Skin problems in dogs

Skin problems in dogs are common and can manifest in various ways. Just as humans, dogs can experience discomfort, pain, and irritation due to these issues. Knowing the signs of skin problems in your furry friend is essential for their well-being.

Common dog skin problems and their signs

Various skin problems in dogs can be attributed to allergies, parasites, and other underlying health issues. It's important to understand these issues for proper dog skin disease treatment.

• Skin sores or lesions: These could be caused by allergies or injuries. They are open wounds on the skin that need to be cleaned and cared for to prevent infections.
• Dry or flaky skin: Often a sign of allergies or lack of humidity. Good grooming practices and the right diet are essential.
• Rashes and redness: These are indicative of allergic reactions or irritation. Rashes might be itchy and uncomfortable for your pet.
• Lumps and bumps: These can range from harmless fatty deposits to tumors. Any new lump should be checked by a veterinarian.
• Dandruff: Similar to humans, dandruff in dogs is usually due to dry skin, though sometimes it's caused by parasites or infections.
• Excessive itching, licking, and scratching: Often a sign of allergies or parasitic infections.
• Hair loss or bald patches: This could indicate a range of underlying conditions, including hormonal imbalances or parasitic infections.
• Hot spots or acute moist dermatitis: These are crusty dog skin conditions characterized by red, moist, irritated patches that can spread quickly if not treated.

Types of skin diseases in dogs and how they are treated

Here are some of the most common types of skin diseases in dogs that you should be aware of:

• Environmental allergies: This skin infection is known as atopy wherein the dog’s skin feels irritated and itchy. Grass, dust mites and pollen are the common causes of environmental allergies. Severe allergies need shampoos, tablets, and injections to treat the dog’s skin. New drugs have also been introduced over the years to cure environmental allergies.
• Food allergies: If the dog keeps scratching its face, feet, ears, and anus, then it might be an indication that the dog has developed a food allergy. Food allergies in dogs are a result of the kind of food it consumes. Some dogs might be allergic to the protein found in beef, eggs, chicken, dairy, wheat or even vegetables. The vet generally asks to eliminate certain foods for over the course of 8-12 weeks to determine the cause of the allergy and prescribes the appropriate treatment plan. Read more about common types of allergies in dogs along with their symptoms and treatment so that you can identify, manage, and provide appropriate care to your furbaby.
• Folliculitis: Folliculitis is a condition in which the dog’s hair follicles become inflamed and it occurs when the dog is already experiencing a type of skin infection. It is recognised as sores, bumps and scabs on the dog’s coat. The vet may prescribe suitable shampoos, oral antibiotics, and antibacterial ointments to treat the infection.
• Impetigo: Puppies are easy prey for this skin infection. Impetigo is identified as blisters on the pup’s belly that can burst and scab. Antibiotics are prescribed by the vet to treat Impetigo.
• Ringworm: This is one of the most serious types of skin infection and can easily spread to other animals and humans. Ringworm infection is identified as crusty, circular patches observed on the dog’s head, paws, ears and front legs. You must see the vet as soon as possible, who may prescribe a topical treatment to fight the fungus.
• Yeast infections: This infection occurs in the warm parts of the dog’s body like the ear canal, between the dog’s toe, groin, and perineum. This infection thickens the infected skin, making the dog want to keep biting and scratching the area. The vet may write down topical creams, body washes, and tablets to treat yeast infections.
• Ticks and fleas: Fleas and ticks in dogs are a nuisance to them as they stick to their skin and suck their blood. In the process, the fleas’ saliva penetrates the dog’s skin, causing irritation and itching. The infection is identified when the dog’s skin becomes red and inflamed. Fleas and ticks often take residence in the dog’s bedding. Therefore, it is extremely important to regularly wash and keep the bedding clean.
• Mange: Mange is caused by the different species of mites that live on the dog’s skin. This can only be identified by the vet who looks at the infected part of the skin under the microscope. The vet may prescribe tablets and dedicated shampoos to fight the infection.
• Dandruff: Dandruff is not just a cause of concern to humans but dogs as well. Dandruff and dry skin are a sign of hidden skin disease. Normally, shampoos are prescribed by the vet to clean the dandruff, but they might also check for any underlying infection.
• Lupus: This is an autoimmune disease which means that the dog’s immune system attacks its cells. Open and crusty skin sores are the symptoms of lupus and such texture of the skin is found in nose, eyes and paws. Lupus can get serious if left untreated. So, make sure you speak to your vet and find out if your dog has any serious skin condition.

Importance of preventing and treating dog skin diseases

It is often said that 'prevention is better than cure,' and this stands very true for the health of our pets as well. Addressing the significance of prevention, let's discuss why it’s crucial to avert dog skin problems before they escalate into major concerns.

• Preserve skin barrier function: The skin is a vital barrier that protects the internal organs from infections and external elements.
• Prevent secondary infections: By managing the primary dog skin problems, it's possible to prevent secondary infections that may arise.
• Minimize discomfort and pain: Many skin problems in dogs cause discomfort or pain; preventing these can improve the quality of life for your dog.
• Reduce veterinary costs: Prevention is often more cost-effective than treatment. Regular care can reduce the likelihood of severe dog skin diseases that require expensive treatments.

Curable and incurable dog skin diseases

Skin diseases in dogs are classified into 2 categories namely - curable and incurable. Tests are conducted to rule out which category does your dog’s disease falls in. Take a look at the table below to know more details:

Home remedies for basic dog skin disease treatment

Here are some of the home remedies and skin disease treatments for dogs that you can try:

• Baths with oatmeal: Take some oatmeal and blend it into a fine powder in a blender. Add that powder to the warm water you are going to use to bathe your dog. Make sure the water is not too hot but feels comfortable to your dog. Also, it is advisable to use un-sugared oatmeal for this purpose.
• Medicated shampoos: These shampoos are made specially to cure skin diseases in dogs. They have drying agents or antiseptics that help in cleaning, drying and reducing itching around the wound.
• Fat-free yoghurt: Fat-free yoghurt helps in building your dog’s immunity against skin infections. This also helps in soothing the skin affected by yeast infection. A teaspoon or two every day is enough to provide the necessary relief. You may also try probiotic-fortified foods if your dog does not like yoghurt.
• Vitamin E oil: This filled with goodness oil helps in skin repair which is needed most during skin infections. It helps heal the skin faster and soothes the skin with its moisturizing nature.
• Antihistamine: This is a drug that helps with excessive itching. Its side effect is that it is a sedative that makes your dog fall asleep.

When to consult a veterinarian for a dog's skin problems

It's important to consult a veterinarian if you observe persistent itching, unusual lumps, redness, or sores, or if the general condition of your dog's skin appears to be deteriorating. Early intervention is crucial for the effective management and treatment of dog skin disease.

Being informed about the various skin problems in dogs and types of skin diseases in dogs can greatly aid in timely diagnosis and treatment. Engage in preventive measures, and don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for any skin conditions to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.