Dogs that repeatedly rub against furniture or continually lick and chew their coat may be suffering from a skin disorder. There are several types of dog skin problems that have some symptoms in common. Bald spots, swelling or scaly areas may indicate a disease. Other symptoms are lesions, rashes, redness, scabs or drainage. Any one, or a combination of these, should be checked by a veterinarian.
Infections from bacteria can take hold anywhere but often will locate on a canine's chin. The indicators of bacterial infections are red or ulcerated skin, yellow pustules, or crusty patches. Treatment is usually with antiseptics and antibiotics. Often this type of infection is secondary to a hormone imbalance, allergy, or parasites.
Hair loss and circular patches with crusted centers can result from a fungal infection. It is commonly called ringworm and is contagious to humans but highly treatable. The infected areas are found most often on a dog's head and legs but the ringworm may spread. A vet will use an ultraviolet light or obtain a culture for diagnosis. Fungicidal products (shampoos, rinses) are used to treat ringworm and vets may use other topical or systemic medications.
An infestation of fleas can cause mange. The fleas primarily attack a dog's ears, front legs, abdomen and chest. Symptoms are hair loss and an intense itch, or there may be minor itching with red, scaly dermis and round areas of hair loss. Another parasite, mites, cause dogs to obsessively scratch their ears. Mites are not easy to detect but often leave discharge or dried blood in the ear. Medicated shampoos, dips, and if necessary antibiotics, solve this problem.
As with humans, dogs can develop allergies at any age. Flea saliva is the most common allergen in dogs and provokes intense itching. Dogs may also be allergic to molds, pollens, and house dust, resulting in some type of dermatitis. The allergies often show up as "hot spots." These are areas that a dog constantly scratches and licks. Hot spots can look normal or may appear red and moist. Treatments include flea control, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immuno-therapy. A change in diet may help.
A dog's adrenal, thyroid, reproductive or pituitary glands may secrete too much or too little hormone. If so, the dermis may become thicker or thinner than before, may change color, or the dog may lose hair from both sides of its body. Vets will treat the affected gland. Neutering can cure reproductive hormone imbalances.
It is recommended that a dog's grooming products be those specifically made for canines. The winter season can trigger flaky, rough or dry patches on dogs and dog owners alike. Dermis trouble can also erupt when dogs do not get enough mental stimulation or physical activity. The symptom is usually obsessive licking on the legs.
Fortunately, most dog skin problems readily show themselves and are highly treatable. There are also precautions that can be taken. Effective flea control is the most obvious one. Dogs also need regular brushing to avoid hair matting, may benefit from hypoallergenic shampoos, and appreciate it when their owners vacuum and keep the house clean.
Infections from bacteria can take hold anywhere but often will locate on a canine's chin. The indicators of bacterial infections are red or ulcerated skin, yellow pustules, or crusty patches. Treatment is usually with antiseptics and antibiotics. Often this type of infection is secondary to a hormone imbalance, allergy, or parasites.
Hair loss and circular patches with crusted centers can result from a fungal infection. It is commonly called ringworm and is contagious to humans but highly treatable. The infected areas are found most often on a dog's head and legs but the ringworm may spread. A vet will use an ultraviolet light or obtain a culture for diagnosis. Fungicidal products (shampoos, rinses) are used to treat ringworm and vets may use other topical or systemic medications.
An infestation of fleas can cause mange. The fleas primarily attack a dog's ears, front legs, abdomen and chest. Symptoms are hair loss and an intense itch, or there may be minor itching with red, scaly dermis and round areas of hair loss. Another parasite, mites, cause dogs to obsessively scratch their ears. Mites are not easy to detect but often leave discharge or dried blood in the ear. Medicated shampoos, dips, and if necessary antibiotics, solve this problem.
As with humans, dogs can develop allergies at any age. Flea saliva is the most common allergen in dogs and provokes intense itching. Dogs may also be allergic to molds, pollens, and house dust, resulting in some type of dermatitis. The allergies often show up as "hot spots." These are areas that a dog constantly scratches and licks. Hot spots can look normal or may appear red and moist. Treatments include flea control, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immuno-therapy. A change in diet may help.
A dog's adrenal, thyroid, reproductive or pituitary glands may secrete too much or too little hormone. If so, the dermis may become thicker or thinner than before, may change color, or the dog may lose hair from both sides of its body. Vets will treat the affected gland. Neutering can cure reproductive hormone imbalances.
It is recommended that a dog's grooming products be those specifically made for canines. The winter season can trigger flaky, rough or dry patches on dogs and dog owners alike. Dermis trouble can also erupt when dogs do not get enough mental stimulation or physical activity. The symptom is usually obsessive licking on the legs.
Fortunately, most dog skin problems readily show themselves and are highly treatable. There are also precautions that can be taken. Effective flea control is the most obvious one. Dogs also need regular brushing to avoid hair matting, may benefit from hypoallergenic shampoos, and appreciate it when their owners vacuum and keep the house clean.
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