Ailments

Learn How To Stop Dog Hair Shedding!

Ailments That Affect A Dogs Coat.

ParasitesExternal parasites such as ticks, fleas and lice are visible, while others such as mites, yeast and fungi are not.
External parasites may cause a dull, dandruffy coat or even inflamed skin with or without itchiness or vise versa.
Hair loss around the eyes or lips without itchiness could be demodex mange.
Circular crusty hairless areas without itchiness could be ringworm (a fungal infection) or a bacterial infection.
If your dog scratches constantly but you see no fleas, your dog could have lice. You will see tiny white eggs on its coat.
Intense itchiness especially around the elbows and ears, your dog could have scabies mites.
If your dog has general itchiness he may have fleas, malassezia yeast allergy or another allergies.
If you find a tick attached to your dog, to remove it, apply a tick spray, alcohol, liquid paraffin or mineral oil directly to the parasite. This will cause the tick to loosen its grip so you can properly remove it head and all.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with a pair of tweezers or tick remover and rotate. Avoid squeezing the ticks body as this sends toxins into your dogs skin.
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease to both dogs and humans.
Fleas and ticks can affect humans the same as they can dogs.
Scabies and mites can irritate and inflame human skin.
Ringworm is highly contagious and can be passed from dogs to humans.

ScratchingParasites and allergies are the most common reasons dogs scratch themselves.
Scratching can often lead to a secondary infection.
Localized scratching and redness to a specific area could be from a possible contact irritation from a product or chemical or even an insect bite. Bathe the dog with an oatmeal shampoo.
If scratching is seasonal: Winter - Could be caused by dust mites or human dander. Summer - Could be caused by grass or pollen.
Bacteria or yeast may multiply on scratched raw skin and cause further irritation and scratching.

When To See The VetExcessive shedding could be a sign of a thyroid problem or allergies.
If your pet smells bad and grooming doesn't help this could be a sign of a skin disorder.
Constant scratching in a certain area.
Lusterless, brittle coats can indicate an illness.
If your dogs coat looks dull, breaks easily or starts falling out overly excessive.