Pet Dermatology in Philadelphia, PA

Since 2012, Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic has been proud to serve the Philadelphia area. As an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association, you can count on our skilled and experienced team to deliver the best possible care to your pet.

Our compassionate care is combined with the most advanced treatments and techniques available in veterinary medicine to ensure your pet receives the best quality care available. We are a full-service state-of-the-art facility and offer everything from wellness exams and dental care to tumor removal and orthopedic surgery.

Another issue that we treat quite often is in the area of pet dermatology. Just like humans, our pets can suffer from a variety of skin problems, stemming from various triggers. Below, we'll discuss some common causes, symptoms, and treatments related to veterinary dermatology.

What Are the Causes of a Pet Skin Allergy?

Skin irritation can happen for a variety of reasons. Like humans, animals can be triggered by things in their environment that can cause skin irritation and allergies. They include:

- Pollen

- Mold

- Dust

- Parasites like fleas, ticks, or mites

- Food

- Bacterial or fungal infections

- Household chemicals, perfumes, detergents

- Grass and ragweed

What Are The Symptoms of a Pet Skin Allergy?

Symptoms of a skin problem will vary from pet to pet and are dependent on the cause. General symptoms include:

- Bumps, lumps, and pimples

- Red, irritated skin patches (hot spots)

- Sores or scabs

- Excessive scratching

- Rubbing on walls or furniture

- Scooting on the floor

- Biting, licking, or chewing the skin

- Dry, flaky skin

- Loss of fur

- Bleeding

- Irritability

- Not wanting to be touched

What starts as a minor irritation can quickly turn into something more serious like an infection. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, have them checked by a vet as soon as possible.

What Are Some Pet Allergy Treatment Suggestions?

Once a vet has diagnosed your pet's skin issue through a series of pet allergy testing, they will prescribe a course of treatment that may include:

- Anti-inflammatory medicine

- Antibiotics

- Topical ointment

- Medicated shampoo

- Flea dip

- Flea and tick medication

- Allergy medication

What You Can Do At Home?

It's important to reduce allergens in your home:

- Wash pet bedding 1–2 times a week

- Vacuum daily

- Wipe pets down when they come inside

- Comb and brush several times a week

- Install HEPA air filters

- Use natural cleaning products

Contact Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic

If you're in the Philadelphia area and need a veterinarian near you, give us a call at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you with any of your pet health needs. You can also visit our website for more information.