Dog Skin Conditions

Dog skin conditions and problems with the coat are some of the most commonly seen issues in veterinary surgeries, and can affect dogs of all ages, breeds and types for a wide variety of reasons. While skin conditions may often be considered minor in the greater scheme of things, especially when compared to more serious or life-threatening conditions such as heart problems or cancer, nevertheless, skin problems can prove uncomfortable, irritating and painful for your dog, and can also lead to or be caused by a range of other conditions, which can prove more serious.

Skin problems can present themselves in many ways, including obvious indicators such as hair loss, sore patches or excessive itching, and harder to spot problems such as dandruff of the coat or hot spots on the skin. Paying enough attention to your dog’s skin and coat is important to ensure that you keep them healthy and in good condition, and to make sure that you can identify any problems quickly and seek treatment for them before they progress.

Read on to learn more about identifying problems with the skin and coat, plus some of the most commonly seen conditions and causes of skin problems in dogs.

Indications that your dog has a skin condition

Different conditions and causes of problems with the skin and coat can present themselves in various different ways. You should groom or brush your dog regularly, particularly if they have a long or thick coat, but even short flat-coated breeds require a quick brush and check over on a regular basis too. When you are grooming your dog, make sure that you use a comb to get right down to the skin on long or thick-coated breeds, and also perform a visual inspection of the skin across the body, parting the fur so that you can view the skin itself. Run your hands over your dog’s body and legs to identify any hot or sensitive spots, and watch your dog’s reactions for feedback on what you are doing that might indicate a problem.

Some of the indicators and possible problems to look out for include:

• Excessive dandruff or detritus coming off the coat, either in localised patches or across most of the body
• Any area of the skin that feels hotter to the touch than others
• Sore or inflamed patches of skin that appear red or a different colour to the rest of the skin
• Your dog indicating discomfort or pain when you touch areas of the skin
• Persistently biting, itching or pawing at an area of the body
• Head shaking, sensitive ears or scratching at the ears
• Any scabs, rough areas or dry areas on the skin
• Scaly patches on the body or paws, particularly if there are multiple patches and they are round in shape
• Spots or rashes on the skin
• Excessively greasy skin or any discharge from the follicles

Any of these indicators may signify a skin condition or problem, and it is important to take action to address any issues that might arise with the skin and coat as soon as possible.

What causes skin conditions in dogs?

There are a wide range of potential reasons for why your dog might be having problems with their skin, including allergies, parasite infestation, an illness or infectious condition and various other factors.

Here are some of the most commonly diagnosed skin conditions in dogs:

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, rather than an actual worm. Ringworm leads to inflamed circular patches on the body and legs that can lead to localised hair loss in the areas themselves, as well as irritation and sometimes pain. Ringworm is contagious, both to other animals and people, but can be cleared up with various anti-fungal treatments that your vet can provide.

Allergies

Dogs can fall prone to allergic reactions to many things, just as people can. When this manifests on the coat and skin, it is referred to as allergic dermatitis. Food allergies, pollen allergies and sensitivities to household cleaners and many other substances can all manifest as skin problems, and you will need to work closely with your vet to narrow down the source of any suspected allergy and address it.

Parasitic infestations

Fleas, mites and other parasites all thrive on the skin of the dog, and can easily be contracted from contact with other animals and even the toys and equipment used around them. Some dogs are incredibly sensitive to fleabites, while ear mites and highly contagious skin mites such as sarcoptic mange will soon make any dog’s life a misery. Get a formal diagnosis from your vet in order to find the right treatment protocol for your dog.

Poor nutrition

Poor nutrition, the feeding of the wrong types of foods or missing essential nutrients from the diet can manifest in a dull, dry coat, shedding skin and excessive dandruff production. Examine your dog’s diet carefully and talk to your vet or a canine nutritionist if you have any concerns.

Seborrhoea

Seborrhoea is the name given to excessive production of sebum on the skin, a naturally occurring substance that helps to keep the coat healthy and clean. However, when produced in excessive amounts, sebum can block the pores, lead to dandruff and scaly skin, and cause a greasy coat. Seborrhoea is often a genetically inherited condition, but can also occur due to hormone imbalances or other illnesses, and so veterinary examination and diagnosis is important.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin condition most commonly seen in puppies, which leads to the formation and spread of small, puss-filled blisters, usually across the abdomen. Thankfully, impetigo is relatively easy to treat with a topical preparation that can be provided for you by your vet.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection that affects the follicles of the skin where the hair of the coat forms. A dull coat and scaly, shedding skin are the most common symptoms. It is most commonly seen in longhaired dogs that are not adequately bathed or groomed, and antibiotics or a topical cream, as well as improving the dog’s grooming regime in the future, usually resolves the issue.

Yeast infections

If your dog is forever chewing or licking at their paws and the area between their toes, a yeast infection may be the culprit. Areas of the skin that are prone to being damp or oily, such as the ears, toes, and skin folds in some breeds of dogs are the most prone to contracting a yeast infection. This can be cleared up by means of a topical cream and a special shampoo, plus more vigilant attention to the dog’s grooming in the future.

Conclusion

Taking care of your dog’s skin is an important part of the day-to-day maintenance regime your dog requires to stay happy, healthy and well. Left unchecked, even the most minor skin condition can progress and become more serious, as well as causing extreme irritation and even pain for your dog. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s skin or coat, or if you need advice on how to best take care of your dog’s skin on an ongoing basis.