Skin infections and skin allergies are common problems in dogs and they can be very frustrating to control. If they suffer from skin infections or allergies it is very important to feed a high-quality diet prescribed by one of our veterinarians. Medications may also be prescribed if your dog has a flare-up. All dogs can be affected by skin problems; however, some breeds are more susceptible due to their genetics. Contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital for information on how to treat your dog and keep their skin healthy.
What are the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of bacterial skin infections?
Bacterial skin infections can become a serious problem to the overall health of your dog, which means you need to seek veterinary care at the first sign of a bacterial skin infection. Signs of a bacterial skin infection are red inflamed skin, weeping sores, pimples and bleeding lesions. Bacterial skin infections are painful, and you might see your dog licking at their skin or crying when their skin is touched. They can occur for many reasons such as trauma, cuts, dog bites, cat bites, parasites like ticks and fleas, and even a weak immune system. We will perform a complete examination and if needed, other tests to determine what the best treatment protocol is for your dog. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, do not wait; contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital to make an appointment to help your dog’s skin infection.
What are the causes, symptoms and treatment for ringworms?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and not a parasite. The fungus causes a circular red patch or lesion and with treatment, it will go away in about 21 days. Ringworm is contagious to other animals and this includes humans. Care must be taken to treat your dog immediately to prevent further spread of infection. Contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital immediately if you suspect your dog has ringworm.
What are the causes and treatment for allergic skin diseases?
Skin allergies are a common problem and are caused for many reasons like food allergies, environmental allergies, medication or herb reactions, parasites like fleas and lice, and many more. Skin allergy symptoms include skin sores, hair loss, ongoing ear infections, weeping eyes, odour from the skin, and constant scratching. Treatment involves eliminating the cause of the allergy, but this is sometimes very difficult to determine. However, the faster you treat the skin allergy the better chance you have to resolve this problem. Your veterinarian will set up a treatment plan that might involve changing your dog’s food to a veterinary diet exclusively for allergies, specific shampoos and conditioners, supplements and even medication. Contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital to ask how we can help stop your dog from suffering from skin allergies.
What are the causes and treatment for parasitic skin diseases?
Parasites such as ticks, lice, fleas and heartworm are becoming an increasing problem in Central Alberta and because ticks can carry Lyme disease we believe prevention is the best medicine. Heartworm is a worm that affects your dog’s heart causing heart failure. You can protect your dog from these dangerous parasites by contacting Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital. Veterinary prescribed medication must be the only medication used on your pet. Store bought products can be toxic and are not tested to have the same efficacy and safety standards as veterinary medications.
What are the causes and treatment for hormonal skin diseases?
Hormonal skin disease presents as hair loss, skin sores, skin bruising, thin and friable skin, and a brittle and a dull hair coat. Hormonal skin diseases can occur because of abnormal sexual hormones in unneutered males and unspayed females. This skin disease is quickly fixed by neutering or spaying your dog. Other hormonal skin diseases involve endocrine problems like thyroid and adrenal gland abnormalities. At Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital we will perform a wellness exam and blood work to determine the cause and provide you with the best treatment plan for your dog.