​Skin problems are among the most common issues pet owners face, whether with a dog or a cat. This is especially true in Thailand, where the hot and humid climate is a major factor contributing to inflammation, infections, and irritation. Pet skin disease are not a minor concern; besides affecting the health of a pet’s skin and coat, they directly impact their quality of life and mood. This article will help you understand the causes, symptoms, prevention, and proper care for skin diseases so your pet can return to being healthy and vibrant.

​Pet skin disease encompass a group of conditions that affect a dog’s or cat’s skin and coat, causing symptoms such as itching, scaly patches, red skin, hair loss, or body lesions. While these diseases are rarely life-threatening, they cause significant discomfort. Common signs include frequent scratching, licking, or biting, which can lead to open wounds if left untreated, potentially resulting in chronic sores and secondary infections. Because skin diseases can arise from multiple causes, a thorough veterinary diagnosis is essential.

​Causes of Pet Skin Disease

​Skin diseases in dogs and cats can stem from several main causes:

  • ​Pathogens and External Parasites: Ticks, fleas, mange mites, and lice not only cause localized allergic reactions but often act as carriers of other diseases such as blood borne infections.
  • ​Fungi and Bacteria: In hot, humid weather or if a pet’s coat isn’t dried completely after a bath, fungi like Microsporum or Malassezia can easily grow and cause infections (such as ringworm or yeast dermatitis). This can result in circular red patches, patchy hair loss, and flaky, scaly skin.
  • ​Allergies: Allergic reactions to fleas, food, or environmental triggers (dust, pollen, or chemicals) can cause chronic skin inflammation and relentless, full-body itching that leads to non-stop scratching. Symptoms include severe itching, frequent paw licking, and scaly red skin.
  • ​Internal Diseases and Hormonal Issues: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and kidney disease can cause dry, brittle hair, easy hair loss, and thin skin that is prone to infection. These symptoms often won’t improve with topical medication alone and require a blood test and treatment for the underlying systemic disease.
  • ​Behavioral and Stress Factors: Some pets compulsively lick or scratch themselves excessively, leading to bald spots and wounds from repeatedly scratching the same area.

​Symptoms of Pet Skin Disease

​Common symptoms of pet skin disease are often similar: itching, scratching, or licking themselves frequently, which can lead to abrasions or open wounds. You may notice patchy hair loss, red and inflamed skin, scaly or flaky skin, and sometimes a foul odor from a secondary infection. The skin may also have pus-filled bumps or red patches, and occasionally, you might find lumps or nodules under the skin. While these symptoms are not life-threatening, if left untreated, they can severely diminish a pet’s quality of life and potentially spread to other animals in the household. Therefore, even minor itching should be taken seriously to find the true cause with a veterinarian.

​Common Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats

​Common skin diseases in dogs and cats include ringworm (caused by a fungus), scabies or mites (external parasites), various types of allergies (from food or the environment), and bacterial or yeast infections. For example, ringworm can cause circular patches of hair loss with scaling, while scabies causes pets to scratch so much they create open wounds. Allergic dermatitis leads to red bumps and frequent scratching that results in hair loss. For initial treatment, vets often recommend shaving the affected area and using medicated shampoos to clean the skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent secondary infections with other treatment to alleviate itching and help the skin heal.

​Proper Care and Prevention

​To keep your pet’s skin healthy, you need a combination of treating the symptoms and proactive prevention:

​See a Vet Immediately: When symptoms appear, see a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Don’t use your own creams or medications, as they may not address the root cause. If it’s an infection, antibiotics or anti-fungal medication may be necessary, along with follow-up appointments.

​Maintain Your Pet’s Hygiene: Bathe your pet with a medicated shampoo designed to prevent and treat skin issues, such as an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial formula. These help to eliminate fungi, bacteria, and yeast, reducing inflammation and relieving itching. Popular products include Dermacore COS Shampoo (for fungal, bacterial, and yeast infections) or Dermacore COS Spray, which can be applied directly to skin lesions.

​Prevent and Control Parasites: Regularly use flea and tick preventatives and keep your pet’s living space clean. Ticks and fleas are a major cause of allergic rashes and can transmit pathogens. Products like NoBite 50ml can help prevent bites and itching.

​Trim Fur and Use Protective Clothing: For inflamed skin or wounds, trim the fur around the area and use clothing designed for pets with copper-infused fabric, such as the CopperBody brand, to help protect the skin and reduce scratching. For example, the CopperBody 4 Legs suit covers the legs to help support skin disease and prevent scratching, while the CopperBody Classic body suit is great for post-surgery and helps prevent scratching.

​Care for the Environment: Regularly change your pet’s bedding, wash their blankets, and sanitize their equipment with disinfectant. Also, schedule regular vet checkups to screen for allergies or underlying health conditions.​Overall, treating skin diseases in dogs and cats requires addressing the root cause, whether it’s an infection, an allergy, or an environmental factor. It also involves keeping the skin clean and moisturized. Products specifically designed for skin conditions, such as Dermacore COS Shampoo/Spray and CopperBody protective suits, can greatly enhance treatment effectiveness. By consistently following these care steps, you can help improve your pet’s condition and effectively prevent a recurrence.