Dog Skin Problems: Some Basic Information

Here is a free video and a written guide to Dog Skin Problems!

Don’t ignore Your dog scratching or chewing its skin, it could be the sign of a serious skin problem! Just like human, dogs can have skin problems too, and it is super important to understand what the signs and symptoms are of dog skin problems in order to make sure that we keep our pets comfortable and healthy no matter what the situation. Here are some basic irritations to watch for during the course of your dog’s life. And remember, they can be contagious or non-contagious, and any sort of issue may be present because there is something else wrong that is causing a particular flare up to happen. Some problems are caused by the environment, others by things like parasites, bacteria, fungi, viruses, or things like compulsive licking, which is always a bad one.

Here is the Video on Identifying Dog Skin Problems:

Here is our written guide to identifying why your dog itches

One of the biggest things that causes dog skin problems is allergies, believe it or not. Vets say that one out of every seven dogs has an allergy bad enough to affect its daily life. Just like humans, dogs can be super irritated by things like pollen and what is in foods occasionally. Another skin condition that dogs occasionally have is something called a hot spot, which is basically an area where there is a rash that the dog makes worse by licking or biting at. It become further infected and can spread rapidly to other parts of the dog’s body, causing a lot of discomfort and it looks particularly ugly in some cases. There are pictures that would make you cringe! Fleas and ticks are also regular offenders when it comes to things that irritate a dog’s skin, and you can get these little critters from just about anywhere, including other animals out on the street, or out in the woods on any adventures that you may head out to when you’re feeling like a journey to a park. Hair loss often accompanies skin problems, either because the dog scratches the fur away, or whatever is creating the issue causes the skin cells to have their fur drop out. It can be an indication of many different things, so if you aren’t sure, ask your local veterinarian. Depending on what the actual cause is, there are many different types of treatment that are appropriate for a dog with skin problems, including shaving the effected area, putting on creams or ointments, and potentially things like shampoo or oral drugs in the dogs food. So if your dog has skin problems, your best idea is to identify what the issue is as soon as possible and then get the correct treatment, before the condition becomes worse or untreatable in some cases. Your dog deserves love for the love it gives to you!
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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.

Some Types Of Dog Skin Problems

The health of an animal is represented by the quality of her skin. indicate poor quality, generally, another more serious problem underneath. dog skin problems can have many sources. These include pests, fungi, bacteria or yeast infections, and various forms of allergies. If significant changes in the external health of an animal is detected, a professional should be consulted. Leaving conditions untreated can further compromise the welfare home and the infection to other pitches, including humans.

dog skin problems are detected by simple observation. If a dog licks frantically scratch or chew often, these are tell tale signs something is wrong. Another wore a animal behavior to see his discomfort is friction mats or furniture. Such behavior would signal to owners that a closer look at their pet is necessary.

Scabs, bald patches, scaly patch wounds or skin rashes are the symptoms that warrant notification of a veterinarian. Other symptoms include severe pressure, redness, swelling, pus, discoloration or chips on an animal. Each of these causes may be multiple, and it is better if an animal is tested by a qualified professional.

Guilty may be harmful. Flea bites can cause irritation or feces. the saliva of fleas can also cause allergic reactions in some animals. Sometimes the method of removal chips and worse. Some types of sprays, powders and flea collars, while toxic to fleas, can also affect unwanted pets.

Different types of infections can occur on the surface of the skin. These yeast infections can be bacterial or fungal in nature. Fungal infections impetigo. This leads to several scaly patches, irritation and hair loss. This type of infection should be treated as soon as possible. It is very contagious and can be connected to other animals and humans. Yeast or bacterial infections indicate other problems are present. They are generally issues only when the skin is damaged due to other causes.

Allergies also affect the health of skin. Allergies can thrust due to irritants in the air naturally. Pollen, dust, mold or grass can cause unpleasant side effects while a pet. Typically, symptoms improve or worsen with the change of seasons. Because food allergies are common sources. Usually chicken ingredients, soy, beef, wheat or corn-based pet causes more problems. Some additives, including food coloring, can be aggravating, too.

Problems can be behavioral in nature. Dogs are required fruits themselves may be continuous or lick their body. This can also be a symptom of a deep sense of boredom. Dogs should be allowed to exercise daily and have a lot of attention to ensure that both are happy and healthy.

Most of these problems can be avoided. A method of prevention is to only use products appropriate dog a dog. A hypoallergenic diet ensure that animals receive a nutritious and healthy, without artificial ingredients or unnecessary. Dogs must live in a quiet, clean and quiet, to limit the stress level and to discourage the proliferation of parasites. A veterinarian can offer suggestions on how to prevent further infestation of parasites.

