Skincare is serious business in Louisiana’s tropical climate
Itchy, enflamed skin, bald patches, and hot spots are common concerns for pet owners. If your dog or cat is excessively biting, scratching, or licking his or her skin, one of the following irritants could be to blame:
- Pollen—Our pets can feel the effects of seasonal allergies just like we can, and thanks to our heat and humidity, pollen season hits hard and early here and lingers far too long. But we can help.
- Fleas—They may be tiny, but they can cause big problems. Some cats and dogs may be allergic to the flea bites themselves. Flea allergy dermatitis is a condition especially common in dogs. Itching and scratching will create open wounds that can lead to secondary infections. Countless other bugs, including gnats, ticks, and mosquitoes can bite our pets and cause significant skin discomfort.
- Fungus—Yeast thrives in hot, humid environments, and yeast infections can affect both the skin and the ears. Ringworm is another common fungal infection and presents with oval-shaped lesions on the skin of infected pets.
- Food—A small percentage of pets can also experience food allergies. And while we typically associate food allergies with stomach upset, sometimes the only symptom our cats and dogs will experience is itchy, irritated skin. The most common food allergens are beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products (including eggs), and wheat.
When treating a dermatology-related case, Dr. Fereday will first identify the likely allergen and confirm with the appropriate testing. Once the cause of your pet’s skin condition has been pin-pointed, Dr. Fereday will create an appropriate treatment plan so that your pet can find relief as soon as possible.
If your cat or dog is experiencing any skin discomfort, please give us a call today.