Thanks for reading. Enjoy!
Your dogs skin indicates your dogs overall health. When a skin problem arises your pet may respond with itching, scratching, licking and chewing. They cause of these symptoms may be external parasites, infections, allergies, metabolic problems and stress, or a combination of these may be affecting your dog’s skin.
Most Common Symptoms
- Scratching, Licking, Chewing
- Redness or Inflammation
- Scabs
- Round scaly patches on face and paws
- Rubbing face on carpet or furniture
- Dry flaky skin
- Hair loss / bald spots
- Rashes
- Lesions
- Drainage of blood or pus
- Swelling
- Fleas: Bites and dropping for these insects can irritate your dogs skin, some dogs can have an allergic reaction to the fleas saliva following a bite.
- Ringworm: This is a highly contagious fungal infection that can cause inflammation, scaly skin and hair loss. Ringworm needs to be treated immediately to avoid other pets and people in the household from becoming infected.
- Seasonal Allergies: Scratching may be due to sensitivity to allergens from common substances like pollen, weeds, dust, mites, trees, mold or grasses.
- Food Allergies: dogs develop allergies to common ingredients in dog foods, such as beef, chicken, wheat, corn or soy. Even fillers and colorings can be seen as foreign by your dog’s immune system and lead to itching and rashes.
- Skin Infections: Dogs can develop bacterial or yeast infections when the skin is damaged due to the presence of another skin disorder.
- Sarcoptic Mange: This skin disease caused by infection from the Sarcoptes scabei mite results in extreme itching and skin inflammation similar to an allergic response.
- Grooming Products: Certain shampoos and grooming products can irritate your dog’s skin. Be sure to only use grooming products that are meant for use on dogs.
- Stress or Boredom: A dog may lick her skin excessively for many reasons. Some lick when not given adequate opportunity for activity or mental stimulation.
- Hormonal Problems: Several common hormonal problems can cause change in skin color, coat consistency, thickness and distribution.
- Seasonal Changes: Many dogs, like people, get dry, flaky skin in the winter.
When is it Time to See the Vet
There are many causes of skin abnormalities in dogs, and identifying the underlying cause is not always simple. Therefore, you should visit your vet for an exam as soon as you notice any abnormality in your pet’s skin or hair, or if your pet begins to excessively scratch, lick and/or bite areas on his fur.
Diagnosing Skin Problems
After obtaining a history and performing a thorough physical exam, your vet may perform diagnostic tests in order to find the cause of your dog’s symptoms. These include:
- Skin biopsy
- Testing for Ringworm
- Microscopic examination of the hair and skin for presence of parasites or infection
- Allergy testing, which may include a diet change
- Blood tests to assess your dog’s overall health
How Can Skin Problems Be Prevented?
- Use natural, hypoallergenic soaps and shampoos recommended for use in dogs.
- Brush your dog regularly to prevent matting of hair.
- Feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet without fillers or artificial ingredients.
- Use parasite-prevention or a flea-treatment program as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Regularly clean and vacuum your home (and remember to always throw away the bag).
- Provide calm living conditions for your dog.
- Your vet may prescribe certain shampoos and oral supplements to prevent skin problems.
How Can Skin Problems Be Treated?
Ask your vet about the following treatments:
- Topical products including shampoos, dips or spot-on products to prevent and treat parasites
- A balanced diet to help maintain healthy skin and coat
- A dietary supplement containing essential fatty acids
- Antibiotic, anti-fungal or anti-itching medications
- Corticosteroids and antihistamines may be prescribed to control itching.
- Hypoallergenic diet for food allergies
- Injections to decrease dog’s reaction to allergens
