What are some common dog skin problems?
Dog skin problems are more common than you might think.
One of the most common dog skin problems is an allergic reaction. Some of the most prevalent allergies include:
Allergies from inhaled substances
Your dog may be allergic to some of the same things you are. Examples include tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, mold, and mildew. Dogs are closer to the ground and therefore more susceptible to certain things.
Allergies from coming in contact with certain things
This is another area where your dog may be allergic to the same things you are. Dogs can be allergic to poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac.
Allergies from bacteria
Dogs can develop allergies to certain bacteria. One of these is Staphylococcus, which can cause hair loss in patches of ½ to 2 inches wide.
Allergies to food
Dogs can be allergic to some foods the same way as us humans. Food allergies can show up as ear inflammations, although this is by no means the only presentation.
Allergies to fleas
Although you might not think it, flea allergies are pretty common allergies in dogs. Open sores or scabs can characterize them, which are caused by the dog scratching and biting the areas that itch.
Although allergies are the most common, other conditions can cause your dog to have skin problems. These can cause your dog pain or simply cause them to be uncomfortable.
Acathanosis Nigricans
This is an infection that causes the dog’s skin to become hyper-pigmented (dark) and extremely thick. There may also be a seborrheic-type film and hair loss.
Canine Acne
Presents as small and irritated bumps right under the skin surface
Dandruff
Pretty much identical to people dandruff, but in dog’s this can also cause hair loss
Hot Spots (a.k.a. Moist Eczema)
Skin lesions that are usually caused by moisture on the skin
Seborrhea
Excessive scaling or flaking of the skin / is not its own condition but rather accompanies one or more other skin problems
Skin Tumors
These are exactly what they sound like. Skin tumors are masses of abnormal tissue and can emerge anywhere on the body.
Drug reactions
Sarcoptic mange (mites)
You should also know that, although your dog may not have previously appeared to be allergic to something, allergies could develop over time. It might take repeated exposure to particular substances or repeated ingestion of offending foods to cause your dog to display their allergy.
Regardless of what type of allergy your dog has, you need to do all that you can to relieve their suffering. There are many easy and holistic things you can do to help your dog, and all of them cost much less than prescription medications or ointments that your veterinarian may prescribe.
Please understand that this does not mean you shouldn’t take your baby to the vet. You still need to visit the vet to make sure that allergies are what’s causing your pet’s symptoms, and (if they are) to get assistance in determining exactly what your pet is allergic to. Just know that there are alternative treatments to giving your pet possibly very expensive medications and ointments.