Pet Advice Archives - Kalinga Park Veterinary Surgery

Dermatology 2023

Is your pet suffering from a dermatological condition?

Just like us, our four-legged friends can suffer from skin issues and irritations from time to time. But unlike us, they can’t always communicate their dermatological complaints and tend to suffer in silence as a result. That’s why it’s important for us to look out for the signs.

If your best mate displays any of the common signs below, it’s best to come and see us to get them checked out by the vet. The good news is that skin issues in cats and dogs are generally treatable, so we can get your pet back to doing what they love, without all the itching!

Dog dermatological issues

Cat dermatological issues

Dermatological Issues for Dogs

The two most common reasons for dermatological issues in dogs are allergies and parasites. Summer and the hotter weather tend to make things a little worse or bring up problems that haven’t presented themselves before.

While we can’t speak doggy (yet), there are some tell-tale behavioural and physical signs that can mean a visit to see us to get it checked out is in order.

If you notice your dog is licking themselves a lot, has itchy spots, stinky ears, is dropping dandruff, has runny, swollen, or itchy eyes, has a funky smell, or is shaking or tilting their head a lot, you should book in a consult with us.

While these symptoms might sound a little nasty, the good news is they are generally treatable, and hopefully in no time your best mate will be doing way more ball catching and way less skin itching.

Speak to your vet about new treatment options in Dermatology

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Dermatological Issues for Cats

Just like us humans, our feline friends can suffer from skin issues and irritations from time to time, with many cats having itchy skin, especially around the head, body and belly, caused by a dermatological condition.

The two most common reasons are allergies and parasites, with summer and the hotter weather tending to make things a little worse or bring up problems that haven’t presented themselves before.

While we haven’t unlocked the secret to speaking fluent cat (we’re learning though), there are some behavioural and physical signs that can mean a visit to see us to get it checked out and sorted is in order.

If you notice your cat has bumpy spots, scaly skin, thinning or loss of coat, vomiting hairballs or itchy bits, you should book in a consult with us.

While these symptoms might sound a little nasty, the good news is they are generally treatable, and hopefully, in no time your cat will be doing way more purring and way less itching.

Speak to your vet about new treatment options in Dermatology

BOOK A CONSULT TODAY!

Feeding your pet a premium diet can have many benefits for their overall health, including aiding in the management of a dermatological condition. There are specific diets available that are designed to help pets with skin disease, allergies and more.

What are the benefits of premium nutrition for pets?

Formulated with the health of the animal in mind
Developed by nutritionists, food scientists and veterinarians
Made with high-quality ingredients
A complete and balanced diet
Aligns with pet food industry regulations
Made with exceptional quality control
Highly digestible

Talk to your vet about premium diet options to help your pet live their best life.

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Did you know that over 2 million cats and dogs in Australia and New Zealand suffer from dermatological issues?

Science based nutrition complements and can significantly improve the management of dermatological issues: a small change in the daily routine can have a big impact on a cat or dog’s quality of life.

Royal Canin understand that skin issues are highly prevalent, challenging for patients and concerning for their owners. Thanks to their leading scientifically formulated portfolio of Dermatology diets, nutrition can be a key component of the multi-modal treatment and management of skin disease in dogs and cats.

BOOK A CONSULT TODAY!

DevAccount In Pet Advice

Know Your Parasites

They pose a threat to our pets, our kids, and even us. While most of them are minuscule and often out of sight, they’re one of the most common risks pet owners have to deal with.

They’re the parasite nasties that sneakily find their way to your pet and cause all kinds of disease. The good news is there are many pet parasite preventatives available that will keep you and your pet safe. Choosing the right protection plan can be confusing but our expert vets can guide you in selecting the most appropriate product for your pet.

It’s very important to know your nasties, and when you suspect they’ve infected your pet to get in touch with one of our experts. We’ve included some information below on the most common parasites to watch out for and some things you might not know about them.

Come into clinic to get a parasite
protection plan today!

COMMON CULPRITS/REPEAT OFFENDERS

Fleas

Fleas are one of the most problematic parasites for pets, leading to incessant itching, discomfort, and allergic reactions. They can also transmit diseases and carry tapeworms, posing a dual threat. In addition, they can be challenging to diagnose, and a pet with flea allergy dermatitis may never actually be seen with fleas!

Ticks

There are several types of ticks in Australia, some of which are a nuisance, such as the bush tick, right through to the dangerous Paralysis Tick, which causes many fatalities each year. Paralysis ticks are a common parasite for those living near the eastern seaboard of Australia. It can take as little as one tick bite to result in muscle weakness, respiratory distress and secondary infections.

Heartworm and Intestinal Worms

Intestinal Worms

Intestinal worms: affect pets’ digestive systems, causing weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea and anaemia. The most common intestinal worms in Australia are roundworm, tapeworm and hookworm. Normally pets become infected with intestinal worms by ingesting the eggs of the parasites, which can be found in contaminated soil, faeces, and other sources.

Heartworms: are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that live in the heart of pets and can cause serious damage to their health, and even death. Heartworm prevention is the best way to ensure dogs stay healthy and free from these parasites. Protection is recommended in most areas of Australia, however, Tasmania is considered low risk. Please consult your vet for heartworm protection recommendations for your pet.

Intestinal worms: affect pets’ digestive systems, causing weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea and anaemia. The most common intestinal worms in Australia are roundworm, tapeworm and hookworm. Normally pets become infected with intestinal worms by ingesting the eggs of the parasites, which can be found in contaminated soil, faeces, and other sources.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:

Whilst one of our vets can help you diagnose parasites and associated conditions, you’re their first line of defence as you hang out with them every day. Here are some of the key signs your pet might have a parasite infection:

Scratching and Biting: Intense itching, scratching, licking, or biting at the skin, particularly around the tail base in dogs, and the tail base, thighs, abdomen, head and neck in cats, can indicate a flea infestation.

Hair Loss with Irritated Skin: Patchy hair loss or thinning coat along with inflamed or irritated skin could be due to excessive scratching and grooming caused by fleas or mites.

Visible Parasites: You might see ticks on your pet’s skin, or fleas/ flea eggs on their fur, skin, or in their bedding.

Vomiting and Diarrhoea: Parasitic infections, particularly intestinal worms, can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea (which may contain blood), and mucus in the stool.

Bloating: Pets (particularly puppies and kittens) with intestinal worms often have a distended abdomen or pot-belly.

Visible Worms: Worms may be visible in the faeces or around the anal area.

Weight Loss: Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite could be a sign of intestinal worms affecting nutrient absorption or energy metabolism. (Note – there are many other diseases that are more likely to cause weight loss with a normal or increased appetite in adult animals!)

Anal Scooting: Pets might drag their rear end along the ground (scooting) due to irritation caused by tapeworm segments around the anal area.

Sudden paralysis and/or difficulty breathing: Paralysis ticks attach to the skin of pets and inject a toxin into their blood stream that can cause paralysis and respiratory distress. Pets who show these signs need emergency treatment from a vet.

If you see any of these signs or suspect that your cat or dog may have parasites, it’s crucial to come in to see your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Our expert team can help protect your pet.
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