Top 10 Common Skin Problems In Dogs
Skin disorders are the most common problems in dogs. A dog’s skin is a great indicator of its general health. The disorders vary from acute to chronic or long-lasting problems requiring life-long treatment.
Here are some common skin conditions of dogs:
- Allergic Dermatitis
Some grooming products, foods, and environmental factors like pollen or insect bites can cause allergic reactions. Dogs with allergies are often seen scratching their skin relentlessly and skin often shows ugly rashes. Corticosteroids are helpful but the most effective way is to identify allergens and to keep your dog away from them.
- Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is another common skin disease, you can see it when observing your dog. If your dog is scratching ears or licking their toes, approach your veterinarian to test for yeast infection. It usually occurs on paws and ears where yeast can grow. Topical creams are good for treatment.
- Folliculitis
This is an infection that causes bumps, sores, and scabs on skin. You can easily identify these rashes in shorthaired dogs, in longhaired dogs common symptoms are a dull coat and shedding with scaly skin underneath. It often occurs in conjunction with skin problems like mange, allergies, or injury. You can treat them with antibiotics and antibacterial ointments.
- Atopy
Atopy is a common skin disease in dogs, its a reaction to an environmental allergen. It usually happens when your dog spends time in areas with allergen factors like grasses, dust mites, and pollen. They often have seasonality to symptoms but can show signs throughout the year.
- Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial infection more common in puppies, it causes pus-filled blisters that may break and crust over, usually on the hairless portion of the abdomen. It’s not a serious condition and can be treated with a topical solution.
- Seborrhea
Seborrhea makes a dog’s skin look greasy and causes dandruff or scales. Its a genetic disease that occurs when your dog is young and lasts their lifetime. In some cases dogs develop scales from allergies or a hormonal imbalance. Treat the cause so that symptoms do not reoccur.
- Ringworm
Contrary to its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus not by worms. The term ‘ring’ is derived from the circular patches found on a dog’s head, paws, ears, and forelegs. Symptoms include inflammation, scaly patches, and hair loss. Puppies younger than one year are more prone to this disease, it is easily spread to people and other dogs.
- Fleas and Ticks
Fleas are responsible for many skin diseases in dogs. Some dogs develop allergies to fleas and others are sensitive to flea bites. The allergy is caused by the substance present in their saliva and can cause serious skin diseases. Symptoms include excess licking or scratching, scabs, and hot spots.
Ticks, like fleas, are external parasites that feed on the blood of dogs. You can spot them with your eyes. To remove them pick the tick straight out with tweezers close to your dog’s skin.
- Mange (Mites)
Mange is caused from tiny parasites called mites. Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, can be transmitted to people, but parasites can’t survive on humans. Symptoms include intense itching, sores, red skin patches, and hair loss. The most prone areas are ears, face, and legs. Demodectic mange causes bald spots, sores, and scabbing. Treatment can be obtained from your vet according to the type of mange.
- Skin Tumors
If you observe hard lumps on your dog’s skin call your vet right away as it can be a sign of skin tumors, the only way to confirm the tumor is to biopsy it. If the lump is small your vet may recommended removing it entirely.
