As our pets undergo the effects of age, grooming, ticks and insects, and the elements, it’s no wonder why dermatology is an essential part of any pet's care. At Summit Dog and Cat Hospital, our veterinary staff is here to help your pet find some much-needed relief from dermatological issues. If you notice changes in your pet's skin and need professional pet care in the Summit area, here's what you need to know.
What Is Pet Dermatology?
Dermatology is the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. Just like humans, the effects of pet skin conditions can range from mild irritations to severe skin disorders. Pet dermatology can treat a wide range of skin issues, including:
- Allergies
- Ticks
- Termites
- Rash
- Redness
- Dry skin
- Skin cancer
- Skin infections
- Auto-immune disorders such as psoriasis (in dogs)
- Irritation due to excessive grooming
- Excessive hair loss and balding
Signs of Pet Skin Problems
There are several signs that your pet's skin needs treatment. If you notice your pet is excessively licking or scratching the same spot, this can be a sign your pet needs a veterinary appointment. Other signs that your pet needs to see a pet dermatologist includes:
- Excessive scratching
- Hives
- Dry skin
- Breaks in the skin
- Bleeding skin
- Skin sores and lesions
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in behavior
- Aggression during grooming
- Hair loss
- Puss excreting from wounds
- Ticks and fleas on your pet
How We Can Help
If you notice signs of skin damage on your pet, it could be due to a variety of issues. Only a trained veterinarian will be able to diagnose the root cause of your pet's skin condition and create the appropriate treatment plan.
Our veterinarians may prescribe a soothing ointment to apply to the skin. Steroid creams or lotions can be very effective in calming inflamed areas. If our vet suspects allergies, an anti-histamine medication may be prescribed. If a chemical sensitivity causes the skin issue, our vets will recommend you change to different types of cleaning products for your home. If the underlying problem is a food allergy, we may have you administer an elimination diet, where you only feed your animal one food at a time to see which one causes a reaction.
Visit Us for Pet Skin Care in Summit, NJ
Skin conditions can affect your pet's health and overall quality of life. Fortunately, at Summit Dog and Cat Hospital in Summit, NJ, we can find the proper treatment to help your pet find much-needed relief. Call us at (908) 273-2200 today to book an appointment for your animal.