Dog skin problem is a common diagnosis that costs their owners a considerable amount. Unfortunately, dogs are a tad more vulnerable to skin conditions than other health issues. Skin conditions in dogs can also be a sign of other underlying health issues.

Dog skin conditions can be triggered by different factors ranging from allergies to parasites.

Yeast infection

If your dog scratches his ears or licks his toes often, he might be experiencing yeast infection. Some of the other yeast infection symptoms in dogs are:

• Skin inflammation: rashes in skin which makes it look pale or pin in color, especially during the initial stage of infection.
• Scaly skin and hair loss: consistent hair loss or scaly skin which may appear as dandruff.
• Abnormal drooling: excessive drooling, which your dog finds it difficult to control.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a skin condition that causes greasy or scaly skin in dogs. The condition triggers dandruff formation in dogs even when he is young. Seborrhea is a genetic condition which can be incurable.

Hormonal abnormalities and allergies can also trigger seborrhea, however, such conditions are treatable to eradicate the symptoms completely.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is another skin condition that is common with most dogs. The respective condition in dogs can be triggered by allergic reactions from different factors ranging from food to insect bites.

Dog with dermatitis have an increased tendency to scratch and peek at their skin. Dermatitis allergy in dogs, if not diagnosed early, can become quite complex and will require professional assistance to eradicate.

Impetigo

A bacterial infection that mainly affects puppy, impetigo is a skin condition recognized by pus-filled blisters. Look for such blisters on your puppy’s abdomen, as impetigo is known to thrive on hairless surface.

The infection is comparatively mild and rarely spreads. The condition can be treated using a topical solution.

Acral lick dermatitis

Acral lick dermatitis is a skin condition in dogs that links to compulsive or repeated licking on the same spot. Dogs usually develop the tendency to continue licking the same spot even after wound formation. This prevents the healing of the wound and further pain and distress.

An ideal means to thwart your dog from relentless licking is to use a solution that tastes bad on the area of concern.

Skin tumor

Dogs are also vulnerable to skin tumor. Skin tumor, at the earlier stage, can be hard to notice. Look for any abnormal growth or protrusion on your dog’s skin. Ensure that it is not from a flea or tick bite.The next step is to seek the assistance of a veterinarian to biopsy the tumor.

Your veterinarian can remove the small lumps or tumors without any complexity. This is why early detection is the key to treating this condition.

Hot Spots

A form of dermatitis, Hot spots in dogs appear as small hairless red or inflamed spots on dog’s hips or chest. Dogs usually develop the tendency to lick the hotspots, which can make the issue worse.

Allergies, flea bites and infections can cause hot spots. Treatment option includes discouraging your dog from licking the hotspot and identifying the root cause and treating for the same.

Dogs are vulnerable to skin conditions, especially during weather changes. The key to treating skin condition in dogs is to identify it as early as possible. We recommend spending time with your pooch.

Let us know if we have missed any of the skin conditions or if you observe any new skin related concerns on your dog.