Our furry companions depend on us for their every need. As responsible pet parents, it is important to notice when something isn’t quite right with their health. Among the problems pets face throughout their lifetimes, the most common one is skin issues. Ranging from mild irritation to infections, skin problems can be harmful if not taken seriously. Therefore, it is essential to understand what these problems are, what causes them and what they look like so that you can identify them on time and offer the required attention to your four-legged companion.
Continue reading to understand the most common skin problems in dogs, their symptoms and tips to help your furry friend feel better. Let’s get started!
Symptoms of skin problems in dogs
Let’s have a quick look at the most common signs that dogs exhibit while experiencing skin issues:
- Extreme paw licking or chewing
- Hot spots or open sores
- Red or inflamed skin
- Skin dandruff or flakiness
- Continuous itching or scratching
- Dry, dull and thin coat
- Hair loss, especially around the eyes, ears and legs
- Recurrent ear infections
- Thickened skin
- Red, moist skin lesions
- Foul-skin odor
- Behavioral changes
- Circular patches on the skin
Common skin problems in dogs & ways to prevent them
Here are some common skin problems that dogs encounter and some simple ways to prevent them:
- Allergic dermatitis: Allergic dermatitis is a common skin problem, caused by two major factors, i.e., food and environmental allergens. Foods such as soy, wheat, protein, etc., and environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, grass, soil, etc., are a few commonly known triggers. Red and inflamed skin, excessive scratching, recurrent infections, chewing or rubbing on the face, etc., are some of the symptoms of allergic dermatitis in dogs.
The best way to prevent allergic dermatitis is by identifying the potential allergens and keeping your dog away from them. Additionally, making environmental and dietary changes can significantly help in managing the condition.
- Flea and tick infestations: Fleas and ticks are ectoparasites that stick to your dog’s skin and feed on their blood. After attacking the dog, they not only cause pain, itching and discomfort but can also lead to harmful diseases, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, etc.
They can be treated by administering appropriate flea and tick preventives available in the market in different forms, including oral, topical, collar, spray, etc. Additionally, fleas and ticks tend to hide inside the grass, bushes, furniture, beddings, etc., hence trimming the lawn, vacuuming the beddings and maintaining proper cleanliness in the house can help keep these pests away.
- Mange infections: Mange infections are caused by mites (Demodex and Sarcoptes) that are transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or environments. They penetrate deep into the hair follicles and skin of the dog, resulting in skin thickening, excessive itching and hair loss around the eyes, ears and legs.
Mange infections can be treated with oral and topical treatments that help kill them. Plus, the use of medicated shampoos or sprays helps relieve itching.
- Bacterial or yeast infections: Bacterial or yeast infections are typically caused by an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the skin due to multiple reasons including hormonal imbalances, allergies or underlying skin conditions. Common symptoms of these infections are excessive chewing or scratching, discoloured skin, itchiness, greasy discharge, etc.
The best way to treat these infections is to follow the course of action suggested by your veterinarian. Topical creams, shampoos or sprays and regular grooming are recommended to tackle these infections.
- Ringworms: Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by fungi called dermatophytes, affecting dogs with a weakened immune system. It is often accompanied with ring-shaped patches of hair loss, red or itchy skin, inflammation or pus-filled lesions.
Ringworms can be treated with antifungal oral or topical treatments. Along with boosting your pet’s immune health, itch-relief shampoos or creams are also recommended. It is also necessary to keep their surroundings clean and make dietary changes, if required.
- Alopecia: Alopecia or hair loss is caused by several factors, such as allergens, parasitic infections, hormonal imbalances, genetics, autoimmune diseases, etc. It leads to partial or complete fur loss and is accompanied by bald patches, itchy skin, extreme irritation, etc.
Alopecia can be prevented by identifying underlying health issues and treating them with immediate effect. Making adequate dietary changes, offering Omega 3 & 6 supplements, administering flea and tick preventives and adopting proper grooming practices are some of the effective ways to prevent alopecia in dogs.
- Seborrhea: Seborrhea is a skin problem in dogs that causes greasy and flaky skin with scales. It is caused by excess sebum production, an oily substance secreted by the skin glands, resulting in flaky skin, foul odor, redness, greasiness, hair loss and itching. The major causes of seborrhea include genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances or allergies.
Seborrhea can be treated by identifying the underlying health problem and providing the required treatment. Also, shampoos as well as skin and coat supplements help relieve the symptoms and manage the condition effectively.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining your dog’s skin health is essential to their overall well-being, but without the right knowledge, it can be challenging. Fortunately, with a little effort and lifestyle modifications, you can ensure the longevity and vitality of your furry companions. Make sure to keep an eye on the symptoms and if you notice anything unusual, speak to the veterinarian immediately for tailored recommendations. Remember, by staying proactive and well-informed, you can keep your furball healthy, happy and comfortable.
Canine Skin Problems – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do you identify skin problems in dogs?
Ans. Dogs exhibit various signs while suffering from skin problems. A few common symptoms include excessive chewing, persistent scratching, red or inflamed skin, dry coat, changes in behavior, dandruff or extreme flakiness, etc. Watch out for these signs to identify skin issues in dogs.
Q2. What does dog dermatitis look like?
Ans. Dermatitis in dogs is characterized by skin inflammation, excessive chewing, itching or scratching and recurrent infections.
Q3. What are the most common skin issues in dogs?
Ans. Allergic dermatitis, alopecia, seborrhea, mange infections and flea and tick infestations are some common skin issues in dogs.
Q4. What are the crusty scabs on my dog’s skin?
Ans. Crusty scabs on your dog’s skin can be caused by allergies, parasitic infections, hormonal imbalances or bacterial infections. Consult the vet if you notice crusty patches along with constant scratching and irritation on your dog’s skin for timely treatment