Common Skin Problems in Dogs - More On Paws And Claws

Dogs are susceptible to various skin problems which can be frustrating for owners who want to see them comfortable and happy. Does your dog have a skin problem, and if so, how do you fix it?

That depends on the symptoms you see. Of course, the most common sign of a possible skin problem in your dog is constant, excessive itching. Other symptoms include fur loss, either localized in a certain location or spread across the dog’s entire body. More severe cases may involve redness in the skin, changes in skin pigmentation or even open sores that your dog constantly licks.

No particular symptom necessarily proves your four-footed friend has a certain type of skin disorder, and you’ll need to investigate other areas before you draw conclusions. While it’s common and helpful for veterinarians to diagnose skin problems, it’s also essential for dog owners like you to familiarize yourself with typical canine skin problems, so you can react quickly and keep his discomfort to a minimum.

Fleas, Lice and Ticks

One of the most common problems in dogs is the presence of fleas, lice and ticks, which are parasites that live on the surface of the skin and feed on the dog’s blood. These parasites’ saliva causes skin irritation and results in intense scratching.

Lice and ticks can be detected visually when you check your dog’s fur, while fleas are hard to spot with the naked eye. However, fleas cause red pimple marks on the skin and also can be spotted through the black, gritty trail of “dirt” they leave on a dog’s belly.

While you can remove ticks and lice with tweezers applying alcohol to relax the tick’s grip before doing so you can also adopt more general methods. For instance, you can give your dog a dip with special tick shampoo to eliminate ticks. Flea sprays or flea powder can also be applied to the dog to kill parasites. But all these require persistence and it may be a while before you see results.

One of the best methods to keep your dog comfortable is to prevent ticks from living off your dog in the first place through the use of a spot-on product, such as FrontLine or BioSpot. To apply these chemicals, you drip a small amount onto the back of your dog’s neck once a month. The chemical spreads throughout the dog’s skin and kills parasites including the eggs and larvae. When regularly treated, your dog becomes an unattractive host.

Mange

Mange is a skin problem caused by mites that burrow underneath the dog’s skin, causing intense and even agonizing itching. Bald spots or inflamed red skin are common symptoms of mange. Two types of mange exist in dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, depending on the kind of mite involved.

Inflamed red skin on dog

Most dogs carry the mites involved in demodectic mange or demodex. However, these mites usually do not cause itching except when they suddenly multiply into huge numbers. This may happen in young puppies, or in dogs with decreased natural body defenses, sometimes from stress.

On the other hand, Sacroptic mange or scabies causes intense itching in the dog as the mites burrow under the skin and even lay their eggs there. This causes large red spots on the dog’s skin, and sometimes fur loss on the ears and elbows. Scabies can infect humans as well and cause itchiness, although infection in humans usually disappears by itself after a while. However, it is still important for people to seek treatment if they get infected.

Treatment for mange requires patience and time, as eliminating them or lowering the mite population takes a while to take effect. The best way to kill the mites is to soak your dog in a lime and sulfur medicated dip for 10 to 15 minutes a few times in a week. The dip should not be washed off, but left to dry on your dog’s skin and fur. During this time, it’s best to watch your dog closely and prevent him from licking himself dry. As a further precaution, you can feed him a raw egg to line his stomach before dipping him in the solution. This way, even if he does lick himself, the solution won’t be absorbed on an empty stomach.

When fighting mange, it’s also important to support your dog with the highest quality diet you can find, to improve his immune system. Healing from mange will take a lot of his internal resources. You might consider looking into the raw diet for dogs and avoiding any corn or rice-based products for the time being.

About the author
Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free toy dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog. http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Category: Dogs

A Guide To Some Common Dog Skin Problems

If your dog is scratching more than is usual, then it most likely has a skin disease, parasite, or allergy. Most dog skin problems can be cleared up easily after a trip to the vet.

A rash that your dog scratches at persistently is most likely allergic dermatitis. Corticosteroids can help alleviate symptoms, but the most effective treatment is identifying and removing the root allergen. Common dog allergies include grooming products, pollen, insect bites, and food.

