The fluctuations in the weather conditions can take a huge toll on your pet’s health, especially their skin health. They can fall prey to the numerous skin problems that are always looming in the air. Thus, as pet parents, it is important to not only prevent and protect your buddy from skin issues but also know about the skin problems that can harm your four-legged friends.
Skin Problems in Cats and Dogs
There are a plethora of skin problems that can affect your cat or dog. Below, we have jotted down the common skin problems that might affect your canine or feline. Let us take a look at them.
Parasitic Infection
Fleas and ticks are the most common parasitic infection that can harm your dog. These pesky critters can create loads of discomfort, pain, and a lot of problems for your pet as well as you. A bite from them or their saliva can trigger an allergic reaction that could lead to various issues such as skin inflammation, scabs, and rashes. Some of their bites can also be life-threatening and lead to major diseases like anemia.
Skin Allergies
Allergies on the skin are on the rise, both in humans as well as in pets. Skin allergies are caused by environmental allergens such as dust. Moreover, allergies on the skin are painstaking, and they cause skin redness, itching, and hair loss. There are also food allergies as well, which can cause rashes, skin irritations, and skin inflammation.
Skin Infections
There are three kinds of skin infections, namely, bacterial, fungal, and yeast. Infection caused by bacteria and fungus can create swellings and redness that ooze out a discolored discharge. Fungal infection can create absurd growths or discolorations on the skin surfaces, which, over time, will grow and spread all over.
Hives
A specific kind of allergic reaction, Hives are fairly common in dogs, cats, and other animals. Hives are raised round-like bumps found on the skin. They tend to itch a lot and cause the hair on the fur coat to stick out in spots. This particular kind of skin problem is also commonly spotted in other parts of the body, including the eyelids.
Hot Spots
Skin lesions containing pus and discharge with loss of hair around the lesions are known as hot spots. This type of skin problem is very common in pets such as cats and dogs. Hot spots can occur anywhere on the pet’s body and can be painful. Generally, hot spots develop due to an underlying flea bite allergy and/or food allergies.
How to Treat Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats?
To treat skin problems in pets, you first need to know what kind of skin issue your four-legged pal is up against. Once that is known, you can use to following ways to treat your infected pet.
- Diet Change: If a food allergy is the reason for your pet’s skin problems, then a diet change is a must. Moreover, while making the change in your furry buddy’s diet, it is best advised to talk it out with a vet and get his expertise on it.
- Preventatives for Parasites: To prevent parasites such as fleas and ticks, opting for preventatives is the best bet. There are numerous products that perform the dual role of eliminating and preventing fleas and ticks on pets. Frontline Plus for Dogs, Frontline Plus for Cats, Bravecto Plus for Cats, Bravecto Chews for Dogs, etc are some well-renowned parasite preventatives.
- Skin Care Treatments: Nowadays, you will find a host of skin care treatments for pets. They can be found in nearby pet stores as well as on online stores like www.canadapetcare.com!
- Homeopathic Supplies: Last but not least, homeopathic supplies are available that help in treating skin problems in pets. Not only are homeopathic products effective, but they are also free from any side effects. Some reliable and trusted homeopathic products include HP Skin and Itch Relief and HP Healing Cream.
Though most of the common skin problems are easily treated, it is important to not take them lightly or neglect them. Some of these can grow into fatal diseases such as skin cancer and skin tumors. Hence, be quick to spot any issues with your pet’s skin health and make sure to treat it as quick as possible.
