4 Skin Problems That Can Afflict Dogs
Unless you happen to own a hairless breed of animal, you may rarely see or notice the state of your dog's skin under its usual covering of fur. However, skin problems can cause serious irritation and potential health complications. These skin issues sometimes involve hair loss as well as unsightly lesions and other symptoms.
Thankfully, prompt veterinary evaluation and treatment, along with sensible home care practices, can help your pet maintain healthier, more comfortable skin. You'll also need to recognize potential threats as soon as they appear. Keep an eye out for the following conditions, and get them checked out as early as possible.
1. Dermatitis
Many common substances can cause irritation when they touch an animal's skin. This reaction, contact dermatitis, may appear as dry, flaky, itchy, inflamed patches of skin, sometimes accompanied by fluid discharge. If your pet scratches, bites, or licks the inflamed skin, the skin may develop a secondary infection.
Environmental allergens can also cause the hallmark symptoms of contact dermatitis. Common triggers for contact dermatitis in dogs include mold, pollen, and household dust mites. Irritant contact dermatitis may stem from contact with poison oak, lawn chemicals, soaps, topical medications, and even sunlight.
Treat for contact dermatitis hinges on pinpointing the underlying irritant or allergen. Once you know what substance has created the symptoms, you can take steps to have your pet avoid it going forward. In the meantime, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory treatments, and soothing shampoos to remove the offending substance can provide relief.
A food allergy can also produce dermatitis symptoms. This development may occur even in dogs who have consumed the same food for years without previous problems. Allergy testing and experiments with dietary changes can help to isolate the allergen in question.
2. Parasites
External parasites remain an ongoing threat to your dog's skin. For instance, tiny mites can cause a big problem known as mange. Mange typically produces itching, redness, and patches of hair loss on the legs and face. Demodectic mange often affects very young, old, or sick dogs, while sarcoptic mange can affect practically any canine.
Fleas can cause contact dermatitis through the saliva in their bites, which often triggers an allergic reaction. Both flea and tick bites can cause your dog to bite, scratch, or lick at the irritation. This can damage the skin further, allowing bacteria to settle in and create a secondary infection.
Medicated shampoos and ointments can remove these external parasites and soothe irritated skin. Your veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotics if your dog has developed an infection. However, the most effective measure involves the use of regular pest prevention products to keep these invaders away from your dog's skin.
3. Tumors
Skin tumors commonly afflict dogs. If you feel an unusual bump or lump on your pet's body, you may have discovered a tumor. Fortunately, most skin tumors in dogs prove benign. Some tumors, however, have the ability to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body), with potentially life-threatening results.
Since early diagnosis can make a big difference in malignant tumor treatment, your dog should receive regular wellness exams that include skin evaluations and lab tests. Your veterinarian will remove and analyze any suspicious lumps. Treatment for a malignancy may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
4. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases can sometimes lead to skin symptoms (among other problems) in dogs. In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly mounts an attack against its own tissues. One common example, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), creates crusty open sores around a dog's paws, eyes, and nose.
A biopsy of a skin sample can confirm the diagnosis of this autoimmune skin disease. However, since bacterial infections often develop alongside DLE, your veterinarian may need to get such an infection under control first. Treatments include topical steroids, systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, and immune suppressants.
The professionals at Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic can help you optimize your dog's skin health for years to come. Contact our clinic today to talk to an associate and set up an appointment.
