A Guide To Common Dog Skin Problems

Dogs which scratch more than usual likely have a skin disease. Fortunately, the majority of dog skin problems are easily cured after a quick trip to the vet. A persistently itchy rash is likely allergic dermatitis. The symptoms can be partially relieved by corticosteroids, but the only way to remove symptoms completely is to identify and remove the allergen. Dogs are occasionally allergic to pollen, food, insect bites, and grooming products. If your dog is scratching primarily at the ears and/or toes, a yeast infection is the likely culprit. Symptoms include irritated, itchy, or discolored skin most common on the ears and paws. A topical cream can be prescribed. This is sufficient most of the time, but medicated baths or oral drugs are also options. Superficial bacterial folliculitis is symptomized as bumps, sores, and scabs. It is easier to see in shorthaired breeds. Longhaired breeds may present with scaly skin and increased shedding. Superficial bacterial folliculitis commonly occurs simultaneously with other skin problems. Impetigo is a kind of bacterial infection most common in puppies. The pus filled blisters it causes often break and crust over. It is easy to identify as the blisters usually form on the hairless portion of the abdomen. Impetigo can usually be treated with a topical solution. Seborrhea is a disorder of greasy and scaly skin in dogs. Sometimes it is a life-long genetic condition. However, most of the time it is a symptom of another problem. Most of the time the cause is hormonal abnormalities or allergies. Symptoms go away when the cause is treated. Ringworm is not a worm, it is a fungus. The name comes from the circular lesions which form on the affected dog's forelegs, paws, head, or ears. Highly effective anti-fungal treatments are available. Alopecia, or excessive shedding and hair loss, is always a sign of an underlying problem in dogs. Some shedding is natural, but when your dog's hair begins to thin it is a result of stress, nutritional deficiency, or another underlying disease. Mange is a striking condition, causing intense itching, sores, hair loss, and red skin. The kind of mange determines the treatment. Fleas are the most common skin problem among dogs. The average infestation will just cause itching, but severe infestations can cause anemia and blood loss. Fleas also carry other parasites, most commonly tapeworms. Dogs which are allergic to fleas will also develop allergic dermatitis and/or alopecia simultaneously. The next most common parasite is the tick. The main risk from ticks is the transmittance of Lyme disease, as significant blood loss would require many ticks. Lyme disease is a potentially serious bacterial infection and there are vaccines available. Excessive, obsessive licking of one spot continuously will cause acral lick granuloma. The area is not able to heal due to the repeated licking. It becomes painful, exacerbating the problem. The only way to treat is to discourage the dog from licking through either a cone collar or a bad tasting topical solution. Hot spots are small areas on a dog's skin that are red, irritated, and inflamed. They are a symptom of other dog skin problems and are treated by addressing that condition.

I'm a canine health practitioner who specializes in treatment for dogs with skin problems.