Dog with scabies (Sarcoptes Scabiei)
Their skin is often as sensitive as ours.
Underneath their coat of hair, our dogs and cats have a protective layer of skin, which can be as sensitive as our own. Many internal diseases and health problems present early symptoms through our pet’s skin, such as:
- Food or environmental allergies
- Parasites: ticks, fleas, mites
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Endocrine disease
- Auto-immune issues
Cat with Miliary Dermatitis
Hormone-related skin problems, hypothyroidism, scabies, genetics, poor nutrition, and lack of grooming eventually cause significant damage to the skin of cats and dogs, making them miserable as these conditions progress. Annual veterinary visits help ensure your pet’s overall physical condition, including the health and vitality of their skin.
During your visit at Woodlawn, we’ll discuss how you should manage home skin care, and we offer time-and-money-saving tips on hygiene technique and grooming products. As a rule, it’s best to avoid using products designed for humans on your pets.
Signs you should schedule an appointment today 773-249-7191
Dog with Flea Bite Dermatitis
Over time you’ll get to know your pet’s normal grooming habits. Scratching, biting, and rubbing, particularly if you notice more than one episode per day, are signs it is time to schedule an appointment to visit your Woodlawn veterinarian.
- Scratching, biting, itching
- Pain or sensitivity to touch
- Rubbing on furniture or scooting on floors
- Head shaking, self-mutilation
- Hair loss, excessive shedding
- Rashes, irregular discoloration
- Skin growths or bumps
- Skin lesions, oozing wounds
Health consequences of ignoring your pet’s skin
Infection and internal diseases compromise your pet’s quality of life, and eventually untreated progressive disease puts them at risk of death. Our physical examination includes a detailed examination of your pet’s hair and skin. With over 40 years of experience collectively, we know how to spot dermatologic problems hiding in the ears, eyes, mouth, and paws. Your pet’s laboratory blood work profile and urinalysis are also essential to detect underlying diseases presenting dermatologic symptoms. We can identify food allergies and environmental issues at the root of your pet’s symptoms. When the problem is deeper, we’ll make sure you understand all treatment options. We’ll help you select the best one for your pet, and we can also provide staged treatment plans that fit within your pet care budget. Click here to learn about our wellness evaluations.
Border Collie with Pododermatitis
Make the most of your appointment at Woodlawn
Knowledge about your pet helps make the most of your partnership with veterinarians for pet care, so be sure to bring the following to your appointment. We’re offering a special promotion this month – 10% off grooming when booked with wellness exam, so don’t delay.
- History of symptoms (how long, how frequently)
- History of travel and environmental exposure
- Diet history and previous allergic reactions
- Previous medical, medication history
- Seasonal health patterns
Regular grooming is the key to maintaining good health
Grooming isn’t just a matter of helping pets look their best. Grooming is not just for dogs who need haircuts to look their best. While results in long hair dogs are more dramatic, even pets with short hair need grooming. Regularly scheduled professional grooming is an essential component of maintaining the overall health of your pet. Between wellness appointments, our groomers may uncover hidden internal health problems that show symptoms in the skin. When detected early, internal diseases are easier to treat, and usually treatment is less expensive. Click here to learn more about our grooming.