The Most Common Skin Problems In Dogs

There are many reasons why dogs have skin problems. Dogs can be allergic to something that you or a groomer put on their skin, ticks or fleas can make them scratch, or even a bacterial infection can cause skin issues. Still other such problems can be caused by food or shampoo. Sometimes it is a more serious problem however, that will need to be treated by a veterinarian. Most dog skin problems can be treated at home, but more serious ones need to be treated by a doctor.

Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis is a problem that happens when the dog is allergic to grooming products, food, and anything that is in the environment. A dog that is allergic to pollen rolls in it or get it on their skin will end up with a rash. The sign that dogs have this type of skin problem is when the dog is always scratching. The treatment for the skin problem is to not expose the dog to what they are allergic to, corticosteroids, or a salve or spray to help alleviate the symptoms.

Yeast Infection

Not only can humans get yeast infections, but dogs can also get them too. The signs that a dog has a yeast infection are itchy, discolored skin, and irritated skin. The places where a yeast infection usually shows up at are the paws and ears. A yeast infection is easy to spot and can be treated easily with topical creams that your veterinarian can prescribe. If the cream does not work, the veterinarian can also prescribe oral medications.

Impetigo

Impetigo is most common in puppies and the symptoms are blisters that are pus filled crust over when broken. Impetigo will be located on the part of the abdomen where there is no hair. This type of skin condition is a bacterial one and can be treated with a topical solution. This skin condition can spread to other areas, but it is not likely that it will.

Acral Lick Granuloma

Also called acral lick dermatitis, this is a skin condition, one of the more common dog skin problems, that develops when the dog or animal also licks the same spot. This is a compulsion of the dog or animal to keep licking the spot, usually the front legs by the paws. The symptoms of this are a raw spot because it cannot heal, and there is also pain along with an itch. The only way to heal the spot is to refrain the dog from licking, which can be achieved using an Elizabethan collar or a topical solution that has a bad taste.

Ticks and Fleas

Ticks and fleas are annoying to dogs as well as their owners. Ticks and fleas can be picked up anywhere outside and can be carried in the home on the dog. Fleas can infest homes and ticks can give dogs and humans Lyme disease. The symptoms of these two maladies include itching, red spots, and blood. To treat fleas, the dog and also the home and outside the home will needed to be treated with a flea killer. Ticks can be spotted with the naked eye and will need to be removed carefully to prevent the head from staying under the skin, causing an infection.

There are many different types of dog skin problems that can come up at any time when you are a dog owner. Be sure to ask your veterinarian what you can do if these conditions do show up. Click here to learn more about treatment options for these dog skin problems.