Dermatology

Your pet’s skin and fur are their protective layers. Many of the skin issues your pet faces are due to medical problems, which is why it’s important for them to get treatment. Dermatological problems aren’t only a nuisance to your pet, but they also affect the normal activities that your pet enjoys. At NVVH we provide excellent care to pets experiencing skin, fur and paw problems. Our team will perform the necessary tests to diagnose your pet’s condition and provide effective treatment.

What are signs of a skin problem in my pet?

We recommend checking hidden areas like behind their ears or on their paws for hidden signs of skin problems. The typical signs you may notice are:

• Hair loss/thinning hair
• Dull hair
• Itching and scratching
• Foul body odour
• Red or irritated skin
• Reoccurring hearing problems
• Gnawing at their skin

What medical conditions can cause skin problems in my pet?

Many of the skin problems your loyal companion may experience are due to external elements, but sometimes medical issues can cause flare-ups. Here are some medical reasons why your pet is having skin problems:

1. Parasites: Fleas are just an example of critters that can cause your pet to have dermatitis.
2. Yeast or bacterial infections: When your pet has an infection their skin may increase oil production causing them to have smelly fur even when they are clean.
3. Allergies: An allergic reaction can cause hives or itching.
4. Ringworm: This fungus causes severe itch in pets and can spread to humans.

How are skin issues in pets treated?

Our veterinary care team will first try to understand the nature of your pet’s symptoms. We ask questions to get your pet’s medical history which might be useful in their diagnosis. We do a full physical examination of their body to see what areas are affected and we may run additional tests if needed. Our team may perform diagnostics such as collecting skin scrapings to be examined at our laboratory. Once we can identify your pet’s skin problem we can create a treatment plan. Treatments may include topical liquids, tablets or injections and parasite control/prevention.