Common Dog Skin Conditions

What are the worrying signs to look out for?

Excessive scratching, scabs on your dog’s skin and your dog pulling out fur which can all indicate skin infection or disease.

Poor coat with any scurf or dullness.

Dry skin on dogs can be caused by your (their) home environment. During winter for example, when home heating is switched on higher than normal, this may cause your dog’s skin condition to change and become itchy.

Continuous scratching is usually a sign there is an underlying problem.

Dry skin on dogs is common and usually not a serious health issue that can be easily treated.

ALLERGIES

A sudden onset of itching to your dog’s face, chest, paws or stomach.

Cause?

Dog allergy called “atopy” which is often caused by dust mites, pollen and grass.

Dr. Doggy Treatment ?

FOOD ALLERGIES

A sudden onset of itching to your dog’s face, chest, paws or stomach.

Symptom

Increased itching to face, feet, ears or anus.

Cause

Diet. Some dogs can develop allergies to protein consumed in food such as chicken, eggs, diary or beef.

Other allergies can arise from wheat or certain vegetables. Check for food types, any changes to diets, monitor closely and use a process of elimination to try and resolve.

Dr. Doggy Treatment ?

FOLLICULITIS

A sudden onset of itching to your dog’s face, chest, paws or stomach.

Symptom

Bumps or sores or scabs on skin.

Cause

Inflamed hair follicles caused by underlying skin conditions such as allergies.

Dr. Doggy Treatment ?

IMPETIGO

Symptom

This commonly appears as blisters that are filled with pus that can burst or scab over usually found on the dog’s stomach. This condition is very common in puppies but easily treated.

Cause

Impetigo is also a bacterial infection, but unlike folliculitis, is most often found in puppies.

Dr. Doggy Treatment ?

RINGWORM (highly contagious fungal infection)

Symptom

Round, crusty bald patches often found on a dog’s head, paws, ears and front legs. Your dog’s skin can also appear inflamed and red from where they have irritated the area from scratching.

Cause

Fungal infection.

Dr. Doggy Treatment ?

YEAST INFECTIONS

Symptom

A thickening of or a discoloration to skin that causes your dog to itch or bite the infected area. This can also be accompanied by a bad smell.

Cause

Warm areas on your dog’s body such as ears, toes and groin can easily cause yeast infections.

Dr. Doggy Treatment ?