There are many skin diseases in dogs and, in fact, they are among the most frequent reasons for veterinary consultation. It is important to go to the veterinary clinic or hospital from the first signs because this type of disease, if not treated promptly, can get complicated and be very annoying for the dog.
In this article on our site we are going to review the most common skin diseases in dogs. We will see what are the symptoms that we should pay attention to and that suggest that our dog requires early veterinary assistance. We will also talk about the most appropriate treatments.
Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs
Before going on to detail the most common diseases that can affect the skin of dogs, we will list the most common symptoms that we They will indicate that there is a dermatological problem. They are as follows:
- Itching or scratching.
- Alopecia, that is, areas without hair.
- Dermatitis, which is literally inflammation of the skin.
- Erythema or redness of the skin.
- Open wounds or ulcers.
- Papules, which are graniform red bumps.
- Pustules, lesions with pus inside.
- Scabs, which are wounds that have dried up.
- Nodules, lumps, grains or masses, which we can observe or feel as protuberances of different sizes.
- Hyperpigmentation or dark skin.
- Hyperkeratosis or thickened skin.
1. Allergic dermatitis to flea bites (DAPP)
Allergic dermatitis to flea bites in dogs is very common and is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the saliva of the fleas. These parasites feed on blood and in doing so bite the dog. This contact is capable of triggering the allergy for which a single sting is enough The dog will scratch and we will see wounds and alopecia, especially in the lumbosacral area. If it is not treated quickly, the injuries will worsen. Flea control is essential for healing.
two. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis in dogs or atopy is one of the most common allergies in dogs and is a very common skin disease in dogs. The hypersensitivity reaction can be caused by mites, pollen, dust, etc. Although at first its presentation may be seasonal, the truth is that it ends up being extended throughout the year. It is characterized by the appearance of itching
This and intense licking are the cause of dermatological lesions. There may also be nasal discharge, eye discharge, sneezing or otitis. It is common to see feet with brown spots. Other allergies include adverse reactions to foods such as meat, dairy products, soybeans, etc., which manifest as itching, red bumps or pustules. In both cases it can be difficult to determine what the trigger is.
3. Mushrooms
In the fungi section we are going to highlight a type that produces a well-known skin disease in dogs, such as ringworm in dogs, which causes circular alopecia especially in young animals and is a pathology that can be spread to other species, including humans. That is why treatment is essential to eliminate the fungus and establish hygiene measures to prevent its transmission.
4. Malassezia dermatitis
Malassezia in dogs is a yeast that can cause a skin disease in dogs and is very involved in otitisIt is considered to be a normal inhabitant of the skin and only in unbalanced conditions is it pathological. In these cases there will be itching and flaking lesions. There may be a bad smell.
5. Scabies
Mange is a skin disease in dogs produced by mites There are two types of mange. Sarcoptic mange causes intense itching, hair loss, and inflammation. It is also very contagious, even for humans, hence the importance of its treatment. Demodectic mange, with a localized presentation, similar to ringworm, or generalized, with alopecia on the head, legs and trunk.
6. Seborrhea
Seborrhea in dogs is a condition in which flakes are produced that can be dry, like dandruff, or oily, due to an excess of sebum production that, in addition, produces a bad smell. This skin disease in dogs can be primary, which is treatable but incurable, or secondary, when it is triggered by another pathology.
7. Pyoderma
Pyoderma in dogs is a deep infection that can appear as a complication to different diseases of the skin in dogs. This is so because it is easier for skin that is already in poor condition to become infected due to scratching, excessive licking, etc. It will require veterinary treatment with disinfection and antibiotics.
8. Folliculitis
Folliculitis in dogs is a skin disease in dogs characterized by the appearance of small pimples or pustules It should be to an infection in the hair follicles. It can be mild or deep, when the infection manages to affect internal areas of the dermis, causing boils that break and release pus.
9. Acute moist dermatitis
Also known as "hot spots", acute moist dermatitis in dogs is very painful for the dog, so analgesia is usually included as part of the treatment. They are swollen areas that exude pus and produce a bad odor They appear acutely and spread quickly to any part of the body.
