Don’t be a sore loser

Don’t be a sore loser


Sores don’t just crop up on our four-legged friends for no reason at all — they signal a bigger problem. But finding the cause can require some detective work.

Most sores form when our pets lick or scratch themselves, often in response to itchy conditions like flea or mite infestations or allergies. But sometimes sores develop as part of a skin infection — or even from psychological causes, as with anxious dogs that obsessively lick themselves. In less common situations, our pets can develop sores from cancer or an immune system gone awry.

If your pet has open wounds, is losing fur or is scratching more than usual, schedule a veterinary exam. Some simple tests may pinpoint the problem and indicate the best treatment. And if it’s something more serious, an exam will get the ball rolling toward relief.

Related Episodes