Dermatology
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Has your pet been acting itchy? Are they rolling around, scratching, or chewing themselves? Does your pet have red skin or are they losing hair?
There are three main causes of skin allergies:
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea bites. It can take as few as one flea to cause a reaction. Your pet may become very itchy, especially at the base of the tail. You may notice redness, hair loss, or scabbing at this area as well as live fleas or flea dirt. This is the most common allergy, which makes it incredibly important to keep your pets on a flea prevention.
Food allergies and sensitivities can cause itchy skin, as well. In dogs, usually the feet and face are affected but not always. Diagnosing food allergies requires strict food trials. Your pet is typically affected year round. Gastrointestinal symptoms may or may not accompany the skin issues.
Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause an atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. Unlike food allergies, environmental allergies are usually (but not always) seasonal. The most common times animals are affected are the spring and summer.
As your pet scratches, bites, and licks at their skin, they risk causing damage to the skin, making it easy for yeast and bacteria to invade and cause infection. Secondary infections may require antibiotic or anti-fungal therapy.
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergens
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea bites. It can take as few as one flea to cause a reaction. Your pet may become very itchy, especially at the base of the tail. You may notice redness, hair loss, or scabbing at this area as well as live fleas or flea dirt. This is the most common allergy, which makes it incredibly important to keep your pets on a flea prevention.
Food allergies and sensitivities can cause itchy skin, as well. In dogs, usually the feet and face are affected but not always. Diagnosing food allergies requires strict food trials. Your pet is typically affected year round. Gastrointestinal symptoms may or may not accompany the skin issues.
Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause an atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. Unlike food allergies, environmental allergies are usually (but not always) seasonal. The most common times animals are affected are the spring and summer.
As your pet scratches, bites, and licks at their skin, they risk causing damage to the skin, making it easy for yeast and bacteria to invade and cause infection. Secondary infections may require antibiotic or anti-fungal therapy.
Other skin issues your pet may be experiencing:
Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)
Demodectic Mange
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)
Demodectic Mange
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