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 presents as sores, scabs, and bumps. The infection is easier to identify in shorthaired dogs. Longhaired dogs will most likely present with excessive shedding and scaly skin. It is common for superficial bacterial folliculitis to occur simultaneously with other skin problems.

A common bacterial infection found in puppies is impetigo. Blisters filled with pus will commonly break and crust over. The blisters are easy to see since they are on the hairless portion of the abdomen. Treatment by topical solution is simple.

Seborrhea causes dogs to develop greasy skin and scales. This is occasionally a genetic disease that the dog will have for life, but most often it is a sign of an underlying issue such as allergies or hormonal abnormalities. The underlying cause must be treated for symptoms to abate.

Ringworm, contrary to its name, is a fungus and not a worm. It causes circular lesions on a dog’s paws, forelegs, ears, or head. Very effective anti-fungal treatments are available.

Excessive shedding and hair loss is called alopecia and is a symptom of another underlying problem. Nutritional deficiency, stress, or an underlying disease can cause thinning of the coat.

Mange is a striking condition, causing intense itching, sores, hair loss, and red skin. The kind of mange determines the treatment.

The most common skin problem for dogs is fleas. Most infestations just cause itching, but some cause blood loss and anemia. Tapeworms and other parasites are carried by fleas as well. Some dogs are allergic to fleas and will develop alopecia and/or allergic dermatitis simultaneously.

Another common parasite is the tick. Appreciable blood loss is rare as it would take many ticks, but they do carry Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a potentially serious infection. Dogs can be vaccinated for Lyme disease.

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.

Many dog skin problems cause hot spots. Hot spots are red, irritated, and inflamed spots on a dog’s skin.

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.

Five Most Common Dog Skin Problems

As with human skin, it takes more than just pampering to keep your dog’s skin healthy – to maintain a silky, shiny, beautiful dog skin and coat requires proper nutrition, plenty of exercise, regular brushing and shampooing, and careful and appropriate action when signs of a skin problem occur.
However, even if you follow the basics of proper dog skin care, your dog may still be susceptible to skin conditions from time to time. Here are the five most common dog skin problems and the best way to treat them.

Allergic Dermatitis
A dog can develop allergies from almost anything, including pollen, weeds, mold, dust, insect bites, food, and/or grooming products. Heredity is also a significant contributing factor. Skin allergies among dogs have become more prevalent in recent years, and consequently, have made regular visits to the veterinarian even more important. The principal symptoms of an allergy include intense itching, rashes, and/or skin inflammation, which often make the dog irritable and miserable. As with any health condition, prevention is always the best cure. Once the allergen has been identified, avoid exposing your dog to whatever is causing the allergy. Symptoms can usually be relieved with cortisone based medication.

Yeast Infection
The first sign that your dog has a yeast infection is when you notice your pet shaking or tilting their head, or rubbing their ear with their paws, against furniture, or on the floor. The overgrowth of yeast occurs on the outer ear, causing redness, swelling, scabbing, and a waxy residue around the ear opening. Other indications include unusual eye movements, and walking in circles. A yeast infection is normally caused by water or debris getting trapped in the dog’s ear canal after swimming or being bathed. When left untreated, the infection can spread to the middle ear, and then the inner ear, which then affects the dog’s equilibrium, and can also lead to deafness. For this reason, it is critical to catch and treat the outer ear infection as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, treatment is simple and effective, and generally involves the use of a topical cream; however, oral drugs and medicated baths may also be prescribed.

Seborrhea
If a rancid smell permeates the air every time your dog is nearby, this is a clear indication of oily seborrhea – a skin condition caused by overactive sebaceous glands that lead to the excessive production of sebum. The grease is accompanied by scales of dead skin that stick to the hair.
Seborrhea can also be dry, and cause shedding of dandruff-like flakes. Oily seborrhea can lead to hair follicles becoming plugged and infected, causing another skin condition called folliculitis.
Excessive oiliness often also causes ear wax to build up in the ear canals, resulting in ceruminous otitis. Seborrhea has no cure, but the symptoms can be treated using medicated shampoos. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best product to use, and how often you should treat the condition, depending on its severity. Oral corticosteroids may also be prescribed to treat severe itching.

