How to Treat Demodectic Mange in Dogs

Chocolate brown spaniel wearing a sunflower yellow and mint green bandana rests on a cream couch

Treatment for mange (demodex) infection in dogs and cats varies depending upon whether it is a localized or generalized mange infection. Localized mange treatment About 90% of young, healthy pets with localized mange infection get better within two months even if they are not treated. These pets may benefit from a topical antibacterial agent such […]

How to Treat Fatty Skin Tumors in Dogs

A female veterinarian in blue scrubs examines a black Labrador on an exam table, illustrating how to treat fatty skin tumors in dogs.

Treatment for fatty skin tumors in dogs may involve surgery, infiltration with calcium chloride, holistic/natural therapies, and a change in diet, such as feeding pet food specifically formulated for weight loss. Treatment for infiltrative fatty tumors requires surgery and radiation. , Giving your dog Omega 3 fatty acids and liver support supplements can help eliminate […]

What Causes Fatty Skin Tumors in Dogs?

Middle-aged veterinarian examines Labrador Retriever for fatty skin tumors in a professional pet care setting.

A fatty tumor (or lipoma) in dogs is one of several different types of skin tumors. It is a slow-growing collection of fat cells usually found just under the skin. Fatty tumors are different than normal fat because they form lumps rather than a flat layer under the skin. Fatty tumors are benign, which means […]

Grooming Basics For Your New Puppy or Dog

Keep your dog fresh and clean with a daily grooming routine. Regular grooming and maintenance can help keep your dog healthy and clear of infection and can also be an opportunity to check for any concerning lumps, bumps, rashes, or other potential signs of illness.   Brushing Your Dog’s Coat Your dog’s daily grooming needs […]

Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fish? Decoding Fishy Odors in Dogs

Portrait of a sophisticated white and gray dog breed, highlighting gentle curiosity, related to decoding fishy odors in dogs.

Do you ever notice a distinct, fishy odor coming from your pet? The usual culprit is your cat or dog’s anal glands. Anal gland issues are common in small dogs and less common in large breeds and cats, though any pet can experience this stinky situation. What Are Anal Glands in Pets? Cats and dogs […]

What Causes Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Cats?

A cozy home scene with a woman and tabby cat, illustrating companionship and tranquility, related to cat hair loss and alopecia.

For both dogs and cats, hair loss can all be influenced by: Skin parasites and Infections Allergies Poor Nutrition Abnormal Organ Function Blood Flow Excessive or Deficient Hormones Pet Medications Behavior (excessive grooming or anxiety) Dog and cat hair loss (also called alopecia) is the abnormal thinning or complete loss of hair. Hair loss is […]

Does Poison Ivy Affect Dogs?

You’ve probably heard the adage, “leaves of three, let it be!” and you may even have had an itchy, blistery rash after brushing up against the wrong plant. But can poison ivy, sumac, and poison oak affect your cat or dog? While pets are less likely to experience direct skin exposure thanks to their fur […]

The Natural Approach to Skin Allergies

A small Terrier resting on a vet clinic's soft blanket, appearing exhausted and calm.

Skin and ear allergies are the most common chronic disease complaint presented to veterinarians. The most common cause of chronic skin allergies in our animal companions, especially during the hotter summer months, is fleas. Symptoms of flea bite allergies include lower body itching and skin eruptions or hot spots that emerge often near the tail, […]

Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

a woman holds her golden retriever's face to bond with it

Common symptoms of dogs and cats with Cushing’s disease Bald patches on trunk Excessive drinking & urinating (PUPD) Ravenous appetite Swollen abdomen High blood sugar Darkened skin Ringworm & demodex infections Shrunken testicles Irregular heat cycles The majority (80-90%) of pets with Cushing’s disease have ravenous appetites. They drink excessively and urinate excessively (polyuria and […]

Symptoms of Fatty Skin Tumors in Dogs

Dogs with fatty skin tumors (lipomas) have a soft, non-painful swelling in the skin that slowly increases in size. The skin over the fatty tumor remains healthy and covered with hair unless the skin rubs against another part of your dog’s body and is damaged by friction. Skin over a fatty tumor normally does not […]

Mange Symptoms in Dogs

Close-up of a dog with alopecia showing mange symptoms around eyes and mouth.

Mange (demodex) in dogs and cats causes skin problems. Your pet’s skin itches—mildly with localized infection and severely with generalized infection. Some pets scratch until they develop bacterial infections along with demodex infections. The hair falls out and bald spots develop. Bald patches, especially around the eyes, mouth, elbows, and front legs are common. The […]

Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Dogs

Close-up of a dog and cat showcasing their bond despite hair loss, highlighting pet health and dermatological challenges.

Hair loss in dogs and cats can appear as areas without hair (bald patches or alopecia) or areas with thinning hair. There may also be changes in the skin with increased pigmentation, redness, swelling, crusting, flaking, or moist oozing and discharge. There may be an unpleasant odor. If hair loss is caused by malfunction of […]

What Is Demodectic Mange in Dogs?

Compassionate veterinarian examines Bulldog puppy for demodectic mange in a clinic.

Demodectic mange is a red, itchy skin infection that is caused by mites. The demodex mite lives on a particular host, so one form of demodex mite (demodex canis) lives on dogs and another (demodex cati) on cats. Humans have their own form of demodex mite. The demodex mite is not rare — it is […]

What Are The Signs Of Ringworms In Cats?

Close-up of a domestic cat with visible ringworm skin condition, showing circular patches on muted fur.

If your pet seems to be itching and scratching more than usual, ringworm could be the culprit. Ringworm is not a parasite, but a fungus that thrives on keratin, a protein that forms hair, skin, and nails. Symptoms of ringworm in pets can range from mild to severe, or may not be apparent at all. […]