Category Archives: Skin Problems
5 Skin Allergies in Dogs You Probably Don’t Know
One of the most commonly encountered problems with a dog’s health is skin allergy. There are many possible causes, but skin allergies in dogs are basically triggered by the inability of the pet’s skin to fight against foreign substances such as insects, spores, worms, etc. However, food allergy is as well a possibility.
1. Food Allergies
Food allergy triggers multiple symptoms including skin irritation and hair loss. It also attacks digestive system and causes diarrhea. In this case, skin allergies are merely symptoms, so it is possibly necessary to consult a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis. The allergens can be regular foods including corn, beef, soy, and chicken. Feeding the dogs with more friendly foods as recommended by a veterinarian should relieve the symptoms. Skin allergies can also occur if you keep feeding the dogs with the same types of food continuously for a month.
2. Bacteria Allergies
Staphylococcus is a type of bacteria that causes skin itching in dogs. Some dogs are resistant to these bacteria, but other dogs may develop severe itching. Common symptoms include hair loss, red blotches, and patches of ringworm. Dogs with weak immune system are always more vulnerable.
Bacteria allergies are often associated with other problems such as hormonal disorders and parasitism. The only way to figure out the actual underlying condition is to perform blood test.
3. Atopy Allergies
Atopy allergies are associated with many symptoms such as itching hair loss, biting, red bumps, face rubbing, pustules, and more. The allergies are typically caused by flea, but common products and chemical airborne can also trigger the same problems. Since there are multiple symptoms, a veterinarian has to rule out the possibilities of other types of skin allergies in dogs caused by foods.
4. Contact Allergies
Direct contact with any allergen causes contact allergies. The allergens can be anything including chemicals, mites, spores, cleaning products, and even certain plants. The symptoms are very similar to those of bacteria allergies and they mainly develop on areas where dog’s hair is not very dense. Signs of contact allergies typically appear in 24 to 48 hours after the dog is exposed to allergens. There are several effective treatments for contact allergies such as oral medication and using certain shampoos.
5. Flea Allergies
One of the most common causes of skin allergies in dogs is flea. The animal suck blood from the dog’s body, but the saliva is the primary cause of the allergies. You can treat these problems by bathing the dog with cool water. There are also some shampoos formulated specifically to get rid of such allergies. Antibiotics are probably necessary in severe cases. Flea allergies can attack any dog aged from 3 to 5 years old.
7 Other Dog Skin Problems You Should Aware
You probably see your dog keeps on scratching its skin almost all the times. It is indeed a bad habit, but you cannot simply force your pet to stop it without inspecting the underlying problem. You need to know that dog skin problems are very common, and they are related to various possible causes as follows.
1. Dry Skin
Dry skin is a common problem suffered by animals especially when they are exposed to cold temperature such as during winter. It can be as well a sign of other skin diseases including mange and allergies. In some cases, dry skin can lead to other worse problems if left untreated. Therefore, it is recommended that you take your dog to a veterinarian if dry skin causes uncomfortable situations for the pet.
2. Allergic Dermatitis
Allergies may also trigger numerous dog skin problems. Almost everything around the dog can act as allergens including good, insect bites, detergents, shampoo, and even grooming products. In a dog, allergic reactions can cause itchy skin which will force it to scratch relentlessly. Without proper treatment, relentless scratching will create rashes and possibly trigger wounds or infections. It is best to consult veterinarian to figure out the responsible allergens, so you can keep your dog away from them.
3. Seborrhea
Seborrhea is a genetic disease in most cases. This begins while the dog is still young, and it will last for lifetime. The symptoms are greasy skin and dandruff. The disease often causes other health problems including hormonal abnormalities and allergies. There is almost nothing you can do to get rid of seborrhea, but you can help your dog to stop the symptoms from recurring by treating the underlying problem.
4. Ringworm
Ringworm creates circular shapes in the dog’s skin. They can appear anywhere, but most commonly on paws, forelegs, head, and ears. It is not caused by a worm, but by a fungus. Young dogs aged less than one year old are very prone to ringworm. The circular shapes also usually cause hair loss problem. Ringworm is a contagious disease that can spread not only to other dogs, but also to pet owners.
5. Fleas
Fleas are tiny insects that can live almost in all places including dog’s skin and coat. Your dog will try to get rid of them by continuously licking or scratching its skin. In severe condition, fleas can cause anemia or blood loss. Fleas can be treated by applying topical or oral medications, but it is best to prevent their existence by regularly bathing your pet and cleaning the environment.
6. Mange
Almost similar to fleas, mange is caused by tiny creatures called mites. They can spread quickly among dogs and humans, but they cannot thrive on humans. There are two types of mites including Sarcoptic mange and Demodectic mange. Sarcoptic causes red skin and sores, while Demodectic causes bald spots. Every different type of mange requires different treatments, so you need to consult veterinarian concerning this issue.
7. Yeast Infection
Among all existing dog skin problems, yeast infection is the easiest to diagnose and treat. The infection usually appears in ears or paws where the yeast has a comfortable place to grow. The most common symptoms include discolored skin, irritation, and itchy skin. Yeast infection can be treated by using topical cream, medicated baths, or oral drugs.
Conclusion
There are many things that possibly cause dog skin problems. Some diseases are contagious, while others can be easily treated by using topical or oral medications only. Nonetheless, it is always wise that you consult a veterinarian before applying any treatment to get the best results and prevent the problems from recurring.