Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Does your pet suffer from itching, dandruff, or hair loss?
Skin issues are one of the top reasons pet owners visit the vet. Common signs include:
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Intense itching or scratching
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Bald patches or excessive shedding
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Red or discolored skin
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Dandruff or flaky skin
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Lumps or thickened skin
What to know before your vet visit
To speed up diagnosis and help your vet provide the best care, consider these questions ahead of time:
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When did symptoms begin, and what did you notice first?
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Have the symptoms changed or stayed the same?
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Are there any other issues (e.g. eye or ear infections)?
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What food does your pet eat? Any recent diet changes?
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Have there been changes in your pet’s environment?
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Do other pets at home show similar symptoms?
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Has your pet had contact with unfamiliar animals?
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Do family members also have rashes or itching?
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What medications has your pet used, and how did they work?
🟡 Tip: If it's your pet's first skin-related visit, check in at reception before bringing your pet inside.
Diagnosis & testing: how to identify skin conditions
After a general health check, the vet may take skin samples such as:
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Skin scrapings – cells collected with a scalpel
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Tape tests – tape applied to skin and examined under a microscope
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Swabs – especially useful for ears or folds
These tests help detect:
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Infections (bacterial or fungal)
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Inflammation
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Parasites like mites or lice
In some cases, we may also recommend:
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Blood tests
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Fungal/bacterial cultures
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Skin biopsies
Tailored treatment plans for long-term skin health
Once diagnosed, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include:
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Parasite treatments
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Medications for infection or inflammation
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Special diets for food allergies
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Medicated shampoos and topical creams
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Long-term therapies for chronic skin conditions
✅ Success depends on collaboration between pet owner and vet
✅ Consistent home care, patience, and follow-up are essential