Ringworm
Ringworm can be easily contracted through physical contact with soil, carpet, furniture, toys, brushes, and combs that are contaminated with the spores of the fungus. Consequently, it is a common skin condition among dogs. The infection affects the hair and hair follicles on the dog’s face, ears, tail, and paws. As with a ringworm infection in humans, the condition is characterized by a circular pattern of hair loss that is scaly at the center and ringed with red outside. The fungal infection, in itself, is not itchy; the itchiness is caused by a secondary bacterial infection that also causes scabbing and crusting. Because ringworm can mimic other skin conditions, examination by a veterinarian is important to correctly diagnose the infection. Mild cases of ringworm usually go away on their own, but this generally takes between three and four months. Because the fungal infection is not just contagious to other dogs, and even cats, but also to humans, early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Topical anti-fungal creams or lotions, combined with anti-fungal shampoos, are used to treat the infection, with treatment typically lasting between four and six weeks.

Mange
Also called sarcoptic mange or canine scabies, the condition is caused by microscopic mites present on the dog’s skin and in the hair follicles. Mites are the most common canine parasites. The skin condition is characterized by hair loss and bald patches that create a polka-dot appearance; scabs and sores also develop. If left untreated, secondary bacterial infections that cause itching and an unpleasant smell can occur. Effective treatment requires correct identification of the type of mites involved; a veterinarian will then prescribe the appropriate anti-parasitic, anti-pruritic, and anti-inflammatory topical, oral, or injected medication. A dog with mange should be isolated to prevent the condition from spreading to other animals and even humans.

Proper skin care is essential to prevent dog skin problems. This includes: using the right kind of soaps and shampoos; regular hair brushing; a healthy, balanced diet that includes supplements; regular flea treatment; completing the required vaccinations and getting other injections to reduce the risk for diseases; keeping the house clean; and regular visits to the vet.

Author: This information about dog skin problems was contributed by Kauffman’s Animal Health, Inc. an international animal feed manufacturing company based in Lebanon, USA.

Dog Skin Problems - Simple Ways to Treat Common Dog Skin Problems

My life as a dog (Photo credit: Helgi Halldórsson/Freddi)

Dog skin problems can wreck havoc on your dog’s skin and on your nerves. Watching your beloved dog scratch, lick and chew on themselves in obvious pain and discomfort can be heartbreaking. In this short article, we will take a closer look at common dog skin problems and then I will direct you to some resources that will help you solve common, dog skin problems.

The most common dog skin problems occur as a result of allergies, fungi, mange, mites, flees and dry skin. Most of these conditions can be easily treated, while others may be a result of a dangerous underlying condition.

One dog skin problem that most owners are familiar with, is seasonal, environmental and dietary allergies. Food allergies can occur when you introduce a new type of food or diet plan to your dog or when he/she has simply built up an intolerance to foods that they have normally tolerated very well.

Allergies in dogs are often times only seasonal. Simply being observant will clue you in to the time of year your dog suffers from allergies the most. During these seasons, simply be proactive. Visit your veterinarian and come up with a plan to combat whatever your dog is allergic to, before your dog begins having problems.

Simple Tips to Combat Dog Skin Problems:

1. If your dog’s skin problems are due to food allergies, than talk to your vet about introducing a digestive enzyme into their diet. You may even want to begin to make your dog homemade meals and snacks, or at least purchase natural, pre-made dog food.

2. If you are unsure about the cause of your dog skin problems or how to treat it, than find a cheap notebook, or a sheet of paper and write down your dog’s symptoms, when they seem to suffer the most and what any outbreaks look like. Take this to your veterinarian. Your vet should be able to help you come up with a solution.

You can also research various dog skin problems, symptoms and their possible treatment options online or you can speak with other dog owners. They are apt to have some similar experiences.

You can also find great tips and information concerning dog skin problems at: http://dog-skin-problems.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roxanne_Manning

You may also like these articles:

How to Stop a Shih Tzu from barking
The Curiosity Killed The Cat

 

About these ads