Skin conditions are a common reason pet owners seek veterinary advice. They can be quite uncomfortable for your pet and can result in a range of symptoms such as itching, skin sores, lumps and even hair loss. Skin conditions can vary from mild to severe and many require veterinary treatment to resolve them and prevent them from becoming more serious.

Whilst the occasional itch is fine, if you notice your pet scratching, rubbing, biting or licking themselves excessively it’s important to take them to the vet. We have compiled a list of common skin conditions in dogs and cats, their symptoms and treatment options so you can help put an end to your pets itching.

What are the common signs of a skin condition in pets?

One of the most obvious signs of a skin condition in pets is itching. It is very normal for a pet to scratch themselves occasionally, however frequent or compulsive itching is a sign that something more serious is going on.

Pets itch themselves in a range of ways. They can use their paws to scratch themselves. They might also rub their body or head against an object. You may also notice your pet licking, biting or chewing parts of their body to relieve an irritated area. Common signs of a skin condition include:

Itching
Redness
Rashes
Skin sores
Lumps or bumps
Dandruff
Hair loss

If you notice your pet itching, keep a watchful eye over them. Take note of the symptoms and when they have the reaction. It may be during a particular season such as Spring. Or it may be related to an activity such as putting on perfume, cleaning the house or at their mealtime. The more information you can provide your vet about the actual symptom and details around when it happens the better so they can make an accurate diagnosis.

Common skin conditions in dogs and cats

Common skin conditions in pets include allergies, parasites, dandruff, bacterial and fungal infections. Skin irritations can also be caused by an underlying health condition, so it is important to seek veterinary advice if you have an itchy pet.

1. Allergies

A common itchy skin condition in pets is “atopic dermatitis” which is an inflammatory condition caused by a reaction to allergens in the environment. A wide range of environmental allergens can trigger symptoms including trees, grasses, pollens, dust mites, insects and mould spores. Allergies can also be related to food, pesticides and soap.

What are the signs of allergies in pets?

The most common sign your pet has an allergy is frequent scratching and often a skin rash when they come into contact with the source of irritation. The frequent scratching can often cause wounds such as raw and inflamed skin areas which also require attention. Commonly effected areas include the face (especially around the eyes, nose and ears), wrists, ankles, paws (especially in between the toes), groin, armpits and underbelly.

How are allergies treated?

Treating environment allergies can be difficult and involves reducing your pet’s exposure to the allergens where possible and treating the symptoms when they occur. Treatments can include shampoos, medication and injections.

Like humans, treating food allergies involves going through an elimination process to rule out different causes of allergies. Your vet can give you full details on how to carry this out for your pet. It’s important not to feed your pet any of the potential allergens during this elimination process to get clear results and ensure your vet can prescribe an effective treatment program.

2. Parasites

Parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites are a common cause of compulsive itching and skin irritation. Whilst ticks are quite visible to the naked eye, often large infestations of fleas are present before they become noticeable. Mites are microscopic, which makes them difficult to see.

Some dogs and cats can develop a severe allergic reaction to flea bites. This is commonly known as flea allergy dermatitis, a painful skin condition that results in hairless itchy “hot spots” commonly seen on the base or back of the tail.

What are the signs of a parasite allergy in pets?

Pets suffering from a severe parasite allergy can experience symptoms of red, inflamed skin and they will compulsively scratch and bite at their skin to relieve the constant itching. They may also develop scabs on their skin and in extreme conditions their fur can fall out in patches.

How are parasite allergies treated?

Treatment can include prescription medication and dedicated shampoos to treat the parasites and ease the itching and inflammation. Your vet will also recommend a preventative parasite program for the future.

Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may also need to clean and treat your home at the same time. This includes vacuuming your home and washing your pets bedding and soft toys regularly as fleas and other tiny parasites can survive in our carpet and bedding. You may also need to speak to a licensed pet controller about applying a flea control spray or fogger in your home and backyard.

