Dry and/or flaky skin can lead to discomfort and itching in your dog 🐶. In most cases of dry skin problems in dogs, it’s not a severe issue. However, it can be the first symptom of mange, allergies, or other skin conditions (which we’ll discuss later) that might be more concerning for the dog. Many canines experience dry skin during the winter months without it being a truly serious matter.

Prevention:

As dry skin issues in dogs have multiple potential causes, determining precisely how to prevent it is not straightforward.

Dry skin can result from nutrient deficiencies, so ensure your dog’s diet is appropriate and well-balanced. Keep in mind that as seasons change, your dog’s nutritional needs change as well, and you might need to adjust the foods you provide.

Other possible causes could be poor hygiene or insufficient grooming. However, excessive grooming can also be the problem. Bathe your dog once a month, but no more often, to prevent stripping their skin of essential oils. Use mild soaps or veterinarian-approved dog shampoos that don’t contain synthetic ingredients. Using human shampoo on a dog can also lead to this issue. Brush your dog’s coat daily, especially in winter, to stimulate natural oils.

Treating Dry Skin in Dogs:

If your dog suffers from dry or itchy skin issues, the first step is to determine the exact cause, which can only be done through a veterinary clinic examination.

If dry skin isn’t caused by an underlying disease, allergies, or parasites, treatment for this issue will likely be simple and involve habit changes (improved diet and grooming).

If the problem is merely a symptom of another health issue, the veterinarian can provide guidance on treatment options.

These types of skin issues in dogs are caused by allergies 🌱. Allergies in dogs are a complex subject to investigate because dogs can have allergic reactions to many things, including food, grooming products, or environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites.

Insect bites can also lead to allergies in dogs. Some symptoms include incessant scratching and licking due to itchiness and rashes, among other signs.

Prevention:

Keep your home clean to eliminate allergens like dust mites.

Wash your dog’s bedding and bathe them approximately once a month. Note that some grooming products for dogs, especially shampoos, can also trigger allergic reactions. In most cases, these are products with numerous synthetic ingredients or those made for humans.

Always rinse the shampoo or soap you use to bathe your dog thoroughly. You can also try hypoallergenic shampoos or medicinal shampoos for dogs.

If you notice your dog scratching or licking more than usual, consider using a protective cone and keep a record to pinpoint potential causes and prevent more serious skin issues. Food-related allergies in dogs cannot be prevented, as there’s no way to know in advance which ingredient the dog is allergic to.

Treating Canine Allergic Dermatitis:

It’s crucial to accurately identify the allergen causing this skin issue in your dog to address the underlying cause and prevent future cases by avoiding exposure to those allergens.

Some conventional treatments include the use of medications, as well as hydrocortisone creams (corticosteroids) that can help with rashes and skin infection treatment.

However, there are also many natural remedies that can be used, such as green tea, licorice, nettles, or supplements like quercetin and colostrum, but there’s little to no scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness.

Despite popular belief, food-related allergies in dogs are much less common than those caused by the environment. If you still suspect food allergies, consult your veterinarian, and your dog may be put on an elimination diet.

External parasites are also a common cause of allergies and, consequently, various skin problems in dogs 🦠. Mites, fleas, and ticks are the most common culprits, and each of them operates uniquely. Let’s explore how to prevent and treat them.

Mites:

Mites found in dogs are tiny parasites that cause a skin disease known as mange. Dogs can suffer from various types of mange, but the two most common ones are sarcoptic mange (canine scabies) and demodectic mange (demodicosis).

Sarcoptic mange is contagious and easily spreads, while demodectic mange isn’t contagious. Sarcoptic mange can cause itching, sores, red skin, and hair loss, while demodectic mange leads to sores, bald spots, and crusts.

Prevention of Mange:

Preventing mange is only possible by keeping your dog away from infected dogs.

