Pet Dermatology

Just because your pet's skin is covered by a coat of fur does not mean that there won't be issues with it. Skin issues are fairly common among cats and dogs, and often these issues need to be properly diagnosed and treated by veterinarians. At Bryant Drive Animal Hospital, we have been serving the Tuscaloosa, AL, area with all of its pet care needs, including dermatology, for many years. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the signs and symptoms your pet may have a skin issue, how skin issues are treated and more. 

Signs and Symptoms Your Pet May Have an Issue

Keep in mind that skin, when irritated, can become uncomfortable. The good news is that it is obvious to see when your pet is experiencing any sort of issue with its skin just by keeping an eye out for any abnormal behavior. Some of the signs to watch for include:

• Excessive scratching or rubbing
• Chewing skin
• Abnormally dry skin
• Loss of fur
• Licking, especially on the legs

If your pet is exhibiting any of the behavior, start by carefully examining the area that they are paying attention to. Look for swelling, lesions, scales or any other unusual marks on the skin that could be indicative of a problem. Sometimes, it may just be allergies. Other times, it may be the sign of a larger skin problem that needs to be addressed. Either way, a visit to the vet's office should be in order to properly diagnosis and then treat the issue. Some of the more common skin issues include allergic dermatitis, ringworm, scabies and lick granuloma. 

How Pet Skin Issues Are Diagnosed

Skin issues with pets are often best diagnosed via a thorough examination of the affected area. Your vet will ask questions pertaining to how long the issue has persisted, if there are any factors that could have contributed to the issue and if it has happened before. Once the problem is diagnosed, a vet may treat the issue in a few different ways. Medication to help alleviate any swelling or discomfort, but extra steps may also need to be taken so that your animal does not continue to bother the affected area. These steps may include bandaging the area or having your pet temporarily wear a cone on its head so that it cannot reach the area, thereby giving it time to properly heal. 

Call Bryant Drive Animal Hospital Today!

For more information on pet dermatology, contact Bryant Drive Animal Hospital today. We are your one-stop source for all veterinary needs. Contact us today for more information on treating your pets' skin issues.