My dog"s have some kind of flea problem which makes them lose their coat and not gain weight please help?

their skin seems real hard and have tried flea bath but does not work

My dog’s have some kind of flea problem which makes them lose their coat and not gain weight please help?
Your dog could possibly have some type of worms, dogs or cats that ingest fleas/flea eggs can get some types of worms due to the fact that fleas are a host for the worms. And when the fleas make a dog or cat itch,if it is an area they can reach, they will “bite” at it. I would honestly recommend a trip to the vet so he/she can examine the dog. If your dog has not been wormed AND has flea problems,a product I suggest would be “Advantage Multi-Plus”. You get it at a vets/groomers office, I dont think you can buy it at pet supply stores or Wal Mart type stores. Either bring your dog in to be weighed or know its approx weight. Based on its weight, you will be given the appropriate dose, “Advantage Multi Plus” kills adult fleas,flea eggs, prevents heart worms,and kills the most common intestinal worms. You part the hair so you can see the skin on the dogs shoulder blades,and apply, If your dog is big, it is best to apply in more than one spot around the shoulder blades,if small I think one spot would be ok,but the package instructions talk about all this. After you administer this,and the fleas are gone,I would keep him on a flea prevention regimen. It is SO much easier to prevent fleas than treat them. Also,he should have a heartworm pill once a month to prevent that disease. We have two dogs of our own (Rottweiler and Beagle/Husky mix) and we foster rescue dogs and ALL of them are on a flea prevention and heartworm prevention regimen. Also, you might need to treat your home with a “fogger” type product for fleas. Flea eggs will fall off your pet into the carpets,furniture,etc and hatch there. They survive on microscopic debris (I know its gross,but its the truth) then when they get big enough,they get on your pet. If you use a flea killer in your home,read the directions becuase some of them you have to activate them,then leave the house for a period of time. Hope this has helped and GOOD LUCK. PS Before you put any product on your dog,give him a bath
Reply:why don’t you put them on the program, it is an excellant flea control program, it doesn’t kill the adult flea but it won’t let them reproduce, so it takes about 2-3 months to have an effect but that effect is awesome
Reply:make him eat pedegree
Reply:If your dog is not gaining weight, this could be some sort of worm infestation.

Fleas can also make your dog lose their appetite. Repeat the flea baths as often as directed on label, and comb the dead ones out after bathing. Flea combs will also help rid of the eggs that are already there. Bathing alone will not rid the flea problem however.

You MUST flea bomb your home, as directed on the product you choose. If it hasn’t already happened, the fleas could begin to bite you and your family members as well.
Reply:They most likely have a skin reaction/allergy to fleas. My cats are the same way. Put them on a topical preventive…..once a month. If the problem (sores, nasty spots, etc) is really bad the vet may give them a steroid injection to help with combatting the problem while you take care of the infestation…….you will also have to treat your house at least twice to kill fleas and then the newly hatched eggs 2 weeks later.
Reply:Its sounds like he is allergic to fleas (this is true, many animals are) take him to the vet he may also need worming
Reply:Sounds like they are allergic to something. Its really uncomfortable and can make them feel ill. If they really have fleas and the wash isnt working try a spot treatment for fleas from the vet. It could also be an allergy to something in their environment. The most common things to set off allergies are, grasses, bedding and blankets, carpet, insects and pests, food, fuzzy or sappy plants in the garden, grooming products and less likely the type of soil in your yard. Take your dog to the vet and have them tested for allergens. Its a bit expensive, but its worth it in the long run. Rather than spend months or possibly years trying to figure out whats causing it, go to the vet and find out. Then you can remove it and the dog will be happier and healthier, trust me, its not nice to be itchy and scratching and not able to do anything youself(ever had a body part in a cast and not able to scratch it).
Reply:You need to get them to the vet soon. There could be some other problem going on besides the fleas.

Second, I have black lab and a Yorkie, they are both on Advantage Flea. My lab had a pretty bad shedding and horrible dry skin issue last summer – I took her to the vet and there weren’t any allergies found – it just turned out that she has very sensitive skin. The vet advised me to put her on a regimen of Brewer’s Yeast and bathe her with an oatmeal based shampoo. I did both and maintained the regimens and she hasn’t had a problem since. And since my dogs have been on Advantage, I have not seen a flea or tick on them – and we live on a farm.

Hope this helps – best of luck!
Reply:its mange, get to vets NOW