Pets’ skin conditions can occur at any time but are often more common during the warmer months, usually causing them intense itching and discomfort. You know what we mean if you’ve ever been woken up in the middle of the night by a fiercely jangling collar caused by your pet’s constant scratching. 

Skin issues have many different underlying causes, and you need to understand the reasons why to be able to help your pet feel better. However, skin conditions can be challenging to identify. Our WesVet Animal Hospital team cares deeply about your pet’s well-being, so we explain the reasons behind their common skin conditions and how you can help your cat or dog. 

1. Flea allergy dermatitis in pets

Although a flea infestation is easily preventable, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most common skin conditions veterinarians treat. Flea bites cause discomfort for every pet. However, some pets are even more sensitive to a single flea bite and can experience intense itching, red, oozing sores, hair loss, especially over the rump, and secondary bacterial infections. Pets with FAD must be on a strict flea preventive and bathing schedule. You must eliminate all fleas in your home by washing your pet’s bedding and thoroughly cleaning the house regularly. You may need a professional extermination service to ensure your house is flea-free if your pet is especially prone to FAD. 

2. Atopic dermatitis in pets

When pets are allergic to something in their environment that manifests as skin conditions, it is referred to as atopic dermatitis. Pets can be allergic to mold, grasses, dust, pollen, or their pet food. Atopic pets may bite, rub, or scratch their feet, faces, and skin repetitively and are incredibly uncomfortable. In addition, they may have red, raw feet, recurrent ear infections, and skin lesions. Depending on the atopic dermatitis cause, treatment includes bathing your pet with hypoallergenic shampoos, wiping their feet and paws after being outdoors, using air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in the home, a food elimination trial, and oral medications such as Apoquel or Cytopoint.

3. Bacterial infections in pets

Skin infections typically occur secondary to other skin problems that are left untreated. Broken skin from intense itching and scratching can leave the skin open to bacteria, resulting in skin infections that can cause oozing, open sores, redness, swelling, extreme discomfort, and foul odor. Bacterial infections require veterinary intervention, and after our veterinarian diagnoses your pet’s infection type and if yeast is also present, they will create a treatment plan to address the disease and the root cause. Oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, antifungals, and medicated shampoos are often prescribed. 

4. Hot spots in pets

Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, often occur if a pet scratches themself so hard that an open sore develops. Hot spots typically occur because of underlying issues such as fleas, mites, or allergies. Once the initial sore develops, your pet will lick and scratch at that spot, causing a red, inflamed, and oozing sore. Hot spots are incredibly uncomfortable for pets and can occur anywhere on their body. To treat hot spots, our veterinarian will likely clip the hair around the sore, clean the spot, apply antibiotic ointment, and prescribe medicated ointment or lotion for you to administer at home for several weeks. Your pet may need to wear an Elizabethan collar for several weeks so the hot spot can heal fully.

5. Ringworm in pets

Ringworm is a fungus on the skin that appears as a red, ring-shaped, hairless skin lesion. Sometimes, ringworm can cause dry, flaky skin that looks like dandruff. Ringworm can be itchy but does not always cause itchiness or discomfort. Still, ringworm is highly contagious to other pets and people, so recognizing and treating ringworm is critical. If you suspect your pet has ringworm, our veterinarian can diagnose and treat the problem with oral and topical medications. Treating your pet’s environment is also vital to getting rid of ringworm.

6. Mange in pets

Mange develops when an otherwise healthy pet has a parasitic mite infestation. Several mange types are highly contagious to other animals and humans. Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is intensely itchy and may cause the skin to erupt with small, solid bumps. Dogs typically scratch so hard that they damage their skin, resulting in a high probability of secondary skin infections and thick, crusted sores. Mange is often treated after diagnosis with medicated shampoos, anti-mite dips, and oral and topical medications. 

Demodex mites are typically found on the skin but can grow out of control in immunocompromised pets such as young puppies, older dogs, or dogs affected by other diseases. If your pet has a Demodex mite infestation, they are likely to lose the hair around their eyes and feet. 

7. Yeast infection in pets

Yeast skin infections are caused by a yeast overgrowth on a pet’s skin, and are typically attributable to a weakened immune system or other health conditions. Yeast usually lives in warm, moist skin areas such as inside the ears, on the groin, or in between toes. You may notice your pet shaking their head, frequently licking or chewing the affected skin area, having thickened skin, a greasy hair coat, and a strong, yeasty odor. Treatment includes antifungal medications and prescription shampoos. 

8. Chin acne in cats

Cats are normally meticulous groomers, but sometimes, they can develop chin acne, which is a skin condition that has no clear cause. Cats with chin acne have thick, red, and crusty lesions on their chin and lip margins, with blocked hair follicles sometimes visible. Chin acne is not typically painful or itchy, but it is a chronic condition, and veterinary treatment is indicated. Cats can develop secondary infections if feline chin acne is left untreated. Our veterinary team will clean damaged skin with antiseptic, lancing and draining lesions and abscesses. In severe cases, treatment may also include oral or injectable antibiotics, topical ointments, or steroids. 

No matter the cause of your pet’s skin condition, they are likely uncomfortable, and veterinary treatment is required as soon as you notice something is amiss. Schedule an appointment with our WesVet Animal Hospital team and help your pet feel better as quickly as possible.