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.