Eight most common types of skin conditions in dogs

by Robert Hudson

Skin conditions in dogs are extremely common. Possible causes can range from parasites and allergies to injuries. What might start as a scratch can turn into excessive licking, chewing and scratching. Here are the most common symptoms to watch out for;  

• Itching and scratching 
• Redness 
• Irritation and discomfort 
• Scabbed, scaly or flaking skin 
• Dry skin 
• Excessive licking or chewing 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Sneezing 
• Hair loss, bald patches 
• Greasy coat 
• Hot spots 
• Lumps and swelling 
• Lesions and scabs 

Our four-legged friends can develop skin conditions in the same way that we can. Unfortunately, they can’t tell us what the issue is so sometimes it is hard for pet parents to recognize the symptoms straight away. While the visual cues are more noticeable, understanding the underlining causes may be difficult.

Here is a guide to some of the most common skin conditions in dogs and how to treat them.

Ringworm

Ringworm is not a life-threatening condition, but if left untreated it can cause discomfort to dogs. The disease requires a visit to the vet because it is extremely contagious and can be passed to humans or other pets. In both humans and dogs, the fungal infection usually presents itself in circular areas of hair loss across the body. Young, elderly and long-haired dogs are the most commonly affected. Crusted ringworm lesions appear on paws, legs, head and ears, but they may appear on any part of the dog’s body. 

Redness and inflammation may appear on your dog’s skin caused by scratching and licking. It’s crucial to contact your vet immediately if you spot the signs of ringworm.

Food allergies 

Skin conditions in dogs caused by food reactions occur following ingestion of one of more allergy-causing substances in your dog’s food. A hypoallergenic diet will eliminate the problem ingredients that may cause a reaction for dogs. These include beef, dairy, soya and wheat. Tails.com has a hypoallergenic dog food formulated specifically for dogs who suffer from food-based allergies. 

The adverse reactions are excessive non-seasonal itching in the face, feet, ears and anus. Vomiting, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, sores and baldness due to scratching are all symptoms. Pet parents must avoid feeding their pups any food substances that cause the symptoms to return. 

Medication will be supplied by your vet and they will prescribe a treatment process. 

Parasites 

Parasites in dogs can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness and can impact your pet’s health and comfort. The most common parasites to infect your dog is fleas and ticks. 

There are many products on the market for treating fleas, some more effective than others. Some products only kill or repel fully-grown adult fleas, whereas others are also effective against flea eggs too. The best advice is to speak to your vet who will be able to suggest a product suited to your dog’s needs. 

While common skin conditions in dogs such as fleas and ticks are easily recognizable for dog owners to spot and identify, intestinal parasites can be present inside your dog without you realizing it. Internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms can cause a dull skin and coat. 

Yeast infection 

Constant itching and irritated skin with a distinct odour can be an indication of a yeast infection, a common skin condition for dogs. A yeast infection is typically found on the skin or in the ears. This form of infection can cause extreme discomfort as it is an overabundance of yeast on the body of the dog. Yeasts are forms of fungi that live in your dog’s gut without causing illness, when they grow your dog will start to suffer from a fungal infection. 

Common signs of a yeast infection include; excessive chewing or licking feet, dark red hair between the toes, black skin, hair loss, odour from the skin, greasy hair, ear infection, repetitive head shaking, speckles under the belly and diarrhoea. 

Dog’s can develop a yeast infection in their ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Hot weather, skin irritation and pre-existing skin conditions are all factors that can increase the likelihood of a yeast infection. 

Despite the common myth, yeast extracts in certain dog foods are there to provide amino acids and B-vitamins in particular and are not the same yeasts that cause a skin infection

Dandruff 

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dandruff. While in humans dandruff affects the scalp area, in dogs it’s most common on the back and towards the tail. If your dog is suffering from dandruff you will see white flakes on their coat, or in places where they like to relax. You may also find flakes when you are stroking or scratching their coat. 

There are a variety of things that can cause dandruff in dogs and any breed can be affected. One of the most common causes is the imbalance of oil produced by the sebaceous glands that keep the skin moist. When too much is produced it causes seborrheic dermatitis. 

But more often it’s either caused by an underlying health condition or something within the environment. Dandruff can be treated with specialised shampoos but it’s important to visit the vet as they will check for any underlying conditions. A diet tailored to dry skin or coat will benefit levels of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 which will help boost skin health and tackle a dandruff break out.

Bacterial infection 

Dogs are vulnerable to a range of bacterial infections that can affect the respiratory system (organs and other parts of the body involved in breathing), skin, ears, urinary tract and kidneys. Affected dogs will experience itchy skin, which can become red and have rashes, crusts and small pus-filled spots. 

Most bacterial infections caught by dogs can be cleared up with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. But if left untreated they can lead to severe health issues. 

When a dog’s immune system is weakened, it is easier for them to get a bacterial infection. They are most common in puppies and older dogs whose immune system is weaker. Poor diet, allergies, lack of exercise, stress and other illnesses can leave your dogs vulnerable. 

Most often than not, simple changes to your pet’s diet, providing fresh water, regular walks and routine check-ups at the vet can strengthen your dog’s immune system and lower the chance of infection. 

Alopecia 

Alopecia is defined as areas of abnormal hair loss but these bald patches are usually signs of a bigger health issue in dogs. There are many causes of alopecia, including a side effect of skin infections such as ringworm, bacteri infection or parasites such as mites, and can be a result of excessive scratching of the sore and infected area and some hormonal causes.

If you start to notice that your pup is losing hair, that can be a symptom of alopecia, but there are some other signs they might display; dry coat, shedding coat, bald patches, inflamed and crusty skin, dandruff, itchy skin and patches of dark skin.

Impetigo 

Impetigo is a type of skin infection most commonly seen in young or adolescent dogs. The skin condition is often caused by an overgrowth of Staphylococcus bacteria but it can also be caused by other bacterial strains. A dog with impetigo may have lesions on the skin, which can burst and scab over. 

If your dog displays the symptoms of impetigo, you need to visit the vet for expert treatment. Impetigo isn’t a contagious condition so your dog will be allowed around other people and pets. The skin condition in dogs is treated with antibiotics. 

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