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Skin · Cats & dogs

Skin disease: itch, infection, ringworm, mites, fleas and allergy

Skin appearances overlap; use distribution, spread, exposure and infection signs, and do not label circular hair loss as ringworm from appearance alone.

Editorial update: 2026-10-19 · Version 2026.10.19.2
Veterinary review: pending

Skin disease: itch, infection, ringworm, mites, fleas and allergy

Educational pet-health and visit-preparation reference. Not a diagnosis, prescription, dosage recommendation or substitute for a veterinarian. Veterinary review: pending. This is an editorial educational reference. Checking sources is not a veterinary assessment of your pet.

What this index covers

Covers allergic dermatitis, bacterial/yeast infection, ringworm, mites, fleas and self-trauma.

Section sources: Merck Veterinary Manual: Pet Owners Overview · AAHA Clinical Practice Guidelines

Which clues to organize

Record sites, symmetry, photo dates, scratching/licking, hair loss/discharge/odor and signs in other pets or people.

Section sources: AAHA: Preparing for a successful veterinary visit

When not to wait

Rapid facial swelling, breathing change, extensive drainage, severe self-trauma, fever-like illness or marked lethargy needs prompt care.

Section sources: Merck Veterinary Manual: When to see a veterinarian

Prepare for the visit

Bring photos, grooming/parasite products, medicines and household exposure; call about isolation if contagious ringworm is possible.

Section sources: AAHA: Preparing for a successful veterinary visit

Use this guide to prepare for a visit

Disease index note Topic/question: Onset and change: Photos/videos: Appetite, water, urine/stool: Medicines/exposures: Questions for clinic:

Record observations for this topic Visit checklist

Sources & editorial context

What changed

将疾病索引改为按覆盖范围、观察用途、红旗信号和就诊资料组织,待专业医学复核。

Dates identify editorial updates and source checks, not clinical approval. All four languages were edited together; native-language and veterinary review remain pending.

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