Three diseases of dogs and cats that aggravate in summer

Cats and dogs are prone to wet dermatitis in summer. The disease involves inflammation and local infection of the skin of these animals. It usually appears in circles and is more common on the neck and buttocks area, although it can appear anywhere on the body.

In cats, so-called ringworm may develop. It is an infection caused by a fungus that grows on the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails. In about 90 percent of cases, the cause of this condition is a fungus called Microsporum canis, which inhabits cats and feeds on the keratin around the hair.

By releasing spores, the fungus spreads in the environment and is able to infect other animals. Therefore, contact with an already infected individual or with objects that have been in contact with affected animals increases the risk of transmission.

Ringworm is more common in kittens, especially cats under a year old, possibly due to the still developing immune system. Also, this condition is more common in long-haired cats because they groom less efficiently, which allows the spores to stay on the skin longer. When more cases of dermatophytosis reach veterinary clinics, it is during the spring and summer. At this time, feline breeding is booming, so many newborn kittens on the street are infected because their immune systems are still weak. How to recognize ringworm? SantéVet warns that symptoms such as hair loss, itching (manifested by scratching, licking or constant biting of the affected area, appearance of wounds, appearance of yellow scabs and scaly skin, characteristic peculiar smell, nodular areas on the skin) may occur, warns SantéVet Scalp, known as abscess or onychomycosis: Breakage or splitting of the nail is observed. In some rare cases, this may be the only symptom.

– Cystitis. Cystitis and other types of bladder infections are fairly common in these animals during the summer. Although these disorders are more common in women than men, because women have a shorter urethra, we must be on the lookout for symptoms such as frequent crying, whining when urinating, frequent urination, oliguria, hyperactivity or irritability, blood in the urine, alcohol consumption, etc. . More than usual or inability to urinate.

– Otitis media. Taking a bath in the sea, in a swimming pool or even in the summer can negatively affect your health, causing bacteria and fungus to develop in your ears. That’s why it’s important to dry your pet’s ears thoroughly.