Knowing the Different Types of Dog Skin Problems

Dog skin problems persist in many different types. As a pet owner, it really helps to know what these are and make yourself more familiar with how they differ from one another. Knowing them individually also makes you more aware about their symptoms so that you can identify what's happening to your pet.

Allergies are the most common among these dog skin problems. They often manifest themselves as canine atopy. This allergy is caused by certain agents like pollen or dust mites that get inhaled by pets. The allergies often come out right at the muzzle and feet as well as around the eyes and ear area.

Unfortunately, allergies can also be tracked back to the dog's immune system. In this case, the vet prescribed immunotherapy thereby giving regular dosages of shots to your dog. These shots are important so that the dog's immune system would be further improved and so he would be able to respond to changes in his system much better.

The weather may also trigger some dog skin problems, especially during extreme weather conditions during the summer time. Among the most common dog skin problems during this season is having hot spots. Through the use of corticosteroids, they can be relieved. However, you shouldn't self-medicate your dog and consult a vet about these meds first.

Excessive licking can also be a problem. Sometimes, there may be an even major reason why the dog exhibits this. This is known as lick granuloma and when this happens, some parts of the dog's skin would appear to be in patches and would end up being more prone to infection.

These mentioned dog skin problems are known to be non-infectious but there are also infectious types that can spread out if left untreated. Canine scabies are among them which can grow to other places of the dog's skin. They can spread out and if they are licked, become more infected.

Another contagious type of dog skin problems are fleas. These are perhaps the most common because fleas can easily be picked up especially by dogs that have medium to heavy types of coat. The saliva of the flea bite is what causes dermatitis.

Dog skin problems can be soothed temporarily but permanent relief may only be prescribed by a vet. So if you suspect your dog to have a case of any of the illnesses mentioned, you need to be wary and bring them to the vet the soonest time possible.