The integumentary system constitutes the largest organ of an animal’s body: the skin. This specific part is often ignored by countless owners, considering the optimal nature of their coat and fur. However, this does not omit the fact that the integument can still be vulnerable to certain conditions. For this reason, every fur parent needs to recognize the type, potential cause, and telltale signs of skin diseases commonly suffered by at-home pets.
Common Skin Problems Among At-Home Pets
Allergic Dermatitis
Pets are similarly vulnerable to numerous allergens arising from different sources, including environmental irritants, foods, grooming products, and household items. When this happens, their skin can get hypersensitive, causing severe rashes, which can be itchy and painful. Consequently, this can lead to acute dermatitis when left untreated. In this case, immediately head to the nearest veterinary dermatologist for a timely response.
Alopecia
Pet shedding typically develops as a part of their hair-growth cycle. It is regarded as the natural process of replacing damaged fur with healthy ones. Accordingly, this takes place to prepare their bodies for seasonal changes. This can be advantageous not until it gets extreme and more often than usual, resulting in a disorder termed alopecia. Genetics, poor nutrition, and stress are among the typical factors that can cause this abnormality to emerge.
Fleas
Typically, pets are fond of resting on the floor whenever they are comfortable doing so. Because of this, unwelcome species can invade their coat and skin; among the lineup is named fleas. These parasites can attack by biting their integument, causing excessive licking and scratching, eventually leading to blood loss and anemia. When this happens, never hesitate to search for reliable veterinary websites like www.atlanticcoastvet.com to schedule an appointment with a specialist.
Mange
Mange has been regularly linked with the parasitic insect called mites. The intrusion of these tiny creatures can emerge in two different forms. First is the demodectic type, which can attack the healthy skin of pets, inducing minor problems, such as bald spots, scabs, and sores. On the other hand, the sarcoptic type is considered more contagious. It can quickly proliferate from one pet host to another, inducing severe scratching and leading to hair loss.
Ringworm
The name of this skin problem proposes that it develops due to worm invasion. Nevertheless, truth be told, ringworm emerges from a fungus. The term “ring” was only incorporated because of the circular patches this abnormality brings about. When a pet suddenly manifests bald, scaly, and swelling spots, this can suggest a potential infection. In this case, immediately visit a veterinarian for a safe yet effective treatment plan.
Ticks
Comparable to fleas and mange, ticks are likewise brought on by blood-sucking parasites that invade through their healthy integument. Subsequently, this can induce severe irritation, leading to deadly bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease. These tiny creatures can typically be discovered by the naked eye. When you locate one, get a tweezer to pull it out. But if you struggle to do it cleanly, instantly visit the dermatology page of trusted online veterinary networks for first aid measures.
Skin Lesions
In rare pet cases, lesions can aggressively emerge when a specific skin infection fails to progress into the healing phase. This frequently cultivates because of an autoimmune disorder wherein the body’s defense mechanism suddenly stops functioning. Suppose this unexpectedly comes about and is left without treatment. In that case, it can lead to numerous brain conditions that only the expertise of an animal neurologist can handle and manage.
Yeast Infections
The ears and paws of a pet are the physical structures where yeast infections commonly attack. This condition can easily be diagnosed, considering the persistent licking and scratching symptoms an infected furry companion can present. This skin problem can basically be treated with topical creams and medicated baths. However, this can result in bone deterioration when left unattended, which only a dog and cat rehabilitation therapy can solve.
