Relief for itchy, irritated pets
When your pet can’t stop scratching, neither of you gets much rest. At Sarasota Animal Medical Center in Sarasota, FL , we find the cause of skin and allergy problems and build a treatment plan that helps your pet feel comfortable again.
Request an AppointmentSkin conditions we can help with
Pet skin problems range from a simple rash to a deeper, long-term condition. Some of the dermatological issues we assist with include:
- Allergies (food and/or environmental)
- Infections (acute or chronic)
- Parasites
- Dermatitis
- Hormonal disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Tumors
- Skin cancer
Signs your pet may have a skin problem
Is your pet’s itchy skin keeping you both up at night? Look out for these signs:
- Excessive scratching
- Scabbing or flaking of the skin
- Hot spots
- Shedding more than usual
- Biting, chewing or licking at the affected area
- Bumps or lumps on or under the skin
If you notice any of these, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Skin issues rarely clear up on their own, and constant scratching can lead to painful sores and infections.
Understanding pet allergies and skin disease
Many different ailments can affect a companion animal’s skin. It might be a surface problem like a hot spot or rash, or something deeper like an infection. Either way, the symptoms are unpleasant, and you shouldn’t have to watch your pet suffer. That’s why we offer pet allergy and dermatology care as part of our comprehensive approach to your pet’s health. Our goal is to help your pet be as healthy on the outside as on the inside.
How we diagnose the problem
The first step toward relief is identifying exactly what your pet is dealing with. Our hospital has an in-house laboratory, so we can run many diagnostic tests quickly while you wait. Sometimes an exam is enough to tell what’s wrong. When it isn’t, blood work, skin scrapings and biopsies give us the answers we need to move forward. If fleas, mites or other pests are involved, our parasite prevention program helps keep them from coming back.
Creating a treatment plan for your pet
We consider a number of factors unique to your pet before recommending treatment, so the plan fits your pet’s needs and aims for the best possible results. Depending on the situation, we may suggest something as simple as a medicated shampoo or a topical cream. More complex conditions may call for a combination of treatment methods.
Comprehensive allergy care
Allergies take a little more work to manage. Once we understand what is triggering your pet’s reactions, we work toward a solution that reduces outbreaks as much as possible. Some allergies can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as switching food products, while others need a longer-term strategy. Every recommendation is based on your pet’s specific needs, and we’ll walk you through each step so you know what to expect.
Dermatology and allergy FAQs
How do I know if my pet’s scratching is normal or a sign of a problem?
Occasional scratching is normal. Scratching that is frequent, wakes your pet at night, or comes with scabs, flaking, hot spots, hair loss or constant licking and chewing should be checked by a veterinarian.
What causes itchy skin in dogs and cats?
Common causes include environmental and food allergies, fleas and other parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, dermatitis, hormonal disorders and autoimmune disease. Because many of these look alike, an exam and testing are the best way to find the real cause.
How do you diagnose a skin condition?
We start with a physical exam and your pet’s history. If we need more information, we use our in-house laboratory for blood work and skin scrapings, and we may recommend a biopsy. Many tests can be run quickly while you wait.
Can pet allergies be cured?
Many allergies can’t be cured, but they can usually be managed. Once we identify the trigger, we work to reduce flare-ups through steps such as changes in diet, topical care or a longer-term treatment plan.
Could my pet’s skin problem be caused by food?
It can be. Food allergies are one possible cause of itching and skin infections. If we suspect one, we may recommend switching food products as part of your pet’s plan.
What treatments might my pet need?
It depends on the condition. Some pets improve with a medicated shampoo or topical cream, while more complex cases may need a combination of treatments. We tailor the plan to your pet.
When should I bring my pet in for a skin problem?
Schedule a visit if the itching lasts more than a few days, if you see open sores, hot spots, lumps or bumps, or if your pet seems uncomfortable. Early treatment usually means faster relief and fewer complications.
Help your pet stop the scratching
Call (941) 954-4771 or request a visit online, and our Sarasota team will help your pet get comfortable again.