Dog & Cat Skin Diseases

Skin disorders are common among dogs and cats. Primary skin conditions, those that affect the surface of the skin directly, and secondary skin conditions, stemming from an internal cause, result from a wide array of stimuli. Knowing the signatures of common cat and dog skin diseases will help alert you to the need for a vet visit. Some skin conditions, however, are mild and can be treated at home or prevented.

  1. Dermatitis

    • General dermatitis is the most common skin disorder for dogs.

      General dermatitis is the most common skin condition affecting canines. Dermatitis can be broken into the following six categories:

      Canine atopi is a skin disorder caused by allergens, often environmental. Licking, chewing and scratching are indicators that your dog is uncomfortable and may be suffering from canine atopi.

      A dog persistently licking a specific area of skin causes acral lick dermatitis. Typically, the area will bald and become further irritated by the constant abrading.

      Contact dermatitis results from your pet's contact to harsh chemicals, cleaners or some other unnatural irritant.

      Sarcoptes mites cause Sarcoptic mange, which results in itchy, red patches on the skin, as well as hair loss.

      Hot spots, also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, typically begin with some form of bacteria on the skin's surface that spreads quickly as your dog licks and scratches the infected area. Hair will fall out and the skin will become inflamed and red.

      Flea allergy dermatitis is literally an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Symptoms include skin irritation, itchiness and sometimes the development of hot spots.

    Inherited Conditions

    • Some dogs' skin conditions occur because of inherited tendencies.

      Many canine skin diseases carry inherited components. Collie nose, a condition where lesions form on the face due to sunlight sensitivity and black hair follicle dysplasia, occurring in dogs with multi-colored coats, are just a couple.

      There are also breed-specific skin conditions that are genetically passed down, such as color mutant alopecia. This condition affects dogs with bluer and redder coats, like Chows, Dachshunds, Great Danes and Standard Poodles. The hair becomes brittle and patchy and the potential for gland inflammation arises.

    Cat Skin Rashes

    • Cat skin rashes can range from common to chronic.

      Skin macules are small, reddish circles that appear on the cat's skin. They can be the result of flea irritation, atopic dermatitis or any number of infections. The circles are typically flat and cause some, but not major, irritation.

      Skin papules are small, raised bumps that can appear in small or large quantities on the cat's skin. They are caused by some of the same factors as macules but can also result from your cat having scabies, fly bites or contact dermatitis.

      Erythema is a cat skin rash that is not consistent. Instead there are patches of irritated skin alongside patches or normal-looking skin. This pattern can be an indicator of a secondary skin disorder.

      Puss and scabs often accompany cat rashes. If the skin gets inflamed and pockets of puss begin forming, it could be a sign of a more serious condition and should be referred to a veterinarian.

    Common Skin Conditions

    • Allergies are common causes of skin problems in cats.

      There are several other common feline skin problems.

      Acne often occurs around the face, but is not a serious condition. It can usually be remedied by cleaning the cat's face regularly.

      Allergies, due to both airborn irritants and certain foods, are common in cats. Fleas, mites and ringworms are other frequent allergy inducers for felines.

      Some cats suffer from alopecia. It is not a disease itself, but a symptom that can result from an illness, certain allergic reaction or accident. It causes hair loss, and can occur in small patches or large swatches across the skin.