Causes of Pet Dandruff and How to Prevent It from Building Up
Humans are not the only ones who may have dandruff; your pets can get it too. Dandruff is made up of dead skin cells, or dander, that fall from the skin. When clumped together, it looks like white flakes. Dandruff is most noticeable if your pet has a dark-coloured hair coat, or has been scratching […]
Canine Pododermatitis: Causes and Work Up
Patients affected by canine pododermatitis are presented commonly in clinical small animal practice. The condition may be present on a single claw, a single paw, or multiple paws. While the condition may affect the paw(s) only, it may be accompanied by additional cutaneous symptoms at other sites, depending on the underlying cause. Pododermatitis is defined […]
Hives in Pets: What They Mean and What Causes Them
Hives (also called urticaria) are the development of swollen, pale red bumps or welts on the skin. These little lesions will usually appear suddenly and are often related to an allergic reaction against something. The presence of hives can be seen as a single bump, or as a collection of more than a few bumps. […]
Is Your Cat Over-grooming? Hair Loss & Other Signs of an Itchy Cat
Cats spend about 30-40% of their day grooming themselves. The rest of their time is mostly spent sleeping—this is a well-known fact among cat lovers! Families with cats usually love to groom and brush their cats. As icing on the cake, a cat can demand cuddles or brushing when they crave some extra love. What […]
Ear Infections in Dogs: Work Up and Treatment
Otitis is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek consultation with their family veterinarian. There is no set standard of treatment as ear infections in dogs can have a number of underlying causes. Typically, a work up for otitis will not only include identification and treatment of any microorganisms creating active infection, but […]
New Year Resolutions for People with Allergic Pets
A brand new year is almost here! Have you made your New Year resolutions yet? If you live with a dog or a cat with allergies, we know you have lots to worry about. Depending on the type of allergy your pet has, a major change is needed in your life as well as your […]
Skin Mites in Dogs: What You Need to Know about Demodicosis
Dogs get all sorts of skin problems for a variety of different reasons. One of the more common causes of patchy dog hair loss and irritated red skin is demodicosis. This is especially common in puppies. Demodicosis (or “red mange”) is one of the skin problems in dogs that can be easily treated but requires […]
Cats Get Zits Too! What to Know About Cat Acne
Would you believe that cats, like humans, can get acne too? This condition consists of blackheads (medical term: comedones) that form on the face, typically at the chin or around the lips of cats. What is Cat Acne? Like with human acne, cat acne tends to be a mild condition that may not cause any […]
Flea Bite Pet Allergies & What to be Aware of
Fleas are a well-known skin parasite that can affect the well-being of our furry companions. Depending on the geographic location, fleas may be a seasonal problem, a non-seasonal problem, or they may not be a problem at all. In the Vancouver and Victoria areas, fleas cause infestations, allergies, and discomfort to cats and dogs year-round […]
Taking a Bite out of Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Food related allergy treatments in canine and feline patients form part of daily practice for a small animal veterinarian. Dietary elimination trials are often pursued in order to work up an allergic patient exhibiting dermatologic or gastrointestinal disease, and are encouraged as a method to control underlying primary food allergies. Dietary elimination trials also form […]