Skin lesions in your dog or cat may seem like a small issue compared to other diseases. However, the skin is one of the biggest organs in their body, and when there is a problem, it can decrease their quality of life. Most skin issues come along with long-term treatment, which means you'll need to take care of your pet's skin for more than just one appointment. Remaining vigilant about your dog and cat's skin can prevent you and your beloved pets from experiencing worsened symptoms and more complex treatments, as skin issues can be seasonal, chronic, or linked to other internal diseases.
How will I know if my cat or dog has a skin issue?
Some symptoms are easy to identify, such as scratching, itching, biting, licking, and loss of fur. However, smaller and initial symptoms may not be readily apparent under the fur, such as redness, dandruff, or oily and dry skin. Advanced symptoms may include an abscess, infection, and deep and wet skin lesions. All of them are painful and can make your dog or cat uncomfortable. To keep a close eye on your loyal companion's skin, you can make it a habit to brush their coat regularly. Here are the symptoms we recommend looking out for:
- Lumps and bumps
- Rashes, scabs, or scaling
- Redness of the skin
- Bald patches
- Thin fur
- Itching and scratching
- Smelly fur
- Scooting
Contact a veterinarian immediately so they can perform a physical examination and run the necessary tests. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 705-885-7387.
What can cause dermatological issues in dogs and cats?
There are various factors that could be causing your cat or dog's dermatological issues. Their symptoms may be due to:
- Allergy to certain foods, grass, pollen, dust mites, etc.
- Hormonal disorders
- Bacterial or yeast infections
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites
- Wax excess
What tests will be performed on my cat or dog?
Our veterinarians will first perform a thorough physical analysis, and they will ask you several questions about your dog or cat's routine and environment. Based on the symptoms, they can determine what other testing is required. Felines and canines may need bloodwork, urinalysis, skin scraping, culture, or biopsies to diagnose their condition. From there, they will be given medications in the form of topical creams, tablets, medicated shampoos, injections, or a modified diet to treat their symptoms.