Top 7 common skin diseases in dogs: general symptoms and treatment
1. Allergic dermatitis
This is a condition where the
dog’s skin becomes inflamed and itchy due to an allergic reaction to something
in the environment, food, or flea saliva. The symptoms may include
redness, rash, blisters, hot spots, hair loss, and scratching. The
treatment depends on identifying and avoiding the allergen, and using
medication to relieve the inflammation and itching.
2.
Mange
This is a condition caused by
mites that burrow into the dog’s skin and cause irritation, hair loss, scabs,
sores, and secondary infections. There are different types of mites that
cause different types of mange, such as demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, and
cheyletiella mange. The treatment involves using medication to kill the
mites and treat the skin lesions.
3.
Ringworm
This is a fungal infection that
affects the dog’s skin, hair, and nails. It causes circular patches of
red, raised, hairless, itchy skin that can spread to other parts of the body or
to other animals or humans. The treatment requires persistent and
appropriate medication, time, monitoring, and patience as well as cleaning the
environment.
4.
Pyoderma
This is a bacterial infection
that affects the dog’s skin and causes pus-filled blisters, crusts, redness,
swelling, and pain. It can be caused by various factors such as trauma,
allergies, parasites, hormonal imbalances, or immune system disorders. The
treatment involves using antibiotics and topical solutions to clear the
infection and address the underlying cause.
5.
Seborrhea
This is a condition where the
dog’s skin produces too much oil (sebum) and causes greasy, dry, and
dandruff-ridden skin. It can also lead to bacterial and yeast infections
that cause a strong odor and dermatitis. The treatment involves using
medicated shampoos and supplements to regulate the oil production and treat the
secondary infections.
6.
Folliculitis
This is a condition where the
hair follicles become inflamed and infected due to various causes such as
allergies, parasites, trauma, or immune system disorders. The symptoms may
include bumps, pustules, scabs, hair loss, and itching. The treatment
involves using antibiotics and topical solutions to clear the infection and
address the underlying cause.
7.
Hot spots
These are patches of red,
infected skin that appear very quickly, look wet and often weep. They are
caused by excessive licking or scratching due to various factors such as
allergies, parasites, wounds, or stress. The treatment involves clipping
the hair around the area, cleaning it with antiseptic solution, applying
medication to reduce inflammation and infection, and preventing further licking
or scratching with a cone collar or bandage
