Just like their human opposite numbers, our furry canine friends are susceptible to a large assortment of dog skin diseases that can manifest as a long list of symptoms. It can be tricky for most dog lovers to determine when to try at-home approaches and when to arrange for vet care for their puppy or adult dog.
The very first thing to consider is whether the skin condition is causing pain for your pet. Several skin illnesses cause some level of inflammation. If your dog is mildly itchy, or itching occasionally, you may be in a position to get by with home cures to help eliminate the irritation. Nevertheless if your dog is itching to the point of causing redness or baldness, or if he is so itchy it's getting in the way his standard activities "i.e, he stops in the middle of playing to sit and gnaw on himself " that is believed to be serious itchiness and he likely needs prescription medications that only your veterinarian can prescribe.
The second thing to contemplate is the age of your dog. If your dog is a puppy dog, then you need to see the veterinarian for any concerns. Puppies are ordinarily diagnosed as having conditions that are generally unusual in adult dogs. For instance, many puppies are either born with worms (roundworms) or acquire them right after birth (hookworms, whipworms). These puppies may not show any outward indications of worm infestation other than a dull, dry hair coat. A vet visit is often needed to microscopically identify the type of worm present and start the baby dog on a suitable dewormer.
Another disease that is often seen in young pups and not in adult dogs is demodecosis, which is a type of mange (mite infestation) that's acquired by the young dog straight after birth. It causes mild to severe baldness and secondary infections, and requires a veterinarian visit and skin scraping with minute research for diagnosis.
The 3rd thing to contemplate is whether or not your dog has any other symptoms with the skin condition. A skin condition can be due to either a first skin disease, or can just be an indication of a disease that can also be having an effect on other body systems. As an example, an endocrine disease like hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease) can cause severe baldness and thin/frail skin, but isn't a primary skin condition. It may also cause loss of muscle mass, excessive panting, a bloated stomach, and other symptoms. It is really important to be aware and if you detect a change in appetite, activity level, urination habits, or any other changes together with a skin condition, you must seek vet care. Your vet should be in a position to discuss with you potential problems and diagnostic tests required to rule out those sicknesses.
In the present day economy, sometimes it is prudent to try home treatments before seeking professional veterinary care, but there are some conditions that require speedy veterinary care. If your pet is uncomfortable due to red and inflamed skin or severe inflammation, if your dog is a young dog with skin disease, or if your dog has other symptoms in addition to the skin disease, do not delay and seek pet care now.
The very first thing to consider is whether the skin condition is causing pain for your pet. Several skin illnesses cause some level of inflammation. If your dog is mildly itchy, or itching occasionally, you may be in a position to get by with home cures to help eliminate the irritation. Nevertheless if your dog is itching to the point of causing redness or baldness, or if he is so itchy it's getting in the way his standard activities "i.e, he stops in the middle of playing to sit and gnaw on himself " that is believed to be serious itchiness and he likely needs prescription medications that only your veterinarian can prescribe.
The second thing to contemplate is the age of your dog. If your dog is a puppy dog, then you need to see the veterinarian for any concerns. Puppies are ordinarily diagnosed as having conditions that are generally unusual in adult dogs. For instance, many puppies are either born with worms (roundworms) or acquire them right after birth (hookworms, whipworms). These puppies may not show any outward indications of worm infestation other than a dull, dry hair coat. A vet visit is often needed to microscopically identify the type of worm present and start the baby dog on a suitable dewormer.
Another disease that is often seen in young pups and not in adult dogs is demodecosis, which is a type of mange (mite infestation) that's acquired by the young dog straight after birth. It causes mild to severe baldness and secondary infections, and requires a veterinarian visit and skin scraping with minute research for diagnosis.
The 3rd thing to contemplate is whether or not your dog has any other symptoms with the skin condition. A skin condition can be due to either a first skin disease, or can just be an indication of a disease that can also be having an effect on other body systems. As an example, an endocrine disease like hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease) can cause severe baldness and thin/frail skin, but isn't a primary skin condition. It may also cause loss of muscle mass, excessive panting, a bloated stomach, and other symptoms. It is really important to be aware and if you detect a change in appetite, activity level, urination habits, or any other changes together with a skin condition, you must seek vet care. Your vet should be in a position to discuss with you potential problems and diagnostic tests required to rule out those sicknesses.
In the present day economy, sometimes it is prudent to try home treatments before seeking professional veterinary care, but there are some conditions that require speedy veterinary care. If your pet is uncomfortable due to red and inflamed skin or severe inflammation, if your dog is a young dog with skin disease, or if your dog has other symptoms in addition to the skin disease, do not delay and seek pet care now.
About the Author:
The author, Cathy Doggins, is a well known contributor, researcher and editor to leading online publications such as the Dog Health Guide. Cathy has written many times over the years on canine skin problems and other canine health problems. When not caring for her dogs, Cathy is a supporter of small animal adoption foundations and the humane treatment of all of our animal friends.
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