Skin problems

Grooming is a necessary part of dog and cat behaviour. All animals will clean themselves to remove dirt and loose hair but we can help by combing and brushing out tangles before they form knots. Long-haired breeds are particularly in need of grooming to avoid sores and discomfort. 

Excessive chewing, biting and licking can be signs of skin disease. Although there are similar causes of itch in both dogs and cats, the appearance of affected skin is frequently very different. Dogs will often scratch openly and, because their coat becomes saliva-stained, itchiness is more noticeable. In cats, excessive licking is more likely to be the main sign of skin disease and it can be difficult to appreciate a problem. Signs of itchiness include baldness and/or coarseness of the coat.

My pet doesn’t have fleas!

Fleas can be a real problem to your pet without you even knowing they are there. These parasites bite the pet when they feed, causing inflammation and soreness. 

One female flea produces large numbers of eggs and therefore a small infestation increases in size rapidly. The eggs roll off the pet and hatch in the carpet, bedding or any other places where the dog or cat visits. Some pets are allergic to fleabites and their reaction to being bitten (even just once) makes them very itchy over a wide area. The site of this problem is usually centred on the tail and back. 

When fleas are suspected, all the cats and dogs in the house need to be treated; as the flea larvae live in the carpets and bedding, a spray for the house is also essential. To avoid further problems, a programme of regular spraying should be undertaken.

What other parasites can cause itchy skin?

Mites of various sorts cause itching. Scabies is a relatively uncommon problem in dogs. In this disease, the microscopic-sized creature burrows into the skin, creating tunnels in which it feeds and reproduces. 

Skin scrapings will have to be taken by a veterinary surgeon to find and identify these mites. The areas most commonly affected are the elbows, hocks and ears; the disease causes intense itchiness and can be extremely distressing to both dog and owner. 

Cheyletiella mites are another cause of itching in both dogs and cats. With this slightly larger mite there tends to be a lot of scurf in the coat, but the scratching is less severe. 

Both scabies and cheyletiella mites can cause spots in people.

If I find spots on my pet, what should I do?

There are a variety of reasons for the appearance of spots. They can be caused by bacteria in the dog, and very occasionally, in the cat. In this case the spots may sometimes cause itchiness - but not always. Spots that are not infected pimples may be cause by parasites. It is always advisable to ask your vet to check pets with skin problems.

What else can cause itching?

Allergies can cause itchy skin. Foot substances and breathed-in particles such as pollens and house dust can cause allergic reactions which can be complicated to investigate. In these diseases, a soreness affecting the ears, face and feet usually develops. Because the dog licks and chews so much, the fur becomes brown and stained in light coloured animals.

How do hormones affect skin and hair condition?

A variety of hormones can affect the way that the skin and coat develop. If certain hormones are absent at an early age, congenital dwarfism can result. This is rare, however, and most commonly it is in middle or old age that problems occur. 

Excessive amounts of cortisol hormone (hyperadrenocorticism) and deficiency of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) both cause baldness (alopecia) and this leads to an increased susceptibility to spots. Both conditions can be treated using tablets, surgery or a combination of both