Skin Care

Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions that can cause discomfort and illness.

All species of dogs have skin but unfortunately, some dogs have more difficulty with their skin than others. The condition of your dog’s skin is a good indicator of your dog’s health. Skin concerns can vary in several forms from acute to chronic and even be long-lasting for a lifetime of treatments.

Canine skin diseases can be broken down even further to primary and secondary in nature and sometimes this makes getting a diagnosis harder. Our team of veterinarians will discuss many different options you have to help make a diagnosis for your dog.

Causes, symptoms & diagnosis of bacterial skin infections?

Bacterial skin infections can have many different factors causing them. They are very the primary issue, allergic skin disease can be a predisposing factor, as well as they can get a foothold in warm, moist areas of the body.

Signs that the dog may have had a bacterial infection are hair loss, increased scratching, rash, open sores and sometimes an odour.

What are the causes, symptoms and treatment for ringworms?

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, that can be picked up by animals from the environment. It is not a common condition.

Symptoms are thin hair or hairless patches with grey scaly patches seen around the face and ears but can be anywhere on the body.

Treatment can be the use of topical or oral antifungals. Treatment also could involve clipping of hair and multiple baths in an antifungal shampoo.

What are the causes and treatments for allergic skin diseases?

There can be several causes of allergic skin disease. Some to note are environmental, for example; pollens, contact to materials or fabrics or even a food ingredient.

Treatment will vary depending on these might be a diet change, allergy medications or desensitization injections.

What are the causes and treatments for parasitic skin diseases?

Parasitic disease is normally caused by demodectic or sarcoptic mange. These are microscopic eight-legged parasites that can cause severe hair loss and itching. Treatment can either be topical or oral medications.

What are the causes and treatments for hormonal skin diseases?

Hormonal skin diseases can be caused by Cushing’s disease or thyroid disease. Certain testing will be recommended by your vet to make a proper diagnosis.

Treatment for these two conditions if diagnosed in your dog will be tailored by your veterinarian.

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