There are many skin diseases
that affect dogs, and these can cause many problems for the dog's hair and
coat. This article provides a list of some skin diseases in dogs.
Dogs are man's best friend, and are also
affected by many illnesses like man. Dogs can develop many allergies and
infections that lead to skin diseases. Skin disorders in dogs are amongst the
most common conditions that a vet treats. Dogs can be infected with many
parasites like fleas, mites, fungus, etc., that lead to skin disorders. Many
times, dogs keep
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| Dog Acne |
scratching an irritated skin area, that leads to the
development of secondary bacterial infections.
Parasitic Skin Disorder
The most common causes of skin diseases are parasites. Fleas are often the
main cause. The other parasites that lead to skin conditions are mites that
causes 'mange'. Lice, ticks, etc. are other parasites that may cause these
conditions. The dog becomes irritated with these parasites living in its coat and
keeps scratching. This leads to many skin disorders.
Symptoms
In case of ear mites, the dog will experience severe irritation in its
ears. You will observe that the dog keeps scratching the back of the ears. Many
times, ticks, lice, and fleas feed on the dog's blood and cause itching. This
also leads to severe scratching and the dog may suddenly become agitated for no
apparent reason.
In case of sarcoptic mange, you will observe itching, hair loss, and crusting
on the skin. The ears, front legs, chest, and abdomen of the dog become
severely affected due to sarcoptic mange. In case of demodectic mange, the dog
experiences itching and the skin becomes red and scaly. There are round patches
on the skin due to hair loss, that look like 'ringworm'. Most of the time, the
front legs are affected by the disease and in many cases, it is a generalized
infection.
Treatment
The vet may advise cleaning the dog's ears thoroughly after sedating it.
There will be a couple of follow-up treatments in which the doctor may apply
ointments and solutions to kill the mites. He may also prescribe insecticidal
dips, sprays, powders, etc. for home treatment. He may also prescribe shampoos,
dog flea collars, foams, and floggers to get rid of lice, ticks and fleas.
Treatment for mange includes
clipping the hair of the infected area and giving it an antiseptic wash. The
vet may advise the use of anti-mite dips twice or thrice a week. You need to
plug the dog's ears and protect the eyes with mineral oil before applying the
dip. In case of infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Allergic Skin Disorders
Dogs can develop severe allergic reactions due to hypersensitivity to
allergens. The most common cause of skin diseases due to allergy is flea
saliva. Even a
single flea bite can lead to a severe allergic reaction. Other causes include house dust, mold, and pollen.
Sometimes, dogs develop 'contact allergy' due to chemicals in soaps, waxes,
carpets, and flea collars. Insect bites and stings may also lead to skin
disorders in dogs.
Symptoms
You may observe itching or red and moist spots on the dog's skin. These
spots are known as 'hot spots'. The dog will continuously lick and scratch the
affected skin areas. Flea allergies are seen on the back and near the tail.
Pollen and dust allergies cause swelling of the face, feet, chest, and abdomen.
You will observe allergies on the abdomen and the foot pads due to contact
allergy.
Treatment
The vet may administer antihistamines and corticosteroids to provide relief
form the intense itching. Immunotherapy is also tried by many vets to help
control the hyposensitization in dogs.
Bacterial Skin Disorders
The main cause of this form of disease is Staphylococci. Staph is a common
skin bacteria that is found on every dog. This opportunistic bacteria causes
infections when it finds an opening in the body due to skin injury or
continuous scratching.
Symptoms
You may observe yellow and itchy pustules on the dog's skin. The skin
becomes ulcerated and red. As the infection advances, there are dry, crusted
areas with hair loss on the skin, and you may notice an odor.
The most common skin area to be infected by bacteria is the chin, which is
called 'chin acne'. Obese dogs, pug-nosed breeds, etc. also develop bacterial
infections on the face, vulva, and lip region. Puppies are commonly affected by
bacterial diseases between the toes, calluses of the elbows, etc.
Treatment
The vet may shave off the hair around the lesions and give the dog a bath
with antiseptic shampoos. Antibiotics may be administered orally for 3 to 4
weeks. The vet may prescribe antiseptic shampoos, antibiotic ointments, and
antibiotic tablets to get rid of the infections.
Fungal Skin Disorders
The most common causes of these disorders are microsporum and trichophyton.
These fungal infections are commonly known as 'ringworm' diseases.
Symptoms
You will observe circular patches and dry and crusty skin on dogs infected
with ringworm. The legs and head are commonly infected with ringworm that can
spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment
Treatment for ringworm in dogs involves clipping of the hair and use of
antifungal shampoos to bathe the dog. The vet will advise topical lime sulfur
and systemics to be administered.
Hormonal Skin Disorders
The main causes are disorders in the hormonal secretions of the thyroid,
adrenal, and pituitary glands, testicles, and ovaries. The hyper or hypo
secretions lead to many skin disorders that cause changes in the hair, coat,
and skin.
Symptoms
You will observe hair loss, thinner or thicker skin, and changes in the
color of the skin and hair coat. The dog will not be itchy and scratchy due to
hormonal skin disorders.
Treatment
It is a symptom of a serious disorder in dogs. The vet may treat the
underlying disorder to treat the skin disorder. Many times, surgical neutering
or spraying may help reduce the symptoms of hormonal skin disorders in dogs.
If you observe anything unusual in your dog, then speak to the vet. Dog health
should be the number one factor in pet care. Give proper care and keep your dog
in hygienic conditions. Grooming methods like brushing and bathing should be
carried out at least once a week. Use antiseptic shampoos to reduce the chances
of infections. A healthy skin is the sign of a healthy and happy dog.
Read
more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/skin-diseases-in-dogs.html
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