Skin Diseases in Dogs – The Most Common Problems

Bald patches, excessive scratching, red spots – these could be symptoms of skin diseases in dogs. Most of them require specialized treatment. Learn about the most common skin conditions in dogs and how to protect your four-legged friend from them.

Symptoms of Skin Changes

Skin diseases in dogs can present various symptoms depending on their nature and type. However, some symptoms tend to repeat. These include:

• skin itching,
• redness,
• local or full-body hair loss,
• skin peeling,
• dried-out skin,
• rash.

In extreme cases, the hair may not only fall out but also change color or visibly lose its shine. However, physical symptoms are only part of the annoying signs of skin diseases in dogs. Often, caregivers first notice unusual behavior in their pets, such as:

• increased nervousness,
• impatience,
• restless sleep,
• scratching, rolling on various surfaces,
• intense licking of the same areas.

Any unusual behavior in a dog should be a signal for the caregiver to visit a veterinarian.

Read more on the blog: Injured paw pad in dogs – how to help?

The Most Common Causes of Skin Changes

Most people think that skin changes are solely caused by diseases. In reality, this is just one of the reasons why a dog's skin may look different than usual. Just as often, other factors are responsible for such changes, such as:

• insect bites and allergic reactions to them – especially in the summer,
• hormonal disorders,
• skin parasite infestations,
• fungal infections and secondary bacterial infections,
• food and contact allergies,
• tumors, cysts, and other skin changes often referred to by caregivers as pimples in dogs,
• ringworm,
• psoriasis in dogs.

Sometimes, skin changes are simply the result of mechanical damage. This could be a random or intentional bite from another animal, or even dogs trying to squeeze through narrow spaces, resulting in skin injuries.

Check out this post: Hot Spot in Dogs – What is It and How Does It Look?

The Most Common Skin Diseases

Just like humans, dogs also suffer from lifestyle diseases associated with economic development and air pollution, and as a result, food contamination. Additionally, breed affiliation can increase the risk of certain skin diseases. Here are the most common skin diseases in dogs.

Allergic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a genetically predisposed condition caused by skin hypersensitivity to allergens in the environment or food. Breeds predisposed to the disease include the Labrador, West Highland White Terrier, English Bulldog, German Shepherd, and Boxer. AD primarily manifests as skin redness, itching, and subsequent scratching, which leads to sores and secondary infections. In the case of AD, the allergen causing the reaction is identified and eliminated, if possible. Treatment, diet, and proper grooming are important. This condition also appears as flea allergy dermatitis.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections occur after yeast infections, which can be transferred to dogs from their environment or other animals. Breeds with skin folds, such as Shar Pei, Bulldogs, and Basset Hounds, are predisposed to the disease. Symptoms often appear when the immune system is compromised. These include red, itchy skin changes that are oval-shaped. Bald patches and skin peeling may also appear. Treatment involves administering antifungal medications, medicated baths, and supporting the immune system.

Parasitic Diseases

The most common parasitic disease is scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes mite. In the areas where the mite feeds, bald spots appear, and sometimes even open sores develop, which can become infected. A similar condition is caused by Demodex, which creates a hard crust on the surface of the dog's skin. In both cases, treatment is pharmacological, combined with skin care. No specific breed is predisposed to these diseases – any dog can become infected.

Skin Disease Prevention

Proper grooming is essential for preventing skin diseases in dogs. Equally important is a diet tailored to the pet's needs, free from potential allergens. Many dogs develop skin diseases only when their immune system weakens. Therefore, it is important to regularly support their immune system, for example, after medical treatments or periods of stress, with supplements from Petipharm such as ImmuneControl. Thanks to the convenient form, you can serve it with your dog's food. If you notice your dog starting to scratch, take them to the veterinarian, who will perform diagnostics and recommend treatment.