Thursday, December 29, 2011

Knowing the Different Types of Dog Skin Problems

By Jennifer Gretson


There are different types of dog skin problems that you would likely encounter. As a pet owner, you need to make sure that you are readily aware of what they are so that you would know how to treat them. It is also important to be aware of what their symptoms are like.

Among the usual problems that dogs encounter are allergies. There are also many different causes of allergies. Among the most common is canine atopy wherein a small seemingly invisible trigger gets mixed with the air your dogs breathe thus erupting the allergies. The usually affected areas are the eyes, ears, the muzzle, and the feet.

The autoimmune system may also be the main cause of allergies. In this case, the vet often prescribed immunotherapy whereby shots are administered to help boost the dog's immune system. This is being done on a regular basis.

The weather may also trigger some dog skin problems, especially during extreme weather conditions during the summer time. Among the most common dog skin problems during this season is having hot spots. Through the use of corticosteroids, they can be relieved. However, you shouldn't self-medicate your dog and consult a vet about these meds first.

Excessive licking can also be a problem. Sometimes, there may be an even major reason why the dog exhibits this. This is known as lick granuloma and when this happens, some parts of the dog's skin would appear to be in patches and would end up being more prone to infection.

Aside from these documented cases of dog skin problems, there are also certain illnesses which may be caused by infectious viruses. When this happens, you need to bring them soonest to the vet so that you would easily counter the effects of the illness. Among the usual are canine scabies.

Another contagious type are dog fleas. It can spread to other pets and even to humans if the fleas are left untreated. As for the afflicted dog, it is actually the fleas' saliva that causes the irritation that often leads to skin inflammation.

Dog skin problems can be soothed temporarily but permanent relief may only be prescribed by a vet. So if you suspect your dog to have a case of any of the illnesses mentioned, you need to be wary and bring them to the vet the soonest time possible.




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