10. Pododermatitis
This skin disease in dogs is limited to the legs of the animal. It can be a consequence of trauma, foreign bodies, allergies, irritants, parasites, etc. You can see erythema, edema, exudate, inflammation or lameness Treatment requires diagnosis of the cause.
eleven. Neoplasms
Neoplasms are abnormal masses of tissue that we will see as lumps under the skin. We know them as tumors in dogs. They can be benign or malignant. It is important to differentiate them from other lumps called abscesses, which are accumulations of pus that can occur as a result of foreign bodies, bites, etc. Pustules, boils and pimples would be small abscesses that frequently appear as a symptom of different skin diseases in dogs.
12. Injuries
They are not strictly skin diseases in dogs but any traumatism or foreign body is capable of causing more or less serious damage. Superficial wounds can be resolved at home, but the rest must be controlled by a veterinarian.
On the other hand, some injuries, generally acute, with reddish lumps and inflammation, are due to contact with some irritating substance, which which is called contact dermatitis. It usually affects areas devoid of hair.
Another common type of injury are the well-known calluses or decubitus ulcers. They are usually caused by pressure in joint areas and are more common in large dogs that sleep on hard surfaces.
13. Hormonal problems
Sometimes, the skin disease in dogs that manifests itself to us is not due to a dermatological problem, but is consequence of different pathologieslinked to hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, hyperestrogenism or hypoestrogenism. They do not cause itching but they do cause bilateral symmetrical alopecia. All these diseases must be diagnosed and treated by the veterinarian.
14. Behavior problems
Some dogs that experience stress and behavioral problems may redirect their anxiety onto their own body, resulting in injuries from excessive licking, biting, etc. Among these skin diseases in dogs, acral dermatitis due to licking stands out, which appears on the tarsus or carpus.
It seems that there could be a physical cause that causes the dog's first attention to his skin, such as mites, fungi or a wound. It needs veterinary treatment and improvements in the animal's quality of life. It is difficult to cure.
How to cure skin diseases in dogs?
There are numerous pathologies that can damage our dog's skin and, furthermore, they are not always easy to detect. Sometimes a professional figure in the sector can alert us, such as our canin groomero. If it is a minor condition, such as a superficial wound, a flea or a substance that has caused a dermatitis, we can solve it at home with a disinfectant, antiparasitic prescribed by the veterinarian or avoiding the harmful product.
On the other hand, if the dog does not stop scratching, has inflamed, hairless, purulent areas or masses, we shouldgo to the veterinary center urgently . If the skin is not treated soon, the condition will worsen and the skin will darken and thicken.
Diagnosis of skin diseases in dogs
In the face of problems with the dog's skin, our veterinarian, with the assistance of a Veterinary Technical Assistant, can resort to different tests for diagnosissuch as Wood's lamp, which detects the presence of fungi, scrapings, which allow the skin to be observed under a microscope in search of parasites such as mites, or also cultures or skin biopsies.
For allergies, skin tests can be done. If a systemic disease is suspected, a blood test will be ordered. It is very important to make a good diagnosis to choose the most appropriate treatment option.
Treatment of skin diseases in dogs
There are many treatment options because, as we have seen, there are causes of different origins. Treatment can be based on eliminate the parasite and prevent its appearance if there is one. Disinfect the skin, cleanse with topical products or shampoos, or administer antibiotics in the case of bacterial infections. Corticosteroids and products with a similar effect are prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching.
Hormonal problems will require medication and close veterinary monitoring. In addition, when the behavior influences the disease, we must change the dog's living conditions, going to a canine educator or ethologist if necessary. Food allergies are treated with a hypoallergenic dietImmunotherapy is also used. Abscesses and neoplasms may require surgical intervention.
If you want to know more about tests for diagnosis, veterinary treatment or care of the dog's skin and coat, do not hesitate to take the course Veterinary Assistant VETFORMACIÓN, likewise, you can also specialize in the Canine Grooming course VETFORMACIÓN
