Skin Issues in Pets: Hot Spots, Itching, and Allergies Explained
Itchy, irritated skin isn’t just annoying—it can seriously impact your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Whether your dog can’t stop scratching or your cat has developed a mysterious rash, skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets visit the vet. At Partners Veterinary Hospital West Loop, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of what’s going on—and get your pet some much-needed relief.
Common Skin Problems We See
Pets can develop a wide range of skin issues, but a few show up more often than others:
- Hot Spots: These red, inflamed, often oozing patches develop quickly and are typically caused by excessive licking, scratching, or biting. They’re painful—and they need prompt treatment.
- Itching (Pruritus): Constant scratching or licking can be caused by fleas, environmental allergies, food sensitivities, or skin infections. It’s not normal, and it’s not something your pet should have to live with.
- Allergies: Dogs and cats can develop allergic reactions to food, pollen, dust mites, or even materials like plastic. These can show up as rashes, recurring ear infections, or general itchiness.
How We Diagnose and Treat Skin Issues
Because so many things can cause skin problems, we start with a thorough exam and history. Depending on your pet’s symptoms, we may recommend:
- Skin scrapings or cytology to check for mites, yeast, or bacteria
- Allergy testing to pinpoint environmental or food triggers
- Flea control if there are signs of an infestation
- Diet trials to rule out food allergies
Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:
- Medicated shampoos or topical treatments
- Oral or injectable allergy medications
- Antibiotics or antifungals
- Lifestyle changes like switching to a hypoallergenic diet
What You Can Do at Home
Managing your pet’s skin health is a team effort. Here’s how you can help:
- Stay on top of flea prevention year-round
- Bathe your pet regularly with vet-recommended products
- Watch for changes like excessive licking, redness, or hair loss
- Keep their environment clean to reduce exposure to allergens
Every pet is different, and what works for one may not work for another. That’s why our team takes the time to tailor treatment to your pet’s unique needs.
If your pet’s scratching is driving you both crazy, give us a call. Relief is possible—and we’re here to help make it happen.
About Us
At Partners Veterinary Group, we believe in energizing our team members through shared values, while helping them create value for our clients and patients. Knowing we can help make pets’ and people’s lives better motivates us to continually strive for excellence and love what we do.
Our team consistently works to build educational, supportive, and cooperative work environments that cater to positive experiences and professional growth. We’re constantly evolving, creating innovative ways to deliver cutting-edge medicine to our patients. We equip our teams with tools to enhance their skills and improve their knowledge.