Common Skin Ailments

• Dog skin disorders are probably the most crucial disorders dog owners have to deal with. The dogs skin and coat are indicators of its general health. 
• Dog skin ailments are indicated by itchy scalp, rashes, hair loss, scabs, or dry skin.
• Ticks, fleas, lice, intestinal worms, or mites cause itching and skin rashes that lead to secondary skin infections. 
• Groom your dog regularly to recognize skin disorders, parasites, or skin rashes.  
• Avoid bathing with shampoo that is not made for dogs. It dries out the natural oils and alters the pH-level of the skin. 
• Poor nutrition and mineral deficiency weakens your dog's immune system and can lead to some skin disorders. 
• Environmental irritants can cause dog skin disorders and allergies. They can be cause from a plant, fragrance, detergent, or possibly a pesticide used in the garden.

 

Itchy Skin Disorders

• Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange): The most common cause of intense itching. Small red spots like insect bites on the skin of the ears, elbows and hocks. Typical crusty ear tips. 
• Fleas: Itching and scratching along the back, around the tail and hindquarters. 
• Lice: Found in poorly kept dogs with matted coats. May have bald spots. 
• Ticks: Large insects fasten onto the skin. Blood ticks may swell to pea-size. Cause irritation at the site of the bite. Can be difficult to remove intact. Often found beneath ear flaps and where hair is thin. 
• Inhalation Allergy (Canine Atopy): Severe itching, face-rubbing and licking at paws (hay fever-type symptoms.) Often begins at the same time each year (seasonal pollens). Certain breeds more susceptible. 
• Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Follows flea infestation. Pimplelike rash over the head of the tail, back of rear legs and inner thighs. Scratching continues after fleas have been killed. 
• Contact Dermatitis: Itching and skin irritation at site of contact with chemical, detergent, paint, or dye. Usually affects the feet and hairless parts of the body. 
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Requires repeated or continuous contact with allergen suc as a flea collar. Rash may spread beyond area of contact. 
• Lick Sores: Mainly in large, short-coated individuals. Starts with licking at wrist or ankle. 
• Fly-bite Dermatitis: Painful bites at tips of erect ears and bent surfaces of floppy ears. Bites become scabbed, crusty-black and bleed easily.

 

Skin Ailments with Hair Loss

• Ringworm (Fungus Infection): Scaly, crusty, red circular patches with hair loss at center. Affects all parts of coat. Looks healthy unless complicated by scabs and crusts. Some cases involve a large area with hair loss. 
• Calluses (Elbow Sores): Gray, hairless, wrinkled pads of skin usually over elbow but can occur over any bony pressure point from lying on hard surfaces.

 

Skin Ailments with Bumps Under the Skin

• Papillomas and Warts: Grow out from the skin and look like warts or pieces of chewing gum stuck to the skin. Can occur in the mouth. Not painful.  
• Hematomas: Collections of blood beneath skin, especially of the ears. Caused by trauma. 
• Tender Knots: Frequently found at the site of a shot or vaccination. Resolve spontaneously. Often painful. 
• Cysts: Smooth lumps beneath skin. May grow slowly. Can discharge cheesy material. Become infected. Otherwise not painful.