Dog Skin Disorders

Dog skin disorders or diseases are the most crucial conditions that dog owners deal with. A dog’s skin and coat is an absolute indicator for its general health. Skin disorders in dogs are characterized by itching, skin rashes, very dry skin, and fur/hair loss. Skin disease can be caused by various agents such as parasites, allergens, and bacterial and fungal infections. The most commonly encountered skin problem in dogs is itchy, dry and red scaly skin. This condition is commonly called as eczema, a general term used to describe various skin disorders in dogs.

A dog’s skin can, at times, be extremely sensitive, so it is vital that the dog owners take certain precautionary measures to keep away their pet from allergens and any substance which can cause harm to their skin. Dog dry skin compels them to continuously scratch the skin which then disrupts its sleep and normal life. In addition to constant itching, fur loss and breakage is another common result of red scaly skin. The diagnosis of skin disease in dogs can be extremely complicated.

Dog Eczema Causes

• Irritants such as industrial chemicals, household detergents, fumes, paints, bleach, foods, cosmetics, and shampoos.
• Allergens such as animal or vegetable proteins from commercial dog foods and pollens
• Stress and depression.
• Boredom and loneliness.
• Extreme changes in temperature.
• Parasites such as fleas, scabies, and mites.
• Fungal infections such as yeast infections and ringworm.
• Other causes could be auto-immune disorders, internal intestinal parasites, dietary deficiencies, and frequent bathing.

Dog Skin Disorder Symptoms

• Dog flaky skin
• Dog scaly skin
• Dog red skin
• Loss of hair
• A dry, dull-looking coat
• Lumps of bumps on or under the skin
• Red and scaly patches on the skin
• Excessive scratching
• Excessive licking.

Dog Skin Treatment

• Completely avoid commercial dog foods and environmental irritants.
• Soak or compress the affected skin area with potassium permanganate.
• Use neem shampoo accompanied by neem oil on the affected area for bathing as it decreases the itchiness and redness of the skin. Anti-fungal shampoos work to eliminate yeast infections.
• You must enhance your pet’s immune system with an improved and special diet. A high protein dog food including fruits, vegetables, and fish oil is often recommended.
• If the bacterial infection has progressed deep into the skin, then you must give regular doses of antibiotics as prescribed by a vet.
• If you see that the flaky skin persists, you must take your dog to a vet. In order to properly diagnose skin ailments, the vet may conduct various tests such as a complete physical examination under a special light, biopsy, and/or blood tests.

Skin Infections in Dogs:

It is not unusual for dogs to suffer from minor skin rashes and allergies. Disorders like itchy and bumpy skin, canine acne, dandruff and lesions are among the most common dermatological problems that dogs are susceptible to. The most common cause of skin infection in canines is the staphylococci bacteria, which mostly affect the trunk. Typically, yellowish pustules appear on the dog’s skin that later turn rough and scaly and may cause local loss of hair. Parasites growing on the skin of the dog, allergens present in the immediate environment and abnormal functioning of the dog’s immune system are other factors that may lead to skin disorders in dogs. Young pups also suffer from ringworms, which is caused by fungal growth on the skin. The loss of hair in small, circular patches is the telltale sign of this condition. Since your pet cannot easily communicate to you minor discomforts, you should be observant as to whether your dog scratches or licks itself constantly or chews its paws. The appearance of moist, red “hot spots” on the dog’s skin may also indicate an allergic reaction to mold, dust, pollen, flea saliva and chemicals present in certain pet care products. If the condition is allergic in nature, your dog may also suffer from symptoms like sneezing, wheezing and discharge from the eyes and the nose. Unless the problem is persistent or recurrent, there is no need to worry. You may of course consult a vet and get medical tests done just to make sure that your dog is not suffering from any serious internal ailment.

These skin conditions can be treated through natural means at home in most cases. Make sure that you get rid of fleas that may be infesting your pet’s hair and skin. Give your dog a thorough bath with water and an antibiotic shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide. You should dry the dog’s skin and hair completely and then apply an antibiotic ointment on the lesions or the crusty patches. You may also give your dog a bath in a solution of colloidal oatmeal and lukewarm water in order to destroy germs on its skin and thereby relieve it of itching and irritation. Another means of treating skin conditions in canines is to grind two aspirin tablets in a tablespoon of alcohol, add a cup of warm water to this mixture, dip a tea bag in this solution and apply it locally on the itchy patches on the skin.