Treatment of Mange:

Treating mange in dogs depends on the type of mange your dog has. Sarcoptic mange is easily treated with topical products containing selamectin. Some oral products containing milbemycin are also used. Milbemycin can also be effective in treating demodectic mange. You can also use this treatment, which is highly effective against mange in dogs.

Other solutions include using home remedies, such as applying olive oil to the dog’s skin or adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to their food.

Fleas:

Fleas are likely the most common issue that can cause skin problems in dogs. Fleas are tiny insects that often go unnoticed, but their eggs or droppings can typically be seen in or on the dog’s coat.

Symptoms of flea infestation include excessive scratching or licking, hot spots, and crusts. Not treating a flea infestation can lead to anemia and blood loss in dogs.

Prevention of Fleas:

The most well-known prevention method is using flea control products like flea collars, pills, drops, and others. Additionally, if you have a garden, keep it clean. Regularly mow the lawn and trim bushes and shrubs. Avoid leaving dog food bowls outside, as this can attract other animals like cats or other dogs that may have fleas. You also need to keep your house clean. Wash bedding, toys, and your dog’s crate regularly with hot water (60 degrees Celsius will do). Frequently check your dog for fleas and ticks, especially if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or after a long walk.

Flea Treatment:

If you’re sure your dog has fleas, purchase one of the many flea treatments available that kill both adult fleas and their larvae. Killing the larvae is essential to completely rid the dog of fleas, as reinfestation is very common. Check the product you’ll use on your dog to ensure it contains a larva-killing chemical like pyriproxyfen or methoprene. Follow the product instructions and don’t forget to treat your home as well, using carpet liquids/powders or other solutions to prevent future flea problems.

Ticks:

Ticks are external parasites similar to fleas, as they feed on their host’s blood. However, ticks are much more dangerous, leading to more severe health issues than just skin problems in dogs. Ticks are easily visible to the naked eye. It’s important to react swiftly if you find ticks on your dog, as they can cause anemia, blood loss, and even transmit Lyme disease and other potentially fatal bacterial infections.

Tick Prevention:

Take the same measures to prevent your dog from coming into contact with ticks as you would for fleas. Most flea products like topical creams, shampoos, sprays, and powders also contain tick-repelling ingredients.

Likewise, regularly clean your house and yard, and frequently check your dog for ticks.

Tick Treatment:

The only available treatment is physically removing the ticks.

To properly remove a tick, grasp it with tweezers and pull it out directly. Be cautious while doing so, as pulling too hard can cause the tick’s head to stay lodged in the dog’s skin, potentially leading to an infection.

If your dog has a severe tick infestation, take them to the veterinarian for treatment, usually involving an insecticide.

In addition to parasitic infections, another common issue affecting dogs’ skin can also be caused by bacterial infections 🦠.

Bacterial Infections:

While there are numerous bacteria that can cause visible skin infections in dogs, the most common skin conditions resulting from bacterial infections are folliculitis and impetigo.

Folliculitis:

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection that can lead to various skin abnormalities in dogs, such as bumps, sores, and crusts. These skin problems are easily noticeable in short-haired dogs, while long-haired dogs might have a dull coat that sheds easily. Folliculitis can also be triggered by allergic reactions as mentioned earlier.

Prevention:

There isn’t much that can be done to prevent bacterial folliculitis in dogs. However, since allergic reactions to fleas can sometimes cause folliculitis, you should follow the steps mentioned earlier for flea and tick prevention.

Treatment of Folliculitis in Dogs:

Treating bacterial folliculitis requires a three-pronged approach: topical therapy, systemic therapy, and treatment of any underlying disorders. Antimicrobial medications are almost always used, and all of this should be done under the supervision of your veterinarian.

Impetigo:

Impetigo is also a bacterial infection but, unlike folliculitis, it’s more commonly found in puppies. The most prominent symptom of impetigo in dogs is pus-filled blisters. These blisters often rupture and form a crust. They typically develop on the puppy’s abdomen in areas of hairless skin. It’s generally not a serious condition and is easy to treat, although the infection can persist or spread in some cases.

