If your cat or dog is itchy and scratching or biting their skin or paws, chances are they are suffering from a skin condition. Skin conditions in pets can be distressing for owners, too, because they can see that their pet is extremely uncomfortable. From incessant itching to visible rashes, these conditions can significantly impact your pet’s health and quality of life. Our Smithtown Animal Hospital team looks into some of the most prevalent skin issues affecting cats and dogs, explores their causes, and recommends prevention and treatment strategies.

Common skin conditions in pets

Many skin conditions have similar physical effects, so an accurate diagnosis by our Smithtown Animal Hospital team is imperative. Some more common skin conditions include:

  • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) — Fleas aren’t only a nuisance—they can trigger allergic reactions and transmit disease. FAD signs include intense itching, redness, and hair loss, primarily at the tail base and along the back. Prevention involves regular flea control through topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars that our veterinary team will recommend, as well as eliminating fleas from your home.
  • Atopic dermatitis — This condition, which is similar to human eczema, is a chronic allergic skin disease that manifests as itching, redness, and sometimes secondary infections. Identifying and avoiding allergens and using medicated shampoos and antihistamines can give your furry pal relief and help manage their condition.
  • Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) — Hot spots are inflamed, raised skin lesions that develop rapidly, often as the result of your pet’s chronic licking and scratching, or other irritations. Often, these lesions are filled with pus and make your pet painful and uncomfortable. Treatment involves cleaning the affected area, topical medications, and addressing the underlying cause, including allergies or parasites.
  • Ringworm — Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection rather than a worm. The fungus develops as circular patches with redness and scaling around the edges and can be accompanied by hair loss. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, environmental decontamination, and sometimes, shaving affected areas.
  • Mange — This skin disorder caused by mites comes in two main forms—sarcoptic mange (i.e., scabies) and demodectic mange. Signs include hair loss, intense itching, and skin irritation. Treatment varies, depending on the type, and may involve topical medications, oral medications, or injections.
  • Folliculitis — Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, with redness, swelling, itchiness, and pain. Folliculitis often develops from underlying allergies, fleas, hormonal imbalances, or mange. Veterinary treatment includes antibiotics, topical therapy, and addressing underlying medical conditions.
  • Seborrhea — Seborrhea is a skin condition in which the sebaceous glands produce too much oil on the skin (Seborrhea oleosa) or not enough, causing dry, flaky, and irritated skin (Seborrhea sicca). Seborrhea is often inherited or the result of a secondary condition, such as allergies, fungal infections, hormonal imbalances, or parasites. Treatment includes medicated shampoos and other topicals, while managing any underlying conditions.
  • Skin cancer — Any lumps or bumps on your pet’s skin should be investigated by our veterinarian. Unusual bumps are mostly benign, but they can be cancerous, in which case early detection is critical for successful treatment and a better outcome. Common skin cancers in pets include malignant melanoma, mast cell tumors, and squamous cell carcinoma. 

Prompt diagnosis and effective management is crucial for pet skin conditions, and owners understanding and recognizing these problems is also crucial. Regular grooming, maintaining a clean environment, and routine wellness examinations to detect and address underlying health issues can help prevent many skin conditions.

If you see any signs of skin problems on your pet, call our Smithtown Animal Hospital team. If we confirm your concerns, we can promptly address the problem and ensure your furry companion is happy in their skin.