Dogs and cats can develop dermatitis, or inflamed skin and skin rashes, from a number of causes, including allergies, fleas, mange mites, and bacterial or fungal infections.

Allergies are very common causes of dermatitis or skin rash.  Seasonal inhaled allergies are called atopy, which usually shows up as red, itchy areas on the paws, face, armpits, and groin.  Food allergy can also show up as dermatitis frequently on the head and neck.  Allergies to flea bites most often show up as an itchy rash around the rump and tail.

Some rashes are caused by the buildup of moisture.  So-called “hot spots” can pop up seemingly overnight as moist, red, weepy areas skin under matted fur.  Usually some irritation (eg, a flea bite) sets off licking, which keeps the skin moist, which creates an environment suitable for bacterial growth and formation of a hot spot.  Obese dogs and certain breeds (eg bulldog, Shar Pei, and pug) have folds in the skin that also create moist environments that favor the growth of bacteria.  Skin-fold rashes are found most often in the folds around the face, lips, armpits, groin, and mammary glands.

Fungi, which are also called dermatophytes, can infect hair, nails, and dead skin, leading to bald, scaly areas with broken hairs.  These areas can show up as patches or rings (which are more common in cats), leading to the informal name of ringworm.  Infection with mange mites causes red, scaly skin that may or may not be itchy, depending on the specific type of mange mite involved.  Dogs and cats can also develop non-itchy skin rashes from certain types of seborrhea.

Treatment for skin rashes depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the problem.  Hot spots and skin-fold infections are usually easily treated with cleaning and topical medications, although the underlying cause may still need to be addressed.  Flea allergy dermatitis requires thorough flea control to eliminate the cause of the rash.  Inhaled allergies usually require seasonal treatment with corticosteroids and antihistamines, and/or more costly and time-consuming hyposensitization shots.  Specific medications are available to treat ringworm and mange mites; sometimes it is necessary to also treat unaffected pets because these conditions are potentially infectious.  Oral antibiotics may be needed to control secondary bacterial infections associated with any skin rash.

Cuts (lacerations) and scrapes (abrasions) in the skin are common in dogs and cats.  Most are minor injuries that heal quickly with minimal treatment, but some are more serious injuries that may require surgery.

Lacerations are cuts in the skin caused by sharp objects, such as broken glass, blades, jagged metal edges, or claws.  Depending on the nature of the sharp object that cuts the skin, the resulting wound can have edges that are clean and well-defined, or jagged and dirty.  Foreign materials such as fur, dirt, or fabric can be driven into the wound, increasing the possibility of secondary infection and delayed healing.

An abrasion is a scrape in the skin caused by abrasive trauma such as intense scratching, sliding against a rough surface, or being dragged by a car or leash.  Mild abrasion results in only superficial oozing, skin crusting, and redness, while severe abrasion can result in loss of the full thickness of the skin and serious damage to underlying tissues.  Foreign materials such as fur, dirt, or gravel can be scraped into the wound, again increasing the possibility of inflammation and secondary infection.

Treatment usually begins with cleaning the wound to remove dirt, debris, crusts, and oozing material.  The fur around the edges of the injured area will need to be clipped, followed by cleaning of the entire area with an antibacterial cleanser.  In some cases, sedative medications or general anesthesia will need to be administered to be able to clean the area thoroughly.

Small or superficial lacerations can sometimes be allowed to heal on their own, but most require surgery to suture the cut edges together.  Older wounds or those with jagged edges may first need to be “cleaned up” by cutting away dead or tattered skin, leaving fresh edges that heal more quickly.  Sutured lacerations tend to heal quicker than lacerations that are left to heal on their own.  However, severely traumatized or dirty wounds may need to be left open, or your veterinarian may need to place a “drain” under the skin to provide a pathway for infected seepage material to leave the body.

Severe abrasions heal slowly by a process known as granulation, during which the damaged skin is gradually replaced by new skin and scar tissue.  This sensitive tissue needs to be protected during healing, which often requires bandaging.

Bandages can be treated with a material that tastes bad (eg, bitter apple) to discourage your pet from licking or chewing the area.  Pets that lick or chew persistently can be fitted with a neck cone (eg, an Elizabethan collar) to physically limit access to the bandaged area.  To prevent infection, antibiotic creams or ointments can be applied directly to the injured area.  Oral antibiotics may also be needed, especially when wounds have been contaminated with foreign material.

***Adapted from webvet.com

DOGS                            CATS                            BIRDS/EXOTICS
1. Bella                         1. Bella                          1. Charlie
2. Max                          2. Max                           2. Buddy
3. Bailey                       3. Chloe                        3. Bella
4. Lucy                          4. Oliver                       4. Max
5. Molly                        5. Lucy                          5. Angel
6. Daisy                         6. Charlie                     6. Baby
7. Charlie                     7. Sophie                      7. Coco
8. Buddy                       8. Lily                            8. Rocky
9. Maggie                     9. Shadow                     9. Bandit
10. Sophie                    10. Tiger                        10. Sunny