Pet Dermatology Services from Your Portland Veterinarian

As a human, if you have an issue with your skin, you see a dermatologist. Why should it be any different for your pet? If you’ve noticed your cat or dog is itching, has reddened and swollen skin, or has bald patches or skin bumps, it’s time to bring them to a Portland veterinarian.

Skin Conditions in Dogs and Cats

Both dogs and cats are susceptible to having:

• Dry, flaky, itchy skin
• Grayish skin and coats
• Hair loss
• Allergies
• Hotspots
• Bumps or masses

What Causes These Skin Conditions?

Each of the above-mentioned skin conditions has its own cause. Let’s break down each one separately:

• Dry, flaky, itchy skin may happen for many reasons. A pet could have an immune disorder, bacterial infection, allergy, or an infestation of lice, scabies, and fleas. In dogs, this itching is known as pruritus.
• A grayish skin and coat are often attributed to a lack of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Both cats and dogs need these fatty acids for healthy fur and skin.
• Hair loss in dogs could be because of adrenal disorders, Cushing’s disease, thyroid disease, and an infestation of mites. If you notice balding in cats, they may have pancreatic tumors, adrenal disease, a systemic disease, excess stress, or ringworm.
• Allergies in both cats and dogs may be down to their environment (such as dust or dander) or certain ingredients in the foods they eat.
• Hotspots may be attributable to bacterial infections, flea and mite infestations, and pruritus.
• Bumps or masses could be cancer or simply benign, but your vet should be the one to test the mass. If it does indeed turn out that a mass is malignant, your pet may need surgery to remove the mass.

How a Veterinarian Treats Skin Conditions in Pets

Now that you know more about what causes many of these pet skin conditions, you can bring your pet into a dermatologist in Portland for a diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes a change in diet is recommended, while other times topical skin ointments can reduce itchiness. Pets may need allergy medications just like us humans.

It’s also crucial keep your pet up-to-date on their flea and tick medications. If your pet is not on such medication, your vet will likely prescribe you a treatment to rid your pet of these parasites.

Contact Peninsula Dog & Cat Clinic, Your Portland Veterinarian

For dermatological services you can trust, bring your pet to Peninsula Dog & Cat Clinic. Our dermatologist can diagnose the above mentioned skin conditions and prescribe a treatment that will stop the itching and redness for good.

Other services administered by our Portland veterinarian are pet wellness programs, vaccinations, pet surgery, emergency care, pet dental care, spaying and neutering, microchipping, puppy and kitten care, flea and tick treatment, heartworm treatment, senior pet wellness care, and gastrointestinal treatments.

Set up your appointment by calling 503-285-7661 or visiting Peninsula Dog & Cat Clinic on 8260 North Interstate Road.