Guide To Common Dog Skin Conditions
Dog skin conditions can cause extreme discomfort for your pet. Because of this, it's important to pay close attention to any dog skin problems your pet may be suffering from. This article will go over some of the most common skin conditions in dogs, including allergies, folliculities, hotspots, yeast infections and more. Then, we'll explain how to help prevent and treat them safely and effectively.
Signs & Symptoms Of Dog Skin Problems
Does your dog obsessively lick or scratch? This is the most common sign that they are suffering from dog skin conditions. And as crazy as it makes you, just imagine how miserable your pet is. In addition to the tell-tale itching, other symptoms of skin conditions in dogs are:
- Dry skin or dandruff
- Rashes
- Bumps and lumps
- Red irritated skin
- Bald patches
- Sores
- Shaking or rubbing the ears or head
Most of these aren't serious, but severe complications can occur if left unaddressed.
What Causes Skin Conditions in Dogs?
Canine skin conditions are some of the most common difficulties dogs face. Many factors contribute to skin problems in dogs from many sources, including allergies, bacterial infections, fungi and parasites. However, certain breeds are more susceptible, especially those with folded ears and wrinkled skin.
Most Common Dog Skin Conditions
There are many types of canine skin conditions. Here are some of the most common skin conditions in dogs:
- Contact allergies
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Parasite allergies
The symptoms often overlap, so diagnosis can be challenging. This list delves deeper into the most common skin conditions in dogs.
Allergies
The three main types of allergies in dogs include the following:
- Environmental - Substances such as dust, pollen, and mold can cause problems for your pet. If you only notice symptoms at certain times of the year, seasonal atopic dermatitis may be the cause.
- Food - Sensitivity to certain ingredients in food can result in dog skin conditions and gastrointestinal issues.
- Skin - Also known as allergic dermatitis, skin allergies are the most common type of allergies in dogs.
Lifestyle changes and avoiding allergens are the best ways to prevent allergic skin conditions in dogs.
Yeast Infections
An overgrowth of yeast can result in thickened or discolored skin in warm or moist areas, such as in the ears or groin, on the belly, or between the toes. In addition, a very unpleasant odor is often a tell-tale sign of a dog skin yeast infection.
Hot Spots
The technical term for hot spots is acute moist dermatitis. These spots start out as red spots on dog skin but can grow quickly. These painful and smelly sores are patches of infected skin. Hot spots are normally raw and can bleed if left untreated.
Fleas
Dogs with fleas seem like an inevitable combination, but by consistently applying flea preventative to your pet , you can prevent these pesky bugs from taking up residence on your pet and in your home. Also, vacuum and wash your pet's bedding regularly to get rid of any fleas that may have hitched a ride inside.
Ticks
Ticks are one of the larger parasites that affect dogs. Unlike fleas and mites, they usually are visible and may be able to be removed at home. However, it's important not to twist the tick when removing it or leave part of it embedded in the skin. Dogs with ticks are at risk for Lyme disease, a serious illness that can result in death. If you notice ticks on your dog, it's best to consult with your vet for further testing.
Mange
Mange is an extremely itchy canine skin condition that is caused by two kinds of mites:
- Demodex mites cause demodectic mange, which generally only affects young dogs under one year old and older dogs with other health issues.
- Sarcoptes mites cause sarcoptic mange. Also known as canine scabies, it is the most common type because it affects dogs of all ages. This skin problem in dogs normally starts on the ears. It's intensely itchy and can have other symptoms such as hair loss and redness on the face and legs.
Dandruff
When they have flaky, dry skin, dogs can get dandruff all over their bodies. The white flakes are a sure sign that they have dry skin.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection and gets its name from the red, circular patches it creates on the skin. Not only can the rings become irritated, but scaly skin and bald spots can also occur. Dogs with ringworm are highly contagious and can pass this fungal infection to other dogs as well as humans.
Impetigo
Impetigo is also known as puppy pyoderma because it usually only affects puppies between three and six months old. Typically found in animals that have been subjected to unsanitary conditions, it's a staph infection on the skin that looks like pimples or crusty, circular lesions. It's generally found on the stomach and chin and can include hair loss.
Skin conditions in dogs that can't be treated may be a sign of an underlying health issue; therefore, you should always discuss any ongoing dog skin conditions with your vet to rule out serious disease and explore alternate treatments.
How To Manage Dog Skin Problems At Home
With so many different skin conditions in dogs, it can be challenging to diagnose and treat them. However, Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a highly effective home remedy for a wide variety of dog skin conditions. HOCI is the active ingredient in Clireon wound care products, which offer a gentle, non-toxic, non-irritating antibacterial therapy that is also steroid- and antibiotic-free. Because canine skin conditions often result in bite and chewing, a benefit of Clireon is that it can safely be ingested without any concerns.
Choose Clireon To Help Manage Dog Skin Problems Naturally
Clireon Wound and Skin Care is a multi-purpose way to irrigate, cleanse, and moisturize wounds, cuts, and skin conditions in dogs. For fast, gentle, and effective management of associated symptoms without the risks of antibiotics and steroids, shop Clireon for all your pet's skin disorders.