Treating Pet Skin Conditions in Perry
There are a variety of chronic and inflammatory skin conditions that can affect dogs and cats, but some are more common than others. These include allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, chronic scratching, skin parasites and hair loss.
Our vets understand that chronic recurrent skin problems, ear infections and allergies can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable for your pet, and frustrating for you as a pet owner.
Our in-house lab, is equipped with the advanced technology our vets need to test for the root of your pet’s dermatological problem and offer a customized treatment plan to start the healing process.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Dermatology Appointment
At the beginning of the appointment, our veterinary dermatologist will review your pet's history to aid in the diagnosis of their condition. Next, they will use the diagnostic tools at our in-house laboratory to establish the source of your pet’s skin condition.
Once the cause of your pet's skin condition has been determined, we will develop a plan to treat it. Treatment may include prescription medication, shampoo/conditioner, an ear flush, allergy vaccines, or simple changes to your pet’s diet or environment.
Our Veterinary Dermatology Services
At Westmoreland & Slappey Animal Hospital in Perry we offer dermatological testing, diagnosis and treatment for the following issues:
- Ear & nose disorders
- Mites (demodex & scabies)
- Hair loss & hormonal disease
- Paw & nail disorders
- Seborrheic & breed disorders
- Immune disorders
- Skin cancer & tumors
FAQs About Skin Problems & Allergies
- What are common skin conditions in dogs and cats?
There are many common skin conditions that can affect dogs and cats. These include allergies, itchy skin, skin irritation, hot spots, hair loss, flea bites and dry skin.
Some of these conditions can be mild, temporary ones, while others can be more serious, and can lead to skin infections and other health issues, depending on their cause.
If your pet's condition requires the advanced diagnostics or treatment of a specialist vet, we will refer your cat or dog to a pet dermatologist in the Perry area.
Our team is connected with a network of skilled specialist vets in the Perry area including veterinary dermatologist specialists.
- What causes skin problems in dogs and cats?
Pets most commonly develop skin problems due to a reaction to ingredients in their food, an underlying disease or condition, or fleas.
They can also often develop skin problems as a result of allergic reactions to substances in their environment, such as chemicals in cleaning products.
- What are some ways to help prevent pet skin problems?
The most effective preventive measures for your pet depend on the specific cause of the skin problem. Once this has been diagnosed and treated, the vet will provide advice on how to prevent the problem from recurring or flaring up.
Things that may help include changes in the pet's diet or your household products, flea treatment, hypoallergenic soaps and grooming products, brushing to prevent matting, or a quieter, less stressful environment for the pet.
- When should I bring my pet to the vet for a skin problem?
You should make a dermatological appointment with the vet if your pet is scratching a lot or even biting, and especially if sores or bleeding have occurred. If they are losing fur at an unusual rate, or if they have a strange bump or lump on the skin this requires veterinary attention as well.
- What if my pet is scratching, but shows no visible signs of skin problems?
If your pet is scratching or grooming excessively, but you can't see any indicators that there is a skin problem, you should still get your pet checked out by a vet. Excessive scratching and grooming could be a sign of a number of underlying health issues or even stress, and can cause skin problems to develop if left unaddressed.