Dermatology At Henderson Animal Hospital
As a pet owner, keeping your animal’s skin and coat healthy is one of the best things you can do for their quality of life and overall well-being. That’s why our Winnipeg veterinarian team wants local pet owners to know about common pet skin conditions, including how to recognize them and when to call a vet for help.
Common Causes of Pet Skin Issues
Did you know? An animal’s skin is the largest organ in their body, and can offer important clues about their overall health. At Henderson Animal Hospital, our experienced Winnipeg veterinary team diagnoses and treats a variety of skin conditions affecting dogs, cats, and other animals, including:
- Allergies (common allergy triggers include pollen, household chemicals, shampoos, foods, medication, dust, and mold)
- Parasitic infections, including fleas, lice, and mites
- Yeast infections
- Fungal infections
- Bacterial infections
- Underlying medical conditions, including immune and hormonal dysfunction
At our animal clinic, we’ve even seen animals develop skin problems as a result of stress, boredom, and environmental factors like extreme cold or sunburns.
Reasons to See a Pet Dermatologist in Winnipeg
If you’re worried about your pet’s skin health, contact a pet dermatologist in Winnipeg as soon as possible. While most pet skin conditions are manageable, they can lead to complications if left untreated, such as scarring and worsening bacterial infections—not to mention prolonged suffering for your animal.
You should also call a veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs in your animal companion:
- Dry flaky skin
- Frequent licking, scratching, biting, or shaking
- Lumps, bumps, swelling, non-healing wounds, scaly patches, or rashes on the skin
- Areas of skin that appear red and irritated, with or without oozing blood and pus ("hot spots")
- Hair loss
- Dull, unhealthy coat
- Foul odor from the pet's skin or coat
- Skin discoloration
Signs of skin problems like these can be distressful and painful for your animal, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian you trust.
Treatment of Skin Conditions in Pets
Many pet health conditions can cause rashes, hair loss, and other skin issues. That’s why our veterinary staff will perform a comprehensive evaluation—including a physical exam, medical history, blood work, and other lab tests—to help us diagnose your pet’s skin issues and identify any contributing factors.
Once we’ve made a diagnosis, we’ll implement the appropriate treatment plan for your pet, which may include medications, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and other strategies to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation and pain, improve skin health, manage underlying health conditions, and prevent recurring problems.
Our team will also discuss any skin health factors that are unique to your pet, including your animal’s age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health status.
