Allergies or Infection? Late-Summer Skin Conditions in Michigan Pets
As the seasons change, so do a pet’s possible risk for various health conditions. Often, problems affecting the skin are related to parasites, environmental debris (like a foxtail), or an injury—all of which can result in a type of infection. Allergies, on the other hand, can also impact the skin. Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates has some go-to tips on how to handle these issues in your pets.
Start at the Beginning
Pets commonly face problems affecting their skin, but it’s not always easy to guess the cause. We can help you get started by examining a pet’s skin, eyes, ears, coat and feet.
Allergies may be caused by a pet’s food, fleas, or the environment, and can cause the following symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting or both
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Itchiness and excessive scratchiness
- Inflamed skin
- Hair loss
- Sores
- Head shaking
- Ear scratching
- Rubbing or scooting on surfaces
- Excessive licking
- Red, watery eyes
After examining a pet’s appearance and behavior, and speaking with you about their lifestyle and environment, we may recommend certain diagnostics to learn more about potential triggers. We can also develop a plan for supportive allergy care.
An Itchy Dog In August?
Environmental allergies caused by pollen, dust, mold, grass, and smoke can cause skin itchiness in pets all summer long. Another explanation for an itchy dog in August may be flea allergy dermatitis. But food allergies in pets are just as common and also affect the skin, making it a challenge to get a handle on the exact cause.
Infections can yield more severe symptoms that require immediate intervention. If you ever see the following symptoms, it’s possible they were initially triggered by an allergic reaction but have developed into a full-fledged bacterial problem:
- Redness and inflammation
- Pus or discharge from the eyes, ears, or skin
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
Infections can be bacterial, viral, or fungal. They can start as the result of itching caused by allergies, or they can be totally independent. Prescription medication is necessary to treat an infection, and other methods of care, such as bathing, pain relief, and comfort measures are important to recovery.
Pet Skin Issues
Because skin problems can cause significant discomfort in pets, it’s important to get them checked out as soon as you notice a difference in their appearance and behavior.
Please give us a call at (248) 646-5655 with any questions or concerns. We can help your pet feel better, faster, at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates.