Signs that your pet is healthy inside and out include a shiny coat and itch-free skin. But what if your furry friend is constantly scratching or licking? Skin problems in pets can be more than just a nuisance; they might signal underlying health issues.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Healthy skin and coat reflect a healthy pet

  • Pet skin conditions can be indicative of systemic health issues

  • Pets with chronic skin symptoms should be examined by a veterinarian

Let's explore some of the common signs that your pet's skin condition needs a veterinarian's attention. 

The Importance of Healthy Skin in Pets

The skin is the largest organ of a pet’s body. A healthy coat and skin can be a reflection of a pet’s health status, signaling good nutrition and a strong immune system. Some basic functions of the skin include:

  • Protection from environment or external objects

  • Immunity 

  • Heat regulation

  • Hydration

  • Nutrient storage 

Skin Symptoms That Should be Checked by a Veterinarian

Chronic skin issues or changes in your dog or cat’s coat can be a sign of an underlying condition that may negatively impact your pet.

If your pet is displaying any of the other symptoms below, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian promptly to make a plan.

  • Excessive licking

  • Biting or chewing of paws

  • Excessive scratching

  • Rolling, scooting, or rubbing more than usual

  • Hair loss

  • Foul odor

  • Reoccurring ear, paw, and skin infections

  • Head shaking

  • Changes in the skin, like pimples, sores or darkened color

  • Redness of the skin

  • Frequent problems with their anal glands

  • Hives or raised lesions

Not only do some of them indicate a potential health issue for your pet, but they also cause ongoing stress and discomfort.

Does Your Pet Have Skin Allergies?

Let’s Start!
Does Your Pet Have Skin Allergies?
1. How frequently does your pet seem itchy?
2. Where does your pet scratch the most?
3. Which season is your pet’s symptoms the most noticeable?
4. How often does your pet seem uncomfortable?
5. Can you see any of the following symptoms on your pet’s skin?
6. Is your pet experiencing any of the following symptoms?

Does Your Pet Have Skin Allergies?

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Common Dermatological Conditions in Pets

Some of the more common reasons a veterinarian may become involved in treating your pet’s skin issues include:

Allergic Dermatitis

Triggered by allergies, dermatitis in dogs and cats can lead to excessive itching and scratching and can also result in:

  • Discomfort

  • Hair loss

  • Secondary skin infections

Cushing’s Disease

Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease can affects multiple organs in a pet’s body as well as the skin in the following ways:

Hypothyroidism

This is a condition caused by inadequate thyroid hormone levels that can impact a pet’s skin and coat. Complications include:

  • Alopecia (hair loss)

  • Poor coat quality

  • Seborrhea (excessive amounts of sebum – scaly, flakey, itchy, red skin)

  • Hyperpigmentation 

  • Hyperkeratosis (thickening or hardening of skin)

  • Recurring or chronic skin infections

  • Comedones (blackheads)

Ringworm

A condition caused by a fungus and not a worm, causing skin issues like:

Scabies

Also known as sarcoptic mange, is caused by the parasite Sarcoptes Scabiei, a mite that  buries into the skin causing intense itching as well as:

  • Hair loss – especially on legs and belly

  • Crusts on ears & legs

  • Thickened and darkened skin

  • Secondary infections

Bacterial Infections

Skin infection can be a primary or secondary (triggered by another underlying cause). Staphylococcus bacteria one of the more common bacteria to lead to a skin infection, manifesting as:

  • Rashes
  • Pimples
  • Pustules
  • Lesions
  • Sores
  • Circular crusts
  • Dry/flaky skin
  • Hair loss
  • Odor

Demodex (Mange)

Also known as demodectic mange, this condition is caused by a mite that lives in the hair follicles. Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Itching

  • Hair loss – usually starts on the face around the eyes but does spread to other areas of the skin

Fleas

Fleas are the most common parasite to cause skin problems in dogs and cats and lead to classic signs such as:

Dandruff

Flaky dry skin can be the result of an underlying health condition such as Cushings, hypothyroidism, diabetes, or allergies.

Yeast Infections

Most commonly caused by the fungus normally found on the skin but an abnormal overgrowth results in infection, inflammation, and discomfort. Symptoms can include:

  • Itchiness

  • Scales, crusts, flakes

  • Redness or hyperpigmentation 

  • Recurring or chronic ear, paw, skin infections

  • Odor

  • Thickened skin

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

Let’s Start!
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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How Long Should I Wait Before Scheduling a Veterinary Visit?

If you see your pet showing signs of skin irritation or changes in their skin and coat quality it is best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to understand the cause, prevent it from getting worse, and alleviate discomfort.  

Why Mobile Veterinary Care is a Great Choice for Skin Issues

Mobile veterinary care brings the care team right to your home allowing for reduced stress and more convenience.

Our veterinary care teams can diagnose & treat most conditions right in the comfort of your home.  They will develop a plan and schedule follow ups as needed.  

What Questions Will My Veterinarian Ask?

To prepare for your pet’s dermatology exam, it’s a good idea to have any current and former prescriptions and over-the-counter medications on hand to share with your veterinarian.

Depending on your pet’s symptoms, your veterinarian may ask one or more of the following questions before diagnosing them:

  1. Describe the itching and skin problem - where on the body do they itch or lick most?

  2. How did the problem start and how long has it been going on?

  3. Does your pet itch more during certain seasons of the year or is it the same all year long?

  4. Are they currently on a flea and tick preventative - all year long or only during warm weather?

  5. What foods and treats are they currently eating? Bring photos of labels and ingredients.

  6. Do they itch or lick more after going outside? After sleeping on the bed? After eating?

  7. What treatments have been tried in the past and what do you think helped most? 

Conclusion

A healthy hair coat and skin is a sign of your pets health and vitality. Itching, scratching, flakiness, and hair loss are a few signs that can indicate an underlying health condition.

It is best to act fast if you see skin issues develop as addressing the issue early on often results in the fastest recovery preventing discomfort and stress.

Does Your Pet Have Itchy Paws or Flaky Skin?

Our veterinarians can bring relief. Schedule a visit for allergy testing in the comfort of your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog itching so much?

There are a number of reasons why you may have an itchy dog. While some itching in dogs is normal, persistent itching is an indicator that your dog may have dermatitis or another skin condition. 

When should I take my dog to the veterinarian for skin issues?

If your dog is itching, licking excessively, has lesions or sores, showing abnormal hair loss, or skin color changes then it is best to seek veterinary care immediately.  

When should I be concerned about my cat itching?

Like dogs, itching in cats is not cause for concern unless it becomes excessive and is accompanied by some of the symptoms listed above that require veterinary attention.

When should I be concerned about my dog's skin?

Excessive itching, licking or changes to your dogs hair coat or skin can indicate an underlying condition that can rapidly progress. It is best to take action fast. Many causes are relatively easy to treat with a rapid recovery.

What does a bacterial skin infection look like on dogs?

Bacterial infections can have a wide array of symptoms but common symptoms include redness, pimples or pustules, crusts/flakes, odor, purulent discharge, raised areas on the skin, and itchiness.

Sources

Griffin, C. E., & Beale, K. M. (2007). Managing the pet with recurrent skin infections: compliance is an issue.