Florida Pets & Skin Issues: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Living in Florida means year-round sunshine, but for pets, that also means dealing with high humidity, seasonal allergens, and pests that don’t take winters off. These environmental factors can lead to recurring or chronic skin problems. At Gardens Animal Hospital in Palm Beach Gardens, we see and treat a wide range of skin conditions specific to our tropical climate. Below are the five most common issues, along with symptoms to watch for and how we treat them.
1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Excessive scratching or chewing, especially near the tail base, hind legs, and belly
- Red, inflamed skin
- Hair loss or scabbing
- Presence of flea dirt or live fleas (though sometimes hard to spot)
Severity if Untreated:
Flea allergy dermatitis can escalate quickly. Even a single bite may cause a cascade of inflammation in allergic pets. If untreated, the constant scratching can lead to open wounds, secondary bacterial infections, and chronic skin thickening. Pets with ongoing discomfort may also develop behavioral issues like anxiety or restlessness.
Treatment & Prevention:
We recommend year-round flea prevention, especially in Florida. Our veterinarians can prescribe oral or topical flea treatments, anti-itch medications, and antibiotics if a secondary infection has developed. Environmental treatment—like washing bedding and vacuuming frequently—is also crucial.
2. Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Persistent itching, especially on paws, ears, and underarms
- Red or darkened skin
- Frequent ear infections
- Licking or chewing paws until they become stained or swollen
Severity if Untreated:
Atopic dermatitis is progressive and can significantly impact a pet’s quality of life. Without treatment, pets may develop chronic ear infections, skin thickening, hair loss, and painful sores. The ongoing itch-scratch cycle can become difficult to break and may require long-term management.
Treatment Options:
After diagnosing your pet with atopic dermatitis, we may recommend a combination of prescription antihistamines, Cytopoint® injections, medicated shampoos, or immunotherapy. Identifying and minimizing exposure to known allergens—when possible—can also reduce flare-ups.
3. Saltwater Irritation & “Beach Rash”
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Red, irritated skin, especially on the belly and between the toes
- Itching or discomfort after beach visits
- Dry, flaky skin or localized hair loss
- Licking or biting at specific spots after swimming
Severity if Untreated:
If not rinsed off promptly, salt, sand, or even algae can irritate your pet’s skin and lead to hot spots or bacterial infections. Repeated exposure without proper care can result in chronic inflammation or worsening dermatological issues, especially in sensitive pets.
How to Help:
After any saltwater or pool outing, rinse your pet thoroughly with fresh water. If irritation persists, schedule a visit. We can assess the skin, prescribe topical treatments or soothing medicated sprays, and offer prevention tips tailored to your pet’s routine.
4. Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
Symptoms to Watch For:
- One or more moist, raw, inflamed patches of skin
- Rapid onset—can develop in just a few hours
- Foul odor from the affected area
- Pain or sensitivity when touched
- Excessive licking or chewing
Severity if Untreated:
Hot spots can worsen very quickly, especially in Florida’s humid climate. They often become painful, infected, and larger without veterinary care. Severe or frequent hot spots may indicate underlying issues like allergies or anxiety that also need to be addressed.
Treatment Approach:
We will clean and dry the affected area, clip surrounding hair, and apply topical treatments. Antibiotics or anti-inflammatories may be needed, depending on severity. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause—whether allergies, fleas, or moisture—is key to preventing future episodes.
5. Yeast & Bacterial Infections
Symptoms to Watch For:
- A musty odor, even after bathing
- Greasy or flaky skin
- Red, irritated areas—often in skin folds, ears, or paws
- Chronic ear infections
- Excessive scratching or head shaking
Severity if Untreated:
Left untreated, yeast or bacterial overgrowth can cause severe discomfort, chronic infections, and permanent changes to the skin or ear structure. Infections can spread or become resistant to treatment if not addressed early.
What We Do:
We perform skin cytology or ear swabs to identify the type of infection and prescribe appropriate antifungal or antibiotic medications. We may also recommend a prescription diet, medicated baths, and ongoing hygiene practices to prevent recurrence.
Your Pet Deserves Healthy, Itch-Free Skin
If your pet is scratching more than usual, don’t assume it’s normal for the season. Skin problems can escalate quickly and affect your pet’s well-being. At Gardens Animal Hospital, we offer compassionate, expert dermatology care tailored to life in Palm Beach Gardens.
Call us today to schedule a skin health evaluation, or request an appointment online. Relief is just one visit away.
🐾 Recommendations for Further Reading
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Allergic skin disease guidelines for dogs, cats
https://www.avma.org/news/aaha-publishes-allergic-skin-disease-guidelines-dogs-cats
Overview of common skin issues in dogs and cats, including signs, causes, and when to see a vet. - PetMD – Dog Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-skin-allergies
Details on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dog skin allergies. - American College of Veterinary Dermatology – Understanding Atopic Dermatitis
https://www.acvd.org/page/atopic-dermatitis
In-depth information on environmental allergies in pets from board-certified dermatologists. - ASPCA – Safe Grooming and Bathing Tips
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips
Tips for keeping your pet’s coat and skin clean and healthy, especially in warm climates.
