There are several types of dog skin problems. Although some are minor, and can be treated easily, others can often be fatal. If your dog is constantly itching or scratching he should be taken to a vet in order to determine how serious the problem is.
Dogs are usually considered a member of the family, and by being knowledgeable about common skin conditions you can make sure that your dog is healthy, and will be around for a long time to come.
What are Common Dog Skin Problems Issues associated with dry skin, allergies, and infections?
the clinical signs of dog skin problems
- The first thing you will notice is a lot of scratching.
- paw licking, biting and restlessness.
- Lumps
- Dandruff
- Hair loss
This also leads to a host of itchy dry dog skin problems that can worsen and lead to hot spots, mange, yeast infections, and mite infestations.
Luckily there are many things that can be done to help protect against these canine skin infections.but let’s first look at some common issues that develop in the springtime.
Common Dog Skin Problems:
1.Ringworm
- One of the most common dog skin problems is ringworm.
- This is a serious problem in dogs that are kept outdoors because it is a fungal skin infection that can be picked up from spores in soil.
- If your dog loves to dig then they are more susceptible to this infection.
- This skin problem shows up as ring-like area of hair loss accompanied by redness and scaly skin.
- Dogs often scratch or bite their skin to try and relieve the itch. This is typically treated with a topical antifungal lotion or cream.
2.Hot Spots:
hot spots develop on many areas of a dog and are often associated with isolated sores that can develop as a result of licking and scratching dry skin and sores. Sometimes hot spots on dogs develop as a result of flea and insect bites.
3.Itching, Scratching, Dog Dry Skin Infections:
these common Dog Skin problems can be the result of many issues and are usually treated very effectively with a medicated dog shampoo for dry skin
4. Flea, tick and Insect Bites:
the warmer weather brings bites which lead to irritations on the skin. To avoid these nasty bites be sure to use a natural flea repellent spray and shampoo, tea tree oil, citronella, and orange essentials oils work great in flea and tick pet shampoos.
They also soothe the skin and coat and help provide immediate relief of many dog skin problems symptoms as dry skin, sores, and scratching of the skin
5.Mange, Scabies, and Mites:
these little guys are bad and hard to deal with. They usually form in dogs with poor health and a depleted immune system.
There are many treatment options available for Skin Diseases in Dogs, some prescription dips, all natural shampoos, and enzymes. In the long run, enzymes work best as they will prevent mange and mites from returning on your dog.
6.Rashes and Yeast Infections:
these dog skin problems are often these same, if not similar to hot spots and balding. Yeast infections on a dogs skin is a fungus and is treated by a veterinarian easily with a medicated dog shampoo, dip, medications, and sometimes a diet change.
Now that we have a good idea as to what causes itchy and dry dogs skin we need to look into treatment options.
Effective Treatment Options for Common Dog Skin Problems, Infections, and Skin Allergies (Eczema) :
1. The most important issue is actually diet and the ability to process nutrients in the diet.
Start with a good dog food and be sure to give your dog digestive enzymes daily. They need these enzymes to absorb nutrients and protect their skin. This alone will prevent and, or, treat the vast majority of all dog skin problems.
2. Use a good all natural medicated pet shampoo on your dogs that contain oils, oatmeal, and little or no artificial scents and chemicals.
3. Make sure your dog gets regular exercise. When dogs do exercise they become stressed and will quickly develop problems on their coat and skin.
4. Visit your veterinarian on a regular basis.
5. Use a weekly or daily sprays such as Emu Oil, Calendula, or Jojoba oil to condition and heal your dog coat and skin.
If you are a dog owner then you know how important it is to keep your dogs happy and healthy. Whether your dog lives inside your home or in the backyard they are at risk for developing skin conditions. Dog skin problems are often easy to manage as long as you are knowledgeable and aware of the symptoms.