Dermatology

Managing Cat and Dog Allergies in Hingham, MA

Skin disorders in pets are often caused by allergies, fleas, and fungal infections. If your pet has itchy skin, they’re going to scratch it, and this can create an ongoing cycle of itching and scratching, causing further skin damage. In these situations, it's necessary to treat both the symptoms and the underlying condition responsible. Our veterinarians in Hingham, MA have years of combined experience identifying and treating skin disorders, allergies, and other related issues in dogs and cats.

Relief is not out of your pet’s reach. Ask how we can help!

Overview

Dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. Dermatological conditions are some of the most common problems your pet can experience. They range from hair loss and nail disorders, to cancer of the skin and tumors.

What Makes Pets Itch?

Pets can be hypersensitive to allergens just like humans can. The most common pet allergens are:

• Pollen

• Mold

• Grass

• Dust mites

• Beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and dairy

• Fleas

• Fertilizers and lawn treatments

• Pet and human dander

• Cleaning products

• Furniture upholstery

When exposed to one of these allergens, your pet’s immune system may respond by producing histamines, which cause an itchy sensation on the skin (pruritus). An ear infection can also result from allergies, mites, or simply too much moisture in the ear.

Why should I consider dermatology work-ups for my pet?

Dermatology is the branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats skin disorders. A veterinary dermatologist has a very high level of expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of ailments that affect the skin, hair or coat, ears, nails, hoof, or mouth problem your pet may be experiencing.

Typical problems in animals include acute and chronic ear infections, tumors, masses, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune skin diseases, cancer, cysts, tumors, chronic bacterial and fungal skin diseases, drug reactions of the skin, environmental allergies, food allergies, hair loss disorders, hormonal skin diseases, insect hypersensitivity, nail disorders, parasitic skin diseases, and skin manifestations of systemic diseases.

How to Tell if Your Pet has a Skin Disorder

If your pet seems to be scratching themselves far beyond what you would consider normal, there may be a problem. Does your pet give off an odor? Are bald spots appearing in their coat? Are they licking and chewing their feet? Do you see any raw, red spots on their skin? Let us know!

When should I consider dermatology work-ups for my pet?

If you’re concerned about the quality of life your pet is experiencing, or if a condition or disease has not responded to more general treatment, then it may be time to seek out a veterinary dermatologist. Common signs that something is wrong include: hair loss, redness of skin, scale, and recurring infections. A vet that specializes in dermatology has expertise with diagnosing and treating a wide variety of problems including skin, ear, hair, nail, hoof, and mouth disorders.

Is My Pet's Condition Really an Allergy?

Not all skin disorders can be traced back to an allergy, but most of them are allergy-related. Seasonal allergies, contact dermatitis, and flea allergy dermatitis are conditions we treat regularly. To find out if your pet is suffering from an allergy, we will need to perform a physical exam and run tests to help us make the right diagnosis. With time and patience, we can help you and your pet find the best treatment.

How is my pet cared for during dermatology care?

Treating or managing a dermatological problem will vary, but your veterinarian will work with you in developing a treatment plan that is best suited for your pet’s specific health needs.