3. Dandruff

Dandruff is the presence of dead skin cells or dander that falls from your pet’s skin. It looks like flakes when it clumps together. Dandruff can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as an infection, allergy or parasites. Some pets are simply prone to dry skin, especially during the winter season.

What are the common signs of dandruff in pets?

If your pet’s fur is light in colour, it can be difficult to see the flakes of dandruff, but they are often visible when they hop off the couch or put their head in your lap. Other signs include itching, reddened skin, scabs (from constant scratching) or signs of discomfort.

How is dandruff treated?

Simple cases of dandruff are normally easy to treat with moisturising shampoos, but your vet will want to check there is nothing underlying. Dandruff can also be affected by their diet. High quality sources of protein, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can all help keep the skin healthy. Grooming your pet regularly can also help keep their coat smooth and healthy, whilst also massaging the skin and distributing the coats natural oils.

4. Bacterial skin infections

Several species of bacteria naturally exist on your pet’s skin without causing any signs. A bacterial skin infection occurs when conditions create an environment where bacteria can replicate and spread, causing a reaction. This can be a result of an allergic reaction, flea infestation, wound or underlying condition that weakens the immune system.

Bacterial folliculitis is a common bacterial skin infection in dogs in which the hair follicles become inflamed. Impetigo is an infection caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus, also called a staph infection. Impetigo is most common in puppies and may also indicate an underlying skin condition. As with any condition in young animals, expert treatment is required as soon as you suspect something is wrong.

What are the common signs of a bacterial skin infection in pets?

Bacterial folliculitis can appear as small red bumps, sores and scabs over the skin, in and around the hair follicle. Impetigo lesions can appear as blisters on your dog’s stomach, which can burst and form crusts or circular areas of scaling skin.

Other common signs of a bacterial skin infection include seeping of blood or pus in the infected area, swelling or ulcerated skin, bald patches and unpleasant smell.

How are bacterial skin infections treated?

Medicated shampoos, oral antibiotics and antibacterial ointments can be prescribed by your vet to treat and help soothe the infection. Your vet will also want to run a few tests to diagnose the underlying problem.

5. Fungal skin infections

A fungal skin infection occurs when your pet encounters fungal spores in a contaminated environment, from direct contact with an infected animal or person or due to the overgrowth of fungi or yeast that is naturally occurring in your pet’s body.

Common fungal skin infections include ringworm and yeast infections. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. The fungus originates in soil and can enter through minor damage to the skins surface. It can be spread by direct skin to skin contact with an infected animal or human.

A yeast infection is an inflammatory skin condition that commonly appears in skin folds, ears, between paw pads and other hot, humid areas of your pet’s body. These conditions encourage yeast that naturally lives in these areas to reproduce at increased rates until it becomes and overwhelming issue.

What are the common signs of fungal skin infections in pets?

Ringworm appears as circular, crusty bald patches and is often found on your pet’s head, paws, ears and front legs. Your pet’s skin can also appear red and inflamed from where they have irritated the skin from scratching. If you suspect your pet has ringworm, it is important to get in touch with your vet right away. Early detection and treatment are essential to stop it spreading to other household pets and family members.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include intense itching, flaky or crusty skin. It can also discolour the skin and tend to smell unpleasant. Unlike ringworm, yeast infections aren’t contagious to other pets or people.

How are fungal skin infections treated?

Treatment generally includes antibiotics, along with topical anti-fungal treatments such shampoos and ointments. This will help to relieve the symptoms and cure the infected site. Treatment can be a long-term effort with several follow up appointments.

In the case of ringworm, it is important to disinfect their environment at the same time and keep them away from other pets until treatment is completed. You and other family members will also need to wash your hands after touching your pet and seek advice from your doctor if needed.

If your pet is showing any symptoms of a skin condition, please call us on 03 8784 4444. Mild to severe skin problems all require a full examination so your vet can make an accurate diagnosis, rule out any underlying conditions and prescribe the best treatment program.

5 Common skin conditions in pets