Prevention:

Similar to folliculitis, there isn’t much that can be done to prevent impetigo. It’s primarily caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, which can thrive in a clean environment, and there’s no way to predict it.

Treatment of Impetigo in Dogs:

Although impetigo can sometimes resolve on its own, it’s better to treat it to prevent the disease from spreading further. Treatment usually involves a combination of medicated shampoo, topical creams, and antibiotics.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections can also be a common issue affecting dogs’ skin 🍄.

Symptoms of Fungal Infections in Dogs:

Symptoms of fungal infections in dogs include itching, skin irritation, or discoloration, and they often occur in the ears and paws of pets. If you notice your dog constantly scratching their ear or chewing and licking their paws, they might have a fungal infection. Fungal infections can also emit a foul odor, which you might even smell before seeing the infection.

Preventing Fungal Infections on Dogs’ Skin:

Fungal infections are more common in the warm summer months, so it’s a good idea to prevent your dog from spending too much time in the sun. Regular baths are also a good way to prevent fungal infections. Avoid sugary treats or carbohydrate-rich foods as they can increase the likelihood of infection.

Treating Fungal Infections on Dogs’ Skin:

The treatment for fungal infections often depends on the location. However, it’s common for fungal infections to be treated with topical creams or medicated shampoo baths for dogs. In some cases, oral medications might also be prescribed to address the infection.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a skin condition that leads to dandruff and oily skin 🐾.

Causes and Duration:

Seborrhea in dogs can either be linked to genetic disorders, which last throughout the dog’s life and become evident within the first two years, or it can stem from other medical issues like hormonal abnormalities, autoimmune disorders, allergies, or parasites.

Preventing Seborrhea:

There’s no way to prevent genetic seborrhea. However, when caused by parasites or allergies, prevention involves avoiding contact with the culprits using the prevention tips mentioned earlier.

Treating Seborrhea in Dogs:

Treating seborrhea depends on the underlying condition. Genetic seborrhea can’t be cured but can be managed. It’s typically managed through proper hygiene and adjusted nutrition, best planned in consultation with a veterinarian. Regular dandruff treatments might not work for genetic seborrhea but could be effective for cases caused by allergies or parasites.

Alopecia

Alopecia is a condition causing excessive hair loss in dogs 🐶. Skin problems associated with alopecia in dogs have various potential causes, including stress, poor nutrition, allergies, parasites, and bacterial infections mentioned earlier. In some cases, genetic disorders in dogs can also lead to alopecia.

Preventing Alopecia:

Since there’s a strong link between nutrition and alopecia, preventing these skin problems involves a diet based on high-quality foods, using tick or flea repellents, and providing a stress-free environment for your dog. Genetic alopecia cannot be prevented.

Treating Alopecia in Dogs:

Treating alopecia involves addressing the underlying cause whenever possible. Alongside topical creams and antibiotics, adding supplements to the diet is a common approach. Supplements for dogs aimed at stimulating hair growth may include vitamin D, melatonin, and fish oil supplements with essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Ringworm

Contrary to its name, ringworm isn’t a worm, but a fungus 🍄. Circular patches that can appear anywhere on the dog’s body are the specific symptom of this infection. These lesions are often accompanied by scaly patches, inflammation, hair loss, and other skin issues in dogs. This disease is more common in puppies and can quickly spread to other dogs if left untreated.

Preventing Ringworm:

The best way to prevent ringworm is to ensure there’s no contact between infected and uninfected dogs, as outbreaks are more common in dog breeding facilities, animal shelters, pet stores, and similar living conditions where animals are crowded.

Treating Ringworm in Dogs:

The usual and most effective treatment protocol for ringworm involves a three-step approach with the application of topical medication, the use of oral medication, and treating the external environment.