Itchy Dog or Cat? Pet Skin & Allergy Care in Middle Sackville, NS

Quick answer: Constant scratching, licking, bare patches or red skin usually point to an underlying cause such as allergies, parasites like fleas and mites, infections or a hormonal disorder. At Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre, our veterinarians find the cause with a detailed exam and, when needed, tests like bloodwork, urinalysis, skin scrapings or biopsies, then tailor treatment to your pet.

Skin problems are among the most common reasons dogs and cats visit the vet, and they can make pets miserable. An itchy pet may keep the whole household up at night. The good news is that most skin conditions can be managed once the cause is found. Here's what pet owners in Middle Sackville should know about pet skin and allergy care.

Common causes of itchy skin in dogs and cats

Skin problems can stem from several different factors, and sometimes more than one at once:

• Allergies – to things in the environment or in food
• Parasites – such as fleas and mites
• Infections – bacterial or fungal, often developing on skin that's already irritated
• Hormonal disorders – conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease can show up as hair loss or a dull coat (learn more about our endocrinology services)

Because the symptoms of these causes often look alike, guessing at home can lead to the wrong treatment and a longer road to relief.

Signs your pet needs a skin check

• Excessive scratching or licking
• Bare patches or thinning fur
• Scabs or scaling on the skin
• Redness or inflammation
• Lumps or bumps on or under the skin

Addressing these issues early helps prevent more severe complications and gets your pet comfortable sooner. Skin conditions can worsen quickly if they're not treated.

How we diagnose skin problems

A detailed physical exam

In many cases, our veterinarians can identify the cause of your pet's skin problem through a careful physical examination and a conversation about your pet's history, diet, environment and parasite prevention.

Additional tests when needed

Some skin diseases need more investigation for an accurate diagnosis. Based on your pet's symptoms and our findings, we may recommend:

• Blood work to look for underlying hormonal disorders or infections
• Urinalysis to evaluate overall health and check for systemic issues
• Skin scraping to detect parasites that may be causing irritation
• Biopsies to examine tissue samples when a condition is more complex

Our on-site laboratory, part of our veterinary diagnostics, helps us get results quickly so treatment can start without delay.

Treatment tailored to your pet

Once we know the cause, we'll recommend the most effective treatment for your pet's specific condition and explain each option clearly. Depending on the diagnosis, a plan may include parasite control, treatment for infection, managing allergies, diet changes or treatment of an underlying hormonal disease. We'll follow up to make sure your pet is responding well and adjust the plan if needed.

Lumps and bumps deserve special attention. While most turn out to be benign, some are more serious, and early removal and testing can make a significant difference. Our surgery services include the removal of masses and lumps.

Tips to support healthy skin and coat at home

• Keep your pet on consistent flea and tick prevention recommended by your veterinarian
• Brush your pet regularly so you notice changes in the skin or coat early
• Avoid using human creams or medications on your pet unless your veterinarian says they're safe
• Note when symptoms started and anything that seems to make them better or worse; this helps with diagnosis
• Ask us about nutrition, since diet can play a role in skin health

Frequently asked questions about pet skin problems

Why does my dog keep licking his paws?

Frequent licking can be a sign of itchiness from allergies, parasites or infection, or sometimes pain. A veterinary exam is the best way to find the cause.

My cat is losing fur. Is that serious?

Fur loss can have many causes, from fleas to allergies to hormonal conditions. It's worth having it checked, especially if it comes with scabs, redness or changes in appetite, thirst or energy.

Do you treat skin problems in small mammals?

We primarily treat dogs and cats, and we also care for small mammals. Please contact us to ask about your pet.

Book a skin and allergy appointment in Middle Sackville

If your pet can't stop scratching, don't wait for it to get worse. Learn more about our pet dermatology services, request an appointment online, or call us at (902) 864-2882.

Middle Sackville Veterinary Care Centre is a veterinary-owned, CVMA- and NSVMA-accredited animal hospital at 1622 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A8. This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination of your pet by a veterinarian.