Skin Conditions in Pets

As pet parents, it is without a doubt we want our furry friends to have happy and healthy lives. Skin can be a troublesome area for many cats and dogs, and skin issues are one of the most common and often frustrating problems pets can have. From itching, redness, dry skin, to sores and hair loss, skin conditions can be uncomfortable for your pet and stressful for you.

Common things are common; therefore, it is helpful to understand the most common skin conditions seen in pets. This enables you, as your pet’s carer, to recognize the signs of a potential problem more quickly, locate the root cause and know when to see your veterinarian for treatment and advice.

Let’s get the itch under control and reverse any scabby bits and hair loss!

Why are skin conditions in pets so common?

Your pet’s skin is their largest organ.  The skin is the first line of defense against any environmental threat, and it is super sensitive. Your dog or cat is exposed to allergens, parasites, bacteria, fungi, and other irritants every day, and any one of these can be the trigger causing your pet’s skin reaction. Other factors, such as genetics, breed, diet, and grooming, are often overlooked, but these also contribute to problematic skin. With so many avenues available for skin diseases to occur, it’s easy to see why skin issues in dogs and cats are among the most frequent reasons for vet visits.

Common skin issues in pets, their causes, and how to help

Whilst the list below is not exhaustive, it does cover the most common skin problems your pet or cat could experience. If any of the signs ring true for you and your pet, have your vet check them over to investigate further. 

1. Fleas and Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are external parasites (bugs on the outside of the body). They are a major cause of skin disease.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

This condition is one of the leading causes of itching and skin issues in pets. Interestingly, it's not the flea itself that triggers the allergy; it's the flea’s saliva, which gets zapped into your pet’s skin and system when the flea bites to feed. Even a single flea bite can cause intense itching, inflammation, infection, and discomfort in allergic pets.

Mites

Skin mites are tiny critters that can not be seen with the eye and if gone untreated can cause intense itching and severe hair loss. Two common examples of skin mites are Sarcoptes and Demodex. Sarcoptes are a highly contagious mite that cause mange in animals and can also be transmitted to humans. Demodex are a non contagious mite as they are normally found on the skin of animals and even humans. However, in animals with immature or weak immune systems, like puppies, the mite becomes uncontrolled and multiplies leading to itching, bleeding sores, hair loss, and secondary bacterial and yeast infections. 

Signs:

• Excessive scratching

• Scabs and hot spots

• Bald patches

• Visible fleas or flea dirt

• Red, irritated skin

Possible treatments:

• Parasite control medication

• Parasite control for the home

• Medicated shampoos

• Clean bedding and their environment thoroughly. Wash any items like blankets at high temperatures.

2. Allergies

Secondary to fleas and mites causing skin problems are allergies. Allergies causing skin problems include: 

• Environmental – for example, grasses, pollen, dust mites and mold

• Food – common culprits are chicken, beef, and dairy and less commonly wheat

• Contact allergens – products such as shampoos and cleaning materials 

Signs:

• Intense itching and scratching

• Red, inflamed skin

• Ear infections

• Hair loss

• Licking or chewing paws

• Rubbing the muzzle or head against the floor or on an object

• Shaking the head

• Seasonal flare ups of signs

Possible treatments

• Hypoallergenic diets or an elimination diet

• Antihistamines or steroids (short-term)

• Immunotherapy (allergy shots)

3. Infections

Bacteria are present on the skin as a normal part of life and usually cause no harm, but if the skin is broken or damaged, an infection can begin. Bacteria, fungi and yeasts (yeast is a fungus, redundant to say fungi and yeast) can all cause problems. 

Causes:

• Skin wounds

• Broken skin and damaged skin

• Infected by another dog or cross-contamination

• Secondary to underlying allergies 

Signs:

• Red bumps or pustules

• Circular patches of hair loss (ringworm)

• Oozing sores

• Sour smell and greasy coat (yeast infection)

Possible treatments:

• Antibiotics or antifungal medication 

• Regular cleaning with medicated shampoos

• Isolating contagious pets to prevent the spread

4. Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)

Hot spots are another example of inflamed and infected skin frequently caused by excessive licking, biting, or scratching.

