Friday, August 26, 2011

Causes And Treatments For Dog Skin Problems

By Jennifer Gretson


Dog skin problems can be caused by many different things. Your local veterinarian should be consulted to determine what the root problem is and find the best solution for your pet. Some of the reasons for skin issues can relate to the diet your dog is eating, the season, the area of the body where the problem is, the age of the pet and the breed. Once the cause is found it will be easier and faster to resolve the issue.

If it is Spring, the dog could have allergies to pollen just like their human counterpart. Some dog's have allergies to their dog food. If the location of the discomfort is localized, it could be an indicator of a fungus or a bacteria. If the dog is young the problem could be with it's breed.

A look at the coat will tell a lot, if the hair is dull this could mean a hormonal imbalance. Changes in the skin or the hair can indicate there is an abnormal growth, a tumor will show as a lump. Sometimes it could be that the dog is allergic to the bite of a flea and they will develop a very itchy rash.

If the tests are positive for a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. However, this usually is an indicator of another problem such as a hormone imbalance or an allergic reaction. Tests will show the type of infection and then treatment can be administered.

Depending on what the diagnosis is, the antibiotics will be prescribed for approximately 1 to 3 months. Allergy shots are administered if testing shows the pet has allergies. Just like people, dogs can be allergic to pollens in the air when Spring arrives. One of the side effects can be drowsiness, just like with humans.

Seborrhea is a condition that refers to the accumulation of keratin that blocks the sebaceous glands and causes the hair to become greasy and the skin to become dry. Certain breeds are prone to this disorder, but it could be due to allergies, parasites or hormonal problems. Treatment involves elimination of the underlying cause, natural remedies can boost the immune system and strengthen the coat and skin. The use of cleansing lotions can help.

Just as with people, fatty acids are an important supplement for healthy skin. Safflower oil, primrose oil and sunflower oil are all linoleic acids and can provide relief for itchiness. Another great oil to use is fish oil. If the problem is seasonal, glucocorticoid shots can be used to provide relief and last for a month or two. Homeopathic solutions also work well.

If a food allergy is suspected, the best approach is to try a hypoallergenic diet. This should be tested for 10 weeks to see if there is improvement. Some dog foods have hypoallergenic diets and could be a simple method to tell if this is the problem. This type of dog food usually contains only one simple protein, usually fish, and one simple carbohydrate, usually potatoes, and nothing artificial in the ingredients, coloring or flavors. This will determine if proteins are the problem.




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