pets whose skin, ears, hair, or nail problems stem from the following causes are often connected to a dermatologist to receive a more personalized, long-term treatment plan.

What does treatment look like for dermatological conditions?

A Dermatology Consultation with either your family vet or a Specialist will typically begin with a visual examination of your pet’s problem area. Based on their findings, a variety of diagnostics can be performed, including a skin scrape, cytology, biopsy, bacterial or fungal culture, a CT scan, food elimination diet plan and even intradermal skin testing for environmental allergies..  

Once the cause of your pet’s dermatological issues has been identified, your veterinarian will provide treatment recommendations based on you and your pet’s unique needs. Make sure to meet regularly with your primary care veterinarian to prevent or diagnose these common issues!

What can a veterinary dermatology specialist help with?

Sometimes your primary care veterinarian needs a hand in diagnosing or treating a dermatological issue. These are the most common causes that require additional support from a veterinary dermatological specialist!

A dermatology consultation with either your family vet or a specialist will typically begin with a visual examination of your pet’s problem area. Based on their findings, a variety of diagnostics can be performed to identify the root cause of your pet’s symptoms. Some tests include skin scrape, cytology, biopsy, bacterial or fungal culture, a CT scan, food elimination diet plan, and intradermal skin testing for environmental allergies.

Once the cause of your pet’s dermatological issues has been identified, your veterinarian will provide treatment recommendations based on you and your pet’s unique needs. Make sure to follow their advice and meet regularly with your primary care veterinarian to ensure treatment is effective.

Since there are multiple different causes of itching in pets, we recommend booking a visit with your local veterinarian. Your vet will assess your pet’s physical condition, analyze their diet and lifestyle, and perform any necessary tests to determine the root cause of your pet’s itching.

Depending on the cause, treatment may involve allergy medication, parasiticides, antibiotics or antifungal medication/topical ointment, or a hypoallergenic diet.

Many primary care clinics within our Thrive network now have the technology to diagnose some less-common causes of dermatological issues in pets. However, pets whose skin, ears, hair, or nail problems fail to respond to general treatment or are too complex to be managed on the primary care level, are often connected to a veterinary dermatologist to receive a more personalized, long-term treatment plan.

Specialty Dermatologists have undergone years of education, training, and experience focused solely on animals’ skin, ears, hair, and claws. Their additional expertise within this field allows them to tackle more complex or recurrent conditions or those that require sophisticated technologies, which are often unavailable at primary care clinics.

Our skilled specialists work alongside your primary care veterinarian to diagnose, manage, and treat your pet’s advanced dermatological conditions with a hands-on, collaborative approach.

There is no “best food” for dogs with food allergies. Since allergies are very unique to each individual pet, food that helps one dog’s allergic symptoms may be ineffective for another. We suggest working closely with your veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist to find the best food to fit your dog’s specific needs.

Dermatology