An overview of skin problems in dogs

Dog skin problems are a major and usual challenge that the respective parents seek help for. Your dog’s skin condition and the appearance of his coat is directly linked to his health.

Ideal skin conditions in dogs:

As a pet parent, you should be aware that the following signs indicate that your dog’s skin condition is normal.

  • Skin is pink or black with respect to his coat or breed pigmentation
  • Clean without any signs of inflammation, itching scaling, and white spots
  • A shiny and thick coat with no bald spots, dandruff, and fleas

  This post will cover some of the common dog skin problems.

Food allergy

Yes, dogs are more susceptible to food allergy alike most of the other pet types. Food allergy in dogs is usually triggered when the immune system mistakes protein as an allergen.

This is why a dog diagnosed with food allergy exhibits heightened symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, especially after consuming beef, dairy or other protein-rich food.

If the skin around the face and ears swollen, he might have a food allergy. Food allergy in dogs can also take its toll on his skin. Skin problem in dogs that arise due to food allergy is constant itching on the face, ears, and forelegs. The decline in the quality of skin can also lead to hair loss.

Fleas

Fleas are one of the common culprits that cause skin problems in dogs. They can survive in the environment where your dog usually spends, and can even thrive in harsh conditions, this is what makes flea infection more severe.

Constant skin itching is a major symptom of flea infection in dogs. Treating skin allergy in dogs due to flea infection includes treating your dog as well as treating the surroundings like his bed, play area, and house indoors.

Ringworms

Have you observed circular patches on your dog’s skin which might look a bit sore? Mostly, ringworm causes this condition. In the progressive stage, the circular patch can develop to bald patches.

Ringworms are fungal infections that can be contagious. There have been several reports of ringworm infections in dogs spreading to other animals and even humans.

Considering the severity and the contagious factor, ringworms skin infections in dogs, once diagnosed, needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Yeast infection

Yeast infection is a skin issue found in dogs, especially, ones with the droopy ears. The ears, anus, and toes of your dog are mostly infected by yeast. Yeast infection can cause itchy skin accompanied by hair loss.

Your dog is more vulnerable to yeast infection during high humid conditions, especially summer. Treating yeast infection requires patience, a veterinarian usually administers ointment or medicated shampoo to treat the condition.

Mite infection

Mite infection in dogs can deteriorate the quality of the coat or skin. The severity of the infection can vary with respect to the type of mites. The fact that mite infection is not seasonal is something that makes it dangerous.

The common symptoms of mite infections are bald spots and sores. Depending on how severe the infection is, you can also observe skin inflammations and hair loss.

It is important that you visit a veterinarian as soon as you suspect any issues with the skin or coat of your dog. Skin infections in dogs can be an indicator of other serious health issues. Therefore, we advise you not to use any cream or ointment to treat the issue without consulting a veterinarian.