At Healthy Paws Veterinary Center, we frequently see and treat dogs that are experiencing various skin conditions. Today, our Little Elm vet dermatologists discuss skin conditions in dogs and how pet dermatology can help with diagnosing and treating the issue.
The Skin of Your Dog
There is a wide range of skin conditions dogs can develop, such as scabs, rashes, and red bumps. Our canine companions can develop skin conditions for different reasons, such as external parasites and allergens. In many cases, mild skin problems can be treated at home, whereas more serious issues typically require veterinary care.
Here, our veterinary dermatologists in Little Elm lists some of the most common skin problems in dogs and explains how they can be treated.
Dog Skin Conditions
Rashes
While rashes can appear anywhere on a dog's skin, they are most common on the belly and can occur for many reasons, such as insect bites, and contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to something your dog came into contact with, such as fertilizer, lawn chemicals, or poison ivy.
If your dog's rash is caused by contact dermatitis, quickly give them a bath, to remove any remaining traces of the irritant.
Is the rash the result of an insect bite? If it isn't bothering your dog, the rash should go away on its own. But, if the bite is irritating your dog or if the rash is caused by an allergen, bathe your dog in cool water and use a colloidal oatmeal shampoo.
Redness/Irritated Skin
Redness and irritation, in combination with itching, are the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs. The best way to treat this issue is to determine the source of the allergy, which could be a certain food, something in your pup's environment, or even fleas.
While your vet is working with you to determine the source of the allergy and a treatment plan, you can help alleviate your dog's symptoms by bathing them with an oatmeal shampoo or giving them an oatmeal bath.
Scabs
Crusting of the skin or 'scabs' could either be the main problem or the result of a pimple (pustule) that has popped and crusted over. Causes of scabs can include ectoparasites (mites and fleas), puppy impetigo, or pyoderma, which is a skin infection that affects dog breeds with wrinkly skin.
The treatments your vet uses to treat your dog's scabs will