SKIN problems can be very distressing and uncomfortable for pets, as well as worrying for their owners.
One of the most common causes of skin disease in both cats and dogs is fleas – a bug that can prove to be most irritating and miserable for pets.
It can be more problematic for some animals than others and in some pets a single flea bite can trig
ger an allergic reaction called flea allergic dermatitis (FAD).
"Fleas are very common," says Stuart McMorrow, a senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA Pet Aid Hospital in Edinburgh.
"They used to be a problem in summer months but because of central heating people need to treat their pets all year round."
Dogs affected by FAD often bite themselves, particularly around the tail area. It can be a very irritating and painful condition for the pet and the skin can become infected due to the constant nibbling and biting.
FAD in cats causes similar signs but they also tend to develop small raised bumps on their back. They often groom excessively, which can lead to fur loss. In severe cases the skin becomes sore and inflamed.
Stuart says the best way to get rid of fleas is by taking your pet to the vet, who will prescribe or recommend a suitable flea treatment – preparations you can buy from a pet shop or supermarket might be a little cheaper but not nearly as effective.
Always follow the instructions on the flea treatment as it is dangerous to use a treatment for dogs on cats and vice versa.
"You also have to treat the environment – that means using a flea spray, washing all your pet's bedding, vacuuming and throwing away contents of the vacuum cleaner," adds Stuart. "If you don't throw that away you'll have the fleas living in the vacuum cleaner."
He adds: "Some people buy flea collars but they are absolutely useless and, while the fleas will jump on to the collar, they will also jump on to the pet and bite them.
"A 'spot-on' preparation put on the skin is the best thing you can get and is really easy to apply. This is something your vet will be able to advise you about."
Another skin disease that can affect our pets is mange, which is caused by mites that live either on or in the skin.
Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is caused by mites that burrow into the skin, causing intense itchiness.
"This is a really uncomfortable experience for the dog but once it's diagnosed it can be easily treated," adds Stuart.
Demodectic mange is another form of mite infestation in dogs which is caused by mites that live in hair follicles. It commonly causes fur loss and thickening of the skin.
Cats and dogs can also be affected by ringworm, a fungal infection that people can catch. Signs include circular patches of furless, scaling skin which is often on the head, ears and paws.
Ringworm is usually caught through contact with another infected animal. It is more common in younger pets or those already suffering from other health problems, as these animals have a reduced ability to fight off infestations, which allows the fungus to become established.
Atopoi is an allergic skin disease that is prevalent in dogs and sometimes cats and is especially common in West Highland Terriers and is usually caused by pollens or house dust mites.
"This is the most common skin disease that isn't caused by a parasite," explains Stuart. "If the dog or cat gets it they've got it for life and it needs management by using special treatments, shampoos and antibiotics."
If you suspect your pet is suffering from any of these skin conditions or has signs of unhealthy skin, such as fur loss, redness or scaling, you should make an appointment with your vet at the earliest opportunity.
Stuart warns: "If your pet's skin has been bad for months it's going to take a long time to get better – the longer you leave it the worse it can get. You really have to get them in as soon as you see signs."
Further information about the work of the PDSA can be found at www.pdsa.org.uk
