(Last part)
There are more skin problems that can be contracted by your pet and cause disease and even death.
The best prevention to keep your pet and his/her environment clean. It is also important to observe your pets and to seek medical advice when a problem is observed.
Here are the other skin disorders or skin problems:
4.Fungal (yeast) infection
Signs:
-itchy skin
-hair loss
-crust formation
-stinky smell or foul odor
-reddening or inflamed skin
-lesion
Cause:
-fungus growth due to weak immune system
-molds found in the surroundings
-diseases and stress
Treatment:
a. Topical
-trim the fur so that the affected skin can easily be seen
-apply TOPICAL anti-fungal cream or Scavon
-use providone iodine
b. Oral
-vet-prescribed oral fungal medicine
5.Allergic Dermatitis (allergic reactions)
Signs:
-itchy parts of the body
-swollen parts of the body
Cause:
Allergic reaction to food (most often to chicken or sea food like crabs and shrimp), a certain soap, shampoo, cologne, medicine and other things in the surroundings like pollens or any type of allergens
Insect bites can also cause this. Please check the skin if there is a lesion due to an insect bite.
Treatment:
a. Topical
-creams or gel
-apple cider vinegar (diluted in water)
-coco nectar
b.Oral
-antihistamine (as prescribed by the vet based on weight)
-immune system booster
c. Injectable
-for severe allergic reaction. The vet will inject an anti-allergy drug.
Note: Please never think allergies are normal.
It could lead to death especially when the air passage closes. Please have your pet treated by the vet immediately.
Identify the allergen to prevent a recurrence.
6.Impedigo
Sign:
-pus-filled bump or blister
Cause:
-bacteria
Often, when the skin is exposed to urine, the pet is infected with bacteria.
Puppies or kittens who lie down lay on areas that have urine residue are most often the victims of this skin issue or animals that do not have enough space to move around.
Treatment:
a.Topical
-apply providone iodine on blisters (thin layer)but put an e-collar on your pet if the pet can reach that part of the body and lick it.
-anti bacterial cream or ointments (as prescribed)
b. Oral:
-for severe cases, vet-prescribed antibiotics
-immune system booster supplements
Note: Always clean the area where dogs and cats stay. Clean all areas of urine and poop. Use animal-friendly or natural disinfectant if possible in the said areas. Wash the body part that was exposed to urine and poop.
7. Seborrhea
Signs:
-oily or greasy skin
-dandruff on different areas of the body
Cause:
-hereditary
-allergic reaction
-weak immune system
Treatment:
a. Topical
-Medicated bath (Use shampoo specifically for seborrhea. Please ask your vet.)
-diluted apple cider vinegar applied on the skin
b. Oral
-Antibiotics prescribed by vet if with lesions (wounds)
-Immune system booster supplements
-ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate
-coco nectar
8. Ringworm
Signs:
-circular red spots
-itchy parts
-scales and dry skin
-hair loss on affected part
Cause:
-Fungus
Treatment:
a. Topical
-cream or ointment specifically for fungal infection
9. Illness caused by ticks and fleas like tick fever or erlichia
Signs:
-ticks and fleas cause lesions and wounds
-these pests cause dogs and cats to scratch
-hair loss
-anemia and blood parasitism
– paralysis
Note: This can lead to death if not treated soon.
Cause:
-parasites that can be contracted from other dogs and cats or a place with ticks and fleas.
Treatment:
a.Topical
-Trim the fur to expose the skin and to easily see the parasites.
-Gently pull ticks out with tweezers.
– Please make sure not to squeeze the blood out of the fleas and ticks because this will only spread the eggs.
-Put ticks and fleas in a jar with alcohol or a strong dishwashing liquid mixed with a little water to kill them.
-Use providone iodine on lesions
-Use food grade diatomaceous earth or natural topical powder for the body, not other harsh and harmful powder.
-DO NOT use anti-tick and flea collars.
-You may spray or wipe a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water on the body to keep the skin and hair tick-free.
-NEVER use Sevin or Washout or Ivermectin Wash as these damages the liver and can poison your furbabies.
b. Oral and Injectable
– This is the last course of action if topical treatment will not work
– Always use a liver supplement when choosing this option.
– The vet must administer this because this should be well calculated and the result must be monitored.
About the author: Maria Michele Canlas Cordova is a graduate of BSC Management from the College of the Holy Spirit, an entrepreneur, founder of animal welfare group Furbabies TLC, and mother to four animal rescuers