If you find your dog over-scratching, itching, or licking its paws multiple times, it could be a sign of an underlying skin problem. There are also many possible reasons your pet could be over-scratching its skin. As a responsible pet owner, you should pay attention to your dog's health and visit a veterinarian to rule out any serious conditions.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about dog skin problems to help you know how to take proper care of your furry friend.
5 Common Dog Skin Issues
Let's look at some of the most common dog skin problems that you should look out for as a pet owner.
1. Dry skin
Dry skin is one of the most common skin problems in dogs. This condition makes your pet itch and scratch its skin, which can lead to severe skin infections like irritation, flaky skin, and hair loss. In most cases, this condition is caused by weather changes.
For example, in the colder months, chilly weather leads to dry air, which could cause skin reactions in dogs. Additionally, your pet could have dry skin due to over-frolicking in the water. Once you notice your pet's dry skin and irritation, consult with your veterinarian for professional advice.
2. Yeast Infection
Do you notice a weird smell from your dog, or are they over-licking and chewing their paws? That could be a sign of a yeast infection, another common dog skin problem that causes irritability in your pet.
This kind of infection usually affects between the toes or around the ears, as these areas provide a warm and damp environment for the yeast to grow. Consequently, yeast infection is easy to diagnose, and your veterinarian could prescribe oral drugs or medicated baths to help fight it.
3. Folliculitis
The folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, lumps, and scabs on your dog's skin. Fortunately, if your dog has short hair, it can be easy to see; if it has long hair, you will notice its coat looking dull. Besides that, you will also notice your dog having scaly skin underneath its fur.
This kind of skin condition occurs in conjunction with other skin problems like mange, allergies, and more. Your veterinarian may prescribe some antibiotics and antibacterial for treating this medical condition and prevent dog itching.
4. Ringworm
Ringworms are another skin problem found in dogs. They can be found anywhere on your pet's body, like on the paws, head, around the ears, or legs. This condition causes skin dryness and bald spots around the lesions. It is also important to note that this kind of skin condition is contagious among dogs and is most common in puppies under one year old.
For treatment, your veterinarian may prescribe some cream or ointments or use medicated shampoos to bathe your pet. However, in severe cases, your pet may be treated with newer drugs like itraconazole.
5. Ticks
Lastly, we have the ticks which are external parasites that feed on the blood of the host. Ticks cause an allergic reaction on dogs skin, making them scratch and itch the skin. However, as these parasites are larger, they are much easier to spot. To properly handle tick infestation, use tweezers to grasp and remove the ticks from your dog's skin. Make sure you are doing it gently, as it could easily attach to your dog's skin, causing severe infection.
Place the removed ticks in a bucket with alcohol for them to die. You can leave them soaked in the bucket for several days until you are sure they are dead and power them away to prevent them from coming back to your pet. As these parasites feed on your dog's blood, they can cause severe conditions like anemia and blood loss.
How To Prevent Dog Skin Problems
Here are some ways to prevent skin problems in your pet.
Proper Nutrition:
Nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring your dog's skin stays healthy. Endeavor to feed your pet foods rich in animal proteins and low on carbohydrates. This is always your pet to receive the nutrients necessary for building a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Regular Grooming:
Grooming your pet regularly allows you to closely monitor its skin condition. Take the time to check for any abnormalities or signs of skin irritation or changes. For example, if you notice any redness or rashes, it could be a sign of a skin problem that needs you to react accordingly.
Hygiene Practices:
Always bathe your dog thoroughly whenever it is exposed to water or mud. This helps prevent any parasites or infections that it may have been exposed to. Additionally, properly dry your dog's skin to remove dampness, as it could risk exposure to infections that could lead to severe puppy skin conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dog owners should pay keen attention to their pets as dog skin problems are very common. From yeast infection, ticks, dry skin, folliculitis, yeast infection, and more, all these kinds of skin problems will affect your dogs at least once in their lifetime. However, with proper hygiene and other preventative measures, you can help fight all these skin conditions and help your dog live a happier and healthier life.
Although some skin problems can easily be treated by pet owners with home remedies, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for expert advice.