Understanding Pet Allergies and Other Common Skin Issues

If your pet is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or dealing with recurring ear infections, it may be more than just an occasional itch. Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian and in Hawaii’s warm, humid climate, they can be especially persistent. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options can help you protect your pet’s comfort and overall health.

Common Signs of Skin Problems in Pets

Skin conditions don’t always look the same, but common symptoms include:

• Excessive scratching or biting

• Red, inflamed, or irritated skin

• Hair loss or thinning coat

• Scabs or hot spots

• Chronic ear infections

• Frequent paw licking

• Unpleasant skin odor

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an exam. Skin issues often worsen without proper treatment and can lead to infections or long-term discomfort.

Environmental Allergies (Atopy)

Environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and grasses can cause itching, redness, and inflammation. In Hawaii’s tropical environment, year-round allergens can make symptoms persistent rather than seasonal.

Pets with environmental allergies often show signs like:

• Face rubbing

• Paw chewing

• Recurring ear infections

• Itchy belly or armpits

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Even a single flea bite can cause an intense allergic reaction in sensitive pets. You may notice itching concentrated at the base of the tail, along the back, or around the hind legs. Consistent flea prevention is essential, even for indoor pets.

Food Allergies

Food allergies may cause both skin and digestive issues. Common protein sources such as chicken, beef, or dairy can sometimes be triggers. Symptoms can include:

• Chronic itching

• Ear infections

• Gastrointestinal upset

Diagnosing food allergies often involves a carefully supervised elimination diet.

Other Common Skin Conditions

Not all skin issues are allergy-related. Several other conditions can affect your pet’s skin health.

• Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis): Hot spots are painful, inflamed patches of skin that can appear suddenly and spread quickly. They’re often caused by excessive licking or scratching due to allergies, insect bites, or underlying irritation.

• Bacterial and Yeast Infections: Secondary infections frequently develop when a pet’s skin barrier is compromised. Signs include redness, odor, greasy skin, or discharge. These infections require targeted treatment to resolve fully.

• Ringworm: Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection - not a worm. It can cause circular patches of hair loss and scaling and may be contagious to other pets and people.

• Mange: Mange is caused by mites and can lead to intense itching, hair loss, and skin thickening. Prompt veterinary care is necessary to prevent spreading and discomfort.

Why Professional Diagnosis Matters

Skin issues can look similar on the surface but have very different underlying causes. Treating symptoms without identifying the root problem can lead to recurring flare-ups.

At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii in Waipahu, our veterinary team performs thorough examinations and may recommend diagnostic testing such as skin scrapings, cytology, allergy testing, or dietary trials. By pinpointing the cause, we can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity but may include:

• Prescription medications to reduce inflammation and itching

• Antibiotics or antifungal treatments for infections

• Allergy management plans, including immunotherapy

• Specialized diets for food sensitivities

• Medicated shampoos or topical therapies

• Consistent parasite prevention

For pets with chronic allergies, long-term management is often the key to maintaining comfort and preventing flare-ups.

Supporting Your Pet’s Skin Health at Home

In addition to veterinary care, you can help support your pet’s skin health by:

• Keeping up with routine flea prevention

• Bathing with veterinarian-recommended products

• Washing bedding regularly

• Maintaining a balanced, high-quality diet

• Monitoring for early signs of irritation

Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Get Answers for Your Pet’s Skin Problems

Skin problems can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. From environmental allergies to infections and parasites, identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment. With Hawaii’s unique climate contributing to year-round allergens and parasites, proactive care is especially important. Our experienced veterinary team will work with you to diagnose the problem and develop a customized treatment plan to keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy.

If your pet constantly scratching or dealing with recurring skin issues, schedule a wellness exam with Pet Hospitals of Hawaii in Waipahu today. Call (808) 671-7387 (PETS) to book an appointment.