Introduction •
Skin problems are among the most common reasons cat and dog owners seek veterinary advice. Being itchy due to skin problems can cause a lot of discomfort for dogs, and sometimes skin problems may also be a sign of other underlying health issues.
COMMON CAUSES OF SKIN PROBLEMS IN DOGS • • • • • • •
Fleas Mange Hot spots Atopic dermatitis Dry skin Hair loss Environmental Allergies
Fleas •
Dogs are sensitive to fleas and can develop allergies causing serious skin disease. Flea allergies can be quite severe, even if fleas are not seen on your dog. Pets with flea allergies are allergic to the flea saliva and become very itchy after being bitten. Use of flea prevention products under the direction of a veterinarian can help prevent itchiness associated with flea allergy dermatitis. As well as treating your dog, it is important to also treat the surrounding environment. As 90% of the flea population live off your dog, treating areas where your dog spends most of its time is important e.g. pet bedding, vacuuming the house if your pet is welcome indoors.
Mange •
It is a skin disease caused by several different species of mites. Mite infections tend to be nonseasonal – they can occur all year round. Some species of mites are found in the skin and hair follicles. The signs of a mite infection depend on which mite is present and skin lesions can occur anywhere on the body. Demodectic mange tends to cause hair loss, bald spots and sores. Sarcoptic mange causes intense itch with hair loss, reddened skins and sores.
Hot spots •
Hot spots are known as pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs and cats, and typically involve the development of sudden acute localized inflammation of the skin that is often quite painful. The lesions often contain pus and discharge, with hair loss around the lesion. Hot spots may also occur on multiple areas of your pet's body, but most commonly around the ears and flank regions. Many pets inflict selftrauma through excessive biting and itching, which often exacerbates the development of these lesions. Hot spots often develop because of an underlying flea bite allergy, inhalant/contact allergy, and/or food allergies. Pets with hot spots below the ears often have an ear infection present as well.
Atopic Dermatitis •
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition in dogs and cats that results from inhalant/contact allergies. Examples of common allergens include molds, grasses, trees, ragweed, and pollens. Pets with atopic dermatitis will often excessively itch and lick at themselves. Common areas involved include the ears and feet, where secondary yeast and/or bacterial infections may develop, leading to odor, discharge, scabbing, and crusting of these areas.
Dry skin •
Dry skin in pets can have many causes—from nutritional imbalances and deficiencies to various allergic skin disorders such as atopy, food allergies, and flea bite allergies. Even pets with digestive disorders or intestinal parasites may be more likely to develop dry skin. Pets with non-specific diseases of the liver, kidneys, or even cancer are also at increased risk of developing dry skin.
Hair loss •
Hair loss and excessive shedding can have many causes, including dietary factors and imbalances, as well as food allergies, inhalant/contact allergies, and/or flea bite allergies. External skin parasites such as mange or ringworm, as well as bacterial skin infections will typically cause problems with your pet's coat. Pets with hormonal disorders of the thyroid gland and adrenal gland, metabolic diseases of the liver or kidneys, or pets with cancer may also develop problems with hair loss and excessive shedding. Symptoms include either patchy thinning of the hair coat, or more obvious, defined hair loss which may be generalized or localized.
EnvironmEntal allErgiEs •
Environmental allergies are typically seasonal and occur in young dogs less than three years of age. Environmental allergies are usually genetic and are more common in certain breeds. Contact with environmental allergens such as pollens, grass or dust mites cause intense itch of the face, feet, ears, chest and tummy. Environmental allergies are often diagnosed as a matter of exclusion. This means that adverse food reactions, flea allergy dermatitis, infection, and other causes of skin problems may have to be ruled out before the problem is attributed to environmental allergens.
• Dr Jennifer Creed is a veterinarian and the owner & founder of Dr. J’s Perfect Dolls which located in Chicago, who provides the help in Wildlife Rehabilitation, Animal Surgery, Surgery and Soft Tissue Surgery .