Triggers may include:

• Insect bites

• Allergies

• Ear infections

• Stress, pain or boredom (behavioral licking)

Signs:

• Painful, red, moist lesions

• Hair loss or thinning around the spot

• Rapid spread of the affected area

Possible treatments:

• Trimming the fur and cleaning the area

• Antibiotics and/or antifungals

• E-collar to prevent licking, scratching and self-interference

5. Dry skin and dandruff

Like humans, pets can suffer from dry skin too, and it makes their skin rough, tight and uncomfortable. Dandruff in pets appears exactly as it does in people: dry, flaky white bits or specks in the hair.

Causes of dry skin include:

• Overbathing or using incorrect products

• Poor diet or a diet lacking omega fatty acids

• Allergies

• Parasites

• In dogs, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland)

Signs:

• Flaky skin or dandruff

• Itching or mild discomfort

• Dull coat

• Maybe rough and bristly to touch

Possible treatments

• Omega-3 supplements

• Moisturizing pet shampoos

• Regular grooming

• Dietary improvements

6. Hormone Problems

Some skin conditions result from hormonal disorders or imbalances. Conditions like hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) in dogs not only cause dry skin and dandruff but creates a thinning coat, flaky skin and weight gain.
Cushing’s disease (high levels of cortisol) is another example which leads to fragile skin, hair loss, and skin/ear infections.

Signs:

• Hair thinning or bald spots

• Lethargy

• Recurring skin infections

• Weight changes

Possible treatments

• Medication to balance hormones 

• Monitoring by a vet

When to see your vet

Cost and travel may have you questioning whether your dog or cat needs to see a vet; however, skin problems are deeply uncomfortable and distressing for your pet. Always consult a veterinarian if:–

• Any of the above conditions resonate with you and your pet

• The issues persist longer than a few days

• It gets worse or does not resolve despite the homecare you are giving

• Is accompanied by behavioral changes (lethargy, aggression, retreating, decreased appetite)

• Involves open wounds, bleeding, discharge or foul smells

Keeping your pet’s skin healthy

Skin conditions in pets are incredibly common but usually treatable, especially if nipped in the bud early on. The key is prevention, by keeping your pet’s skin and fur in ideal condition and seeking early diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as any issue arises. The list below is a good start to keeping your pet’s skin in great condition.

1. Regular grooming: Brush your pet a few times a week to remove dead hair, prevent knots, distribute oils, and aid in spotting problems early. Brush daily if long-haired.

2. Balanced diet: Feed a species-specific good quality.

3. Consider adding an omega fatty acid supplement to their diet and routine

4. Year-round flea and tick prevention: Use vet-approved treatments as advised.

5. Don’t overbath and use pet shampoo only. Human ones are too acidic.

6. Regular checkups: Annual or biannual examinations help catch skin issues early.

7. Watch for allergies: Be alert to seasonal patterns or responses to food
   
   
   

Annaliese Morgan

Annaliese qualified as a veterinary nurse from Edinburgh and went on to attain a diploma in advanced veterinary nursing in surgery from London. Throughout this time, she worked in both small and mixed veterinary practices and gained head nurse status. Responsible for training other veterinary nurses she also ran the nursing department, nurse clinics, and patient care protocols.

She has looked after 1,000s of patients and owners and created new higher standard nursing regimes, whilst specializing in surgery and anesthesia. After being asked to co-author multiple veterinary nursing textbooks, Annaliese continued to write for further mainstream publications in the UK and USA and after twenty-plus years in both the veterinary and pet care professions, she hung up her scrub suit and now writes full-time. 

https://annaliesemorgan.com/