Dog Skin Problems
A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy, healthy dog makes a pet owner happy. Pet Owners know how important it is to watch for dog skin problems. With the onset of spring and summer pet owners take their dogs to the vet to have their seasonal exams, to have a blood test to make sure they do not have lyme disease, heart worm or other infections, and their yearly booster shots. This is the time to buy the requisite preventatives for the ensuing tick and flea season. In some areas of the country dogs are treated all year for fleas and ticks.
People don’t want fleas in their homes, the infestation is not only bothersome, but costly, you spend a ton of money trying to eradicate the fleas, treat your furniture and rugs, and then still have to hire an exterminator. This is not the only problem fleas cause. Some dogs are allergic to fleas! One flea bite can cause a dog to scratch and chew it’s skin raw, trying in vain to relieve themselves of the itch. Along with chewing and scratching your dog will lick it’s skin until hot spots appear. Usually you find your pet working on one specific place, such as the legs or feet. Hot spots bring on bald patches that can bleed and ooze puss. These hot spots can become infected, and your dog will be sick, and become bad enough you will have a real problem on your hands. An infection can actually cause your dog to die if left untreated.
Dogs and possible reasons they may have skin problems.
It may not be fleas that are causing the irritation, it could be products you put on your dog to repel fleas and ticks, or it could be the flea collar, or shampoos you treat your dog with.
Dogs can be allergic to other seasonal allergens, such as ragweed, trees, mites, dust and sometimes even grass. Or, it could be the food you are feeding your dog. Dogs are allergic to some foods, just as humans are, and rooting out exactly what the food item is, can be daunting. They can be allergic to grains, or dye to make food colorful, or they allergic to eggs, or corn or beef and chicken.
There are many other situations that can cause skin irritations on your dog, such as mites, diseases such as Cushing Disease, which is a problem with the pituitary and adrenal glands. Your dog can get the mange, or, even be stressed out by a family situation, or being left for long periods of time.
So, as you can see from the above, skin problems can be a real problem for your dog.
You should take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as your dog starts incessant licking, scratching or chewing. Another indication of a dog skin problem is if the dog seems to have a bad odor, indicating a skin problem is underway. Once a dog skin problem crops up, other problems may arise, such as yeast infections. Watch for scaly patches on any part of the body, hair loss, rashes and any blood or oozing. Another symptom of a skin problem is your dog constantly rubbing its face on the furniture.
Your veterinarian may be able to diagnose your dog’s skin problem by just looking at the skin, and they will check for fleas or ticks, or looking in your dog’s ears for mites or ringworm. Some tests can be given to determine the cause.
Most likely your vet will prescribe medicine for your pet, such as a medicated shampoo to be applied once or twice. An antibiotic may be given, either by injection, or pills for the infection. Recommendation of high grade food, and supplements that will help to improve the dogs skin.
The best preventative for a dog skin problem, is to make sure fleas and ticks do not get on your dog. If your dog seems to have seasonal allergies when the ragweed is out, try to get rid of the ragweed, or do not take your dog near weeds in season, or your vet may prescribe an antihistamine to control itching.
Remember to always watch your dog for any signs of skin problems, and you and your dog will be happy.