Skin Problems

Skin Problems in Pets - Spot the signs of common skin conditions in Pets

Skin problems are one of the most common reasons owners take their dog to the vet. Abnormalities such as excessive scratching, redness, inflammation, hair loss and lumps and bumps could be a sign of a wide range of dog skin conditions, from allergies, fleas and ticks to infections and mange.

The signs of skin conditions might be a bit less obvious when your dog is feeling well and lively, but are more apparent when they are lethargic or sleeping all the time. Skin conditions can also be seasonal, caused by allergies to certain types of grass or pollens, or external factors like fleas and ticks. However, if your pet is constantly scratching or you see any unusual lumps or bumps on them it could be time to take them in for a checkup.

Signs of pet skin conditions include:

• frequent scratching,
• biting at their skin and irritation such as redness,
• hair loss,
• flaky skin,
• texture changes, scabs, lumps and an unusual or unpleasant smell

While some dogs are able to live with their skin conditions, many will find them uncomfortable and difficult to cope with. This can lead to behavioral problems such as excessive scratching, which owners often struggle to deal with. Hiring a groomer can be a good option if you just can’t manage or don’t have the time to care for your dog yourself, but if your dog is having consistent problems you should consider getting them treated by your vet instead.