Skin conditions often plague dogs and cats, causing discomfort and itching that can impact their quality of life. Understanding pets’ most common skin conditions can help you recognize problem signs early and seek appropriate treatment with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team. Read our guide to the most prevalent skin conditions in dogs and cats and learn how we can help your furry pal feel better.

1: Allergic dermatitis in pets

Allergic dermatitis is widespread in dogs and cats, occurring when a pet’s immune system overreacts to harmless triggers, including pollen, dust mites, flea bites, or certain foods. Pets with allergic dermatitis are itchy, which causes them to scratch, lick, and bite their inflamed skin. Skin in affected areas may become red, dark, thick, or infected with opportunistic bacteria and yeast. Allergy management requires a lifelong commitment, but many treatment options are available. 

2: Hot spots in pets

Hot spots are inflamed, infected, moist spots that seem to appear overnight. They can be caused by self-trauma—a pet excessively licking, biting, or scratching an itchy area—moisture trapped in the fur, or a local allergic reaction to a bug bite. Treatment requires shaving and cleaning the affected areas, treating with antibiotics, and preventing further self-trauma.

3: Bacterial infections in pets

Bacterial skin infections (i.e., pyoderma) occur when normal bacteria on the skin grow out of control. This condition usually occurs secondary to another skin problem, such as allergic dermatitis, or in pets with poor immune function. Pyoderma often presents with a bumpy, scaly, red, and itchy rash with patchy hair loss. Treatment requires resolving the infection and addressing the underlying cause.

4: Yeast infections in pets

Yeast infections are similar to bacterial infections because they occur secondary to other skin disorders and are not contagious. They commonly occur in moist, warm skin areas, such as the ears, between the toes, and in skin folds. Infected skin is often greasy, red, and has a foul odor. Treatment involves addressing the infection and underlying conditions.

5: Fungal infections in pets

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that causes skin lesions in pets. The lesions vary in appearance and can mimic other conditions, and some infected pets—usually cats—may not develop any lesions. Ringworm is contagious between pets and people or may be picked up in the environment.

6: Parasites in pets

Parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or mites that burrow into the skin, frequently cause pets to become itchy. Although flea bites may cause minor irritation, many pets are allergic and become severely itchy. Mites burrow deep into the skin and can also cause intense itching, depending on the mite species. Parasite infestations may also cause redness, scaling, and hair loss. Treatment depends on the parasite present but often includes treating all household pets and requires frequent housecleaning.

7: Seborrhea in pets

Seborrhea causes the skin to become excessively oily or dry, leading to dandruff-like flakes. The issue can be a primary condition or secondary to other health issues such as a hormonal imbalance. Treatment requires ruling out underlying health problems and bathing your pet frequently with medicated shampoos.

8: Autoimmune skin diseases in pets

Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or pemphigus, can cause ulcers, crusting, redness, and hair loss. At first, these disorders may resemble allergies, but they don’t respond well to traditional allergy treatments. A biopsy is required to confirm autoimmune disease, and treatment requires immune-suppressing medications.

9: Skin tumors in pets

Skin tumors can vary from benign growths to malignant cancers. Once a pet develops a skin growth, they are likely to develop more in the future. Some breeds are prone to specific tumor types, but diagnosing a skin tumor is not possible based on appearance or history alone. If you suspect your pet has a skin tumor, bring it to our veterinary team’s attention as soon as possible, especially if you notice the lump growing, changing in appearance, or becoming ulcerated.

Diagnosing and treating skin conditions in pets

Many skin conditions present with similar signs, including itching, redness, hair loss, scaling, bumps, or ulcerations. The first step in diagnosing a skin problem is obtaining a thorough history and performing a complete physical exam. Next, our team may recommend diagnostic testing to narrow down the skin problem’s cause, which could include:

  • Skin scraping and microscopic evaluation
  • Skin cytology and microscopic evaluation
  • Fungal culture
  • Bacterial culture
  • Biopsy
  • Blood work
  • Urinalysis

Treatments aim to eliminate itching and discomfort, resolve infections, reduce inflammation, and address underlying disorders such as thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, and immune conditions. Each pet requires an individualized treatment plan and frequent follow-ups to adjust as needed. Your pet’s skin condition treatments may include:

  • Medicated shampoos, sprays, creams, and wipes
  • Antihistamines, steroids, or immune-suppressing drugs
  • Targeted anti-itch therapies such as Apoquel or Cytopoint
  • Antibiotics or antifungals
  • Allergy testing and oral or injectable immunotherapy—allergy shots
  • Parasite prevention and treatment

A pet’s skin condition may cause minor irritation or indicate an underlying systemic disorder. Identifying and promptly addressing changes in your pet’s skin and coat are critical to successful diagnosis and treatment. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to schedule a visit if your pet has a skin condition or to discuss the most effective parasite preventive regimen for your furry pal’s needs.