Dog Skin Problems

Your furry friend can have an itch that he must scratch, however, sometimes the itch can be problematic and if not treated correctly, it can lead to a very sick pooch. At Collierville Animal Clinic, we understand about skin problems your dog may experience and we are here to help you find the cause and determine a plan of action to soothe your pet.

Dogs with Itchy Skin

Pruritus is the terminology for dogs with itchy skin. This is one of the most common reasons that pet owners visit their veterinarian in Collierville. If your dog is persistently itching and scratching, it can keep him up all night and this in turn can keep you up all night. In addition to feeling terrible, your dog can develop secondary infections as they scratch until their skin as lesions and loss of hair from their nails and teeth.

Dogs with Allergies

Your dog can have skin allergies, just as humans do. Allergies can make your dog very itchy. There are three categories of allergies: flea allergies, environmental allergies and food allergies. It is important to find which of these is the culprit, so your dog gets the treatment he needs and becomes itch free and happy again. The treatment for flea allergies includes treating all the pets in your household and your home and yard to alleviate the allergy. Some dogs are allergic to mite dander, pollen, or even some types of grass. This type of allergy may involve allergy shots or medications to get it under control. Food allergies are solved with a very strict food elimination diet, which may take some time, but in the end, it will give you and your dog a great relief with a visit to your animal hospital.

Hot Spots and Sores

External parasites, mainly fleas and mites can cause hot spots and sores on your dog's skin. These items can spread quickly and appear as red and sticky sores. If you notice this, he needs veterinarian attention immediately.

Dog Hair Loss

If your dog is losing hair, it's important to determine the cause with a skin scraping at your local animal hospital. It may be parasites, a thyroid disease or even an adrenal disorder. Your vet can do an exam, decide if the loss of hair is secondary to a systemic disorder and then provide a course of action.

Compassionate Veterinarian Care

If your dog has any type of skin disorder, we can help at Collierville Animal Clinic. We care for your dog as if he is part of our family. Our experienced veterinarian in Collierville can determine what is causing the disturbance and provide you with a diagnosis and treatment to get your furry friend back to himself without all the itching.