Treating Various Skin Disorders with Pet Dermatology In Berrien County, MI

Your pet’s skin is one of their most important organs, just like our skin is for us. When there is a problem with your pet’s skin and coat, that could be a warning sign about their overall health! Allergies, infections, and parasites can trigger skin disorders in dogs and cats, and be challenging to treat if they are allowed to progress. Village Vet provides a full range of traditional and integrative pet dermatology treatments to soothe itchy, inflamed skin and target skin disorders at their source. Our goal is to help your pet live a healthier, more comfortable life with you and your family.

If your pet is itchy and uncomfortable, call one of our hospital locations today.

Stevensville - (269) 235-9380
St. Joseph - (269) 983-2929

Does My Pet Have a Skin Disorder?

Itchy Cat

How can you tell if your pet has a skin condition? Their fur can hide a lot of things, including skin disorders.

Here are some of the signs that might indicate a skin issue:

  • Constant scratching
  • Scratching/rubbing of the ears
  • Chewing and licking of the feet
  • Hair loss/bald patches
  • Red, irritated-looking patches of skin
  • Dandruff
  • Dry, scaly patches
  • Skin/ears giving off strong, unpleasant odor
  • Yeast buildup in the ears

If your pet is showing any of these signs, contact Village Vet today:
Stevensville - (269) 235-9380
St. Joseph - (269) 983-2929

What Causes Skin Disorders in Pets?

Finding the cause of your pet’s skin condition is vital to treating it effectively.

Itchy skin can have a variety of causes, with these being the most common:

  • Environmental allergies (grass, pollen, mold, dust)
  • Flea allergy dermatitis (allergic reaction to flea bites)
  • Contact allergies
  • Food allergies
  • Fungal infection (such as ringworm)

How We Treat Allergies in Dogs and Cats

There is no one-size-fits-all allergy treatment plan for pets; rather, we need to examine your pet thoroughly, discuss their lifestyle, environment, and nutrition, and find solutions to resolve their itching and other symptoms.

In addition to the physical exam, we may also recommend blood work and/or skin tests if we need more information about your pet’s condition. Like human dermatology, pet dermatology can sometimes be a trial-and-error process. We need to learn as much as we can about what’s ailing your companion and formulate a treatment plan suited to their needs.

A dermatological treatment plan might include:

  • A diet change (food therapy)
  • Traditional anti-itch medication (injectable, oral, or topical)
  • Antibiotics (to treat any existing secondary infection)
  • Antifungal medication
  • Supplements
  • Flea prevention
  • Lifestyle/environmental changes