Skin problems may leave your dog itching for hours. A dog’s skin is very sensitive and maybe easily influenced by environmental factors. Any disregard towards dog skincare may quickly manifest into a skin problem which would take no less than weeks of suffering to go away. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of canine skin problems and how to save your dog from having one.
Dog Skin Problems: From Allergies to Infections
There are many major categories of skin problems in dogs. Most of them can be easily recognized with the tell-tale signs like itching, scratching, redness, sores, bumps hair loss, licking, etc.
Allergies:
Dog allergies may occur due to food, chemicals, flea bites, etc. Allergic dogs must eliminate the allergen from their diet or lifestyle.
Dry/oily skin:
While dry skin causes conditions like pruritis (itchy skin), oily skin invites a number of microbes that cause infections in dogs.
Bacterial infections:
Bacterial skin infections can be tough on the sensitive dog skin. Pyoderma, folliculitis, etc are the common bacterial skin infections in dogs.
Fungal infection:
Dogs may get fungal skin infection like ringworm, yeast infection, etc from the environment, infected animals, or poor hygiene.
Dandruff:
Dog dandruff is easily visible as flakes of dead skin cells on their skin or hair. It may also occur due to seborrhea, dry skin, hormonal issues, food allergies, etc.
Fleas, Ticks & Mites:
Dog parasites cause severe skin irritations, mange, and more. Always keep your dog on
to be on a safer side.
Managing Skin Problems in Dogs
You must pay special attention to your dog’s skin. If you suspect any changes on your dog’s skin, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will acquire as much information as possible, perform any necessary tests, and conduct additional examinations in order to determine the exact cause of the disorder. He may prescribe treatments, diets, and dog skin care products based on the diagnosis.