The number one medical reason clients visit small animal practitioners is for skin problems.
Fleas account for most of the skin problems.
An organized approach to these problems can streamline the process for the patient. Allergy is the most frequent diagnosis made. Pollen and environmental substances such as house dust, insects, and food cause immediate hypersensitivity in dogs and cats. Contact dermatitis, which is less commonly seen, is caused by another mechanism and has a delayed reaction. Determining the cause of the reactions seen can be challenging, but the location on the lesions offer diagnostic indicators.