Introduction
Do you think your dog looks great? Well, it’s not always that simple. Dogs come in a huge variety of breeds, with a whole slew of potential skin problems. There are several different types of dog skin health problems that can affect dogs, including irritation due to allergies or an infection; excessive shedding caused by allergies or a hormonal imbalance; hair loss caused by dryness; and scaling and flaking paws caused by yeast overgrowth. As you might have guessed, some of these skin conditions can be quite serious, and even deadly. To learn more about dog skin health, read on.
- Introduction
- Know the symptoms of skin problems
- Skin irritation
- Dogs with skin problems
- Skin condition
- 8 Types of skin problems
- Conclusion
Know the Signs of Skin Problems
- Identify your dog’s risk factors for skin diseases and grooming problems
Know the Symptoms of Skin Problems
Dog skin problems should be taken seriously when they first start showing up – it’s not a good idea to treat their symptoms merely as a nuisance – that could lead to complications down the line. Most common skin problems are superficial and easily treated, and can be brought about by a range of issues.
Each dog skin health problem will require its own unique treatment once you’ve identified the cause, but some general treatments may also be required. Look out for your dog’s specific symptoms to determine which skin problem he’s suffering from:
Skin Irritation
Skin irritation is usually causing by allergies and can occur underneath the surface of the pet’s skin or on its surface – either way, it can cause a lot of discomforts.
Dogs with skin problems
Dogs with skin problems like this may shed excessively and may be itchy around the affected area. Some signs of skin inflammation include:
1) Redness – when blood vessels burst open, a pinkish or reddish rash will appear on your dog’s skin
- Swelling – also known as oedema, swelling can occur when the lymph nodes swell up causing a bulge on the affected area
- Pus-covered area – if the rash continues to spread, you’ll notice an area from which pus can be seen oozing out
- Crusty or bloody scabs – these are a sign of severe dermatitis. The skin will become inflamed, and yellow or white scabs may form
- Fungal infection – your dog may also develop a fungal infection from skin irritation due to allergies. The affected area may become dark-coloured or grey, and will itch.
Skin Condition
1. Mange
A skin condition that can be fatal if left untreated, mange is causing by tiny parasitic mites that burrow under your dog’s skin, creating scabs and lesions. As the case progresses, these mites dig deeper into your dog’s skin – sometimes right to its bones – causing severe pain and damage to the connective tissues. The only way to treat mange is with an injection of Ivermectin, a drug not readily available in pet stores.
2. Ringworm
A fungal infection that usually appears on your dog’s face and neck after he has been exposed to infecting soil or feces, ringworm causes small circular scabs with bumps in the middle. These scabs are highly contagious and can be transferring onto your dog’s bedding and other household items. Your veterinarian can treat ringworm with medicated shampoos.
3. Sarcoid
A rare skin condition that can be permanent, sarcoid occurs when a fibrous mass forms on your dog’s skin after he has been exposed to irritants such as pollen, fungi, or parasites. The mass will first appear as a bump on the skin and may grow to the size of a golf ball, but will eventually flatten out. In some cases, sarcoid is surgically removed if they begin to cause your dog physical discomfort.
4. Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the skin that forms when the top layer of skin cells becomes too thick, causing it to form smooth, hard scales. The symptoms of hyperkeratosis include your dog scratching himself excessively and scabs forming underneath the affected area. In severe cases, the scale can detach and fall off in pieces.
5. Seborrhea
A condition that usually occurs in young dogs, seborrhea is caused by a hormonal imbalance that causes excessive shedding and scaly skin. The best way to prevent seborrhea is to prevent your dog from licking or chewing himself raw. Seborrhea can also be caused by fungal infections which can be treated with antifungal shampoos or fungal candles used in conjunction with antifungal shampoos for dogs.
6. Yeast infection
When your dog’s skin is too oily, a yeast infection can set in. Yeast infects the folds of skin around your dog’s paws and causes them to itch. If left untreated, a yeast infection can spread to other parts of your dog’s body causing itchy rashes and unpleasant odors.
7. Skin Cancer
One of the most common cancers that occur in dogs, skin cancer is often fatal if not removed from your pet’s body in time. Cancerous skin growths are usually pink or brown in color, though they may also appear black. As cancer spreads, your dog’s skin may become swollen and red and may ooze blood or pus.
And of course – fleas!
8. Fleas!
Fleas can cause dog skin problems such as flea allergy dermatitis, which results in itchy skin and hair loss. If left untreated, fleas can also cause tapeworms and re-infest your dog after they’ve been treated.
Know the Potential Skin Conditions of Your Mature Dog
There are a lot of skin conditions that your dog may develop as he grows older – most of them are manageable and can be prevented by early detection and treatment.
Conclusion
Your dog’s skin is a vital part of his body and should be taken very seriously if you notice any signs of a problem. Some concerns are treatable, while others could have serious consequences if not treated immediately.
We all have to accept that there is no guarantee that our dogs won’t develop skin problems – it happens to them as well as us, and we need to do everything in our power to keep them healthy because, without their skin, they would not be alive.
To know more about common dog problems click here