Despite thick fur, dogs and cats also have skin problems
As a pet owner, it has certainly not escaped your attention that many dogs and cats have serious skin problems. However, the most common skin diseases are allergies, which can manifest themselves as itching and hair loss. In today's blog post, we will explain which other skin diseases are quite common.
Skin diseases in dogs and cats
Atopic dermatitis and eczema often occur on the paws and ears of cats and dogs. However, they can also occur on the feet and even spread over the whole body. The main symptom of skin diseases is almost always itching. Your dog or cat will bite and scratch itself, sometimes so badly that its fur falls out and scabs or even dandruff form.
As a result, your pet's skin can become sore and even inflamed in the open areas. This can lead to
- painful,
- bloody
- and sometimes purulent skin.
These are the so-called hotspots.
Largest organ in dogs and cats: the skin
Your pet's largest organ is its skin. Whether dog or cat, it accounts for around 12-24 per cent of the total body weight. For this reason, skin diseases can have a significant impact on the well-being and health of your dog or cat.
Skin diseases are among the second most common causes of skin disorders in pets. Their causes are many and varied. Skin diseases can be caused by:
- Metabolic disorders,
- Diseases of the internal organs,
- hormones,
- but also psychological factors and infections.
Allergies are very often the trigger, with about 10 percent of all dogs suffering from a faulty reaction of the immune system. Pollen, dust mites, food ingredients and even flea saliva can trigger skin problems in your dog or cat.
Signs of skin problems in your pet
Skin problems in your dog manifest themselves in a variety of symptoms. They range from mild redness to hair loss, crusting and scaling. Animals often show noticeably restless behaviour. A common symptom of skin diseases is itching. Your animal will lick or scratch the itchy area. This can lead to open sores.
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can occur in dogs or cats of any age. Its symptoms can remain inactive for years, as they only appear when the dog comes into contact with the allergen.
Allergies as a skin problem is often chronic in cats
Allergies as a skin problem is often chronic in cats. It is an incurable disease. Regardless of the cause, treatment and diagnosis require a great deal of patience. Certain trigger factors should be identified with the veterinarian before treatment. Flea saliva allergies are common and it is advisable to exclude this cause by flea prevention. In contrast, food allergies seem to be less common than thought, at 10-15 per cent.