Ten Most Common Types of Dog Skin Problems (Treatment)

Contact allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections and parasite allergies are the most common skin conditions in dogs.

1. Allergies to the Environment

Itching that suddenly develops, especially on the face, stomach, and feet, can be a sign of an allergy to environmental factors. This happens when your dog comes in contact with the source of irritation.

Atopy is a type of allergy that can be found in dogs. It is similar to hay fever, except that dogs will show symptoms such as irritated skin and watery eyes.

Grass, dust mites, and pollen are some of the most common allergens in dogs. To determine if your pet is allergic, we will perform a blood test. Sometimes, environmental allergies can be very difficult to treat. In the worst cases, shampoos, tablets, and injections are required. Animal Trust can provide a variety of treatment options to ease the symptoms of your pet’s allergies.

2. Food Allergies

An allergy to dog food can lead to increased itching, often on the face, feet and ears. Dogs can become allergic to certain protein types, such as beef, eggs and chicken, or vegetables.

Pets who have food allergies must also undergo an elimination diet for between 8-12 weeks. Your vet will guide you through the process and show you how to do it. To ensure your vet can provide an effective treatment, it is important that you do not feed your dog any suspected allergens.

3. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a condition that causes inflamed hair. It can occur when your dog has a skin condition such as mange, allergies or mange. Folliculitis can appear on the body as sores, bumps, and scabs. A vet will prescribe shampoos, antibacterial ointments and oral antibiotics to treat the infection.

4. Impetigo

Impetigo is more common in puppies, which could also be a sign of underlying skin conditions. As with any condition in young animals, it is important to seek professional treatment as soon as possible.

Impetigo lesions may appear as blisters on the stomach of a dog. These can burst or scab. Impetigo can be treated with antibiotics, washes, and your vet will run some tests to determine the problem.

5. Ringworm

Despite its name, Ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungus which is highly contagious to humans and other animals. It appears as a fungal infection that causes bald spots and circular appearances on the dog’s head and paws. The fungal infection can cause your dog’s skin to become red and inflamed from the scratching. If you notice any irritation in your dog’s skin, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. He can recommend a topical treatment that will kill the fungus and prevent it spreading.

6. Yeast Infections

Warmer areas of a dog’s skin attract yeast infections. These yeast infections love to grow in difficult to reach places like the ear canal between your dog’s toes, groin, and perineum. Your dog may itch or bite at infected areas if the skin becomes thicker. Yeast infections can cause skin discoloration and can also make your dog smell bad. A topical cream, wash and tablet will be able to treat the infection and relieve any discomfort.

7. Ticks and fleas

Fleas and ticks can cause skin irritation in your dog by biting or sucking their blood. Flea saliva can enter the body, which can cause an allergic reaction that causes your pet to itch. A severe parasite allergy can cause symptoms such as red, itchy skin and scratching. Dogs may also chew on their fur to alleviate the itching. Their fur may fall out in patches if the conditions are severe.

Fleas can live in carpets and beds. It’s important to vacuum frequently, clean your pet’s bedding and ensure they are up-to date with any preventative treatments.

8. Mange

Mange is a serious skin condition that can be caused by mites living on the hair and skin of dogs.

There are two main types of mange. One is caused by the demodex mite “demodectic” which can affect pets older than one year, and another that affects pets with an underlying condition.

Sarcoptic mange is caused by sarcoptes mites. This is a very itchy condition that is commonly first noticed on the ears of dogs. Mange symptoms include severe itching, redness and hair loss around the affected areas.

Like ticks and fleas, mange can be treated by washing your pet’s bedding. The vet will examine a small amount of skin and diagnose mange by looking under the microscope. The vet will prescribe flea and worm products to help prevent mange.

9. Dandruff

Dogs can develop dandruff,’scurff,’ or dry skin, just like humans. This can indicate an underlying condition, such as an infection. Dry skin is a common problem in winter. While simple cases of dandruff can be treated with shampoos, the vet will need to make sure there are no underlying conditions.

10. Lupus

Lupus, which is an autoimmune disorder, means that the body’s immune systems attack its own cells. Open, crusty, slow-growing skin lesions can be a sign of an immune disorder. These will usually appear around the eyes, nose, and paws. Lupus can become very serious if it is not treated. It is important to make sure your pet has a thorough examination by a veterinarian.