Pet Dermatology
Your pet's skin is an important part of their body. Unfortunately, skin issues are a common problem for pets. The good news is that we provide dermatology services at Bay Road Animal Hospital in Sarasota, FL. Let's take a look at some common conditions we treat and what you can expect when you bring your furry family member into the office.
Common Symptoms of Skin Problems in Pets
If your pet has skin issues that require dermatology treatment, you may notice that they have skin lesions or red areas on their skin. Their skin can also be dry or flaky. They may also lose their hair. They will likely scratch, bite, or lick frequently. If not treated, skin lesions can become infected, which will make your pet feel even worse.
Allergies
Allergies are the most common skin problem we see in our office. There are different types of allergies. Skin allergies can be contact dermatitis. This means that when your pet comes into contact with the allergen, it causes a reaction on their skin. If your pet has this type of allergy, you may not notice any other symptoms. Flea allergy dermatitis happens when your pet is allergic to flea bites. If your pet has fleas and skin allergies, this could be the culprit.
Atopic dermatitis is also an allergic skin reaction. However, it occurs when your pet inhales or eats an allergen, which then causes a skin reaction. If the allergen is environmental, your pet may have wheezing, coughing, or sneezing. If it's triggered by food, they may have gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has an allergy, you'll need to visit the veterinarian for pet allergy testing.
Infections
Infection is another common cause of skin problems in pets. Yeast is the most common culprit, but pets can also get a bacterial infection. Often, these infections develop because the skin has been broken by an injury or allergies. This gives the infection a place to start and grow. If your pet has an infection, you'll notice that they have lesions on their skin. Hair loss is also common. You may notice a foul odor coming from the lesion.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are another type of skin lesion your pet can develop. These usually begin due to allergies or skin irritation. Irritation gets your pet to lick the area. Over time, licking creates a sore or lesion, which triggers your pet to continue licking it because it's uncomfortable. This creates a cycle that will continue until the sore is large and very uncomfortable without treatment.
Contact Our Pet Dermatologist at Bay Road Animal Hospital
If you are looking for a pet dermatologist in Sarasota, contact us at Bay Road Animal Hospital. Our veterinarians are here to take care of your pet's skin and their overall health.
