Skin problems are one of the major reasons for which dog owners take their furry pals to veterinarians. Itchiness can result in skin problems that can cause a lot of discomfort to the dogs. Sometimes, skin problems may even be a sign of an underlying medical problem with the furry pal.
Let us now look at the primary reasons for skin problems in dogs:
Fleas
Dogs are sensitive to fleas which can cause allergies leading to serious skin disease. Remember, flea allergies can be very fatal. The other important thing is that even if there are no fleas on the fur of your pet you need to be very careful about these pesky parasites. Dogs that are allergic to flea saliva become very itchy after getting bitten. Hence, it is recommended to use
Flea Preventive Treatments under the supervision of the veterinarian that will aid in preventing itchiness connected with flea allergy dermatitis. Along with the dog, you also need to treat the surrounding environment. Remember, 90% of flea population resides on the body of the dog hence, it is extremely critical to treat those areas where the pet spends most of its time including pet bedding. If your pet is welcome indoors, ensure that you vacuum the house.
Mange
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Mange is caused by different species of mites. Mite infections are non-seasonal which can happen year round. There are certain species of mites that can be seen in the skin and hair follicles of the dog. Mite infection can be observed by looking at the skin lesions that occur anywhere on the dog's body. Demodectic mange results in hair loss, sores, and bald spots. It may even cause intense itch coupled with reddened skin, sores and hair loss.
Ringworm
Ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection. It can spread from one animal to another and even to human beings. Hence, it is extremely important to take the advice of your veterinarian if you suspect ringworm infection in your pet. Ringworm lesions can be seen in the form of crusty, circular bald patches. The
Treatment of Ringworm Infection can be done with the help of a medicated shampoo or oral treatment which is contingent on the severity of an infection.
Food Allergies
Dogs get allergic to the food that they eat. Food allergies are commonly related to protein. Some of the ingredients are the major culprit encompass dairy, beef, chicken and egg. Dogs that are suffering from food allergies normally have itchy skin on the ears, face, feet and around the anus. There are certain dogs that also show gastrointestinal signs of food allergies like vomiting and increased bowel movements. If your dog is diagnosed with food allergy, he will be exclusively fed a diet that is not allergic for a period of 8-12 weeks. This diet is selected by the veterinarians and can contain proteins that the dog is not allergic to or a commercially hydrolyzed diet. If your dog is taking part in the food elimination trial it is important not to feed him any treats or human food as it can have adverse effects on the results.
Bacterial Skin Infections
Bacterial skin infections are often connected to a complication that comes up when the dog is suffering from another allergy caused by fleas, their environment or food. It can happen when the doggy stretches and breaks open the skin enabling bacteria to infect an open wound. Take the pet to the veterinarian to determine the type of infection and treatment of the infection.
Dandruff
Dogs also suffer from dandruff just like human beings. Dandruff in dogs can be mainly attributed to dry skin or skin irritation. Remember, the quality of food that is fed to the dogs can also have an impact on their skin and coat. The skin and coat of the dog are constantly being shed and replaced. The reason for that is the skin needs a high amount of proteins. Hence, feeding the dog a diet comprising of high-quality sources of protein is critical for healthy skin and coat. The diet should also comprise of
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids, vitamins and minerals that aid in supporting healthy skin and coat of the dog.
If you observe skin problems in your dog, immediately take him to the veterinarian. So, is your doggy suffering from skin problems due to the reasons mentioned in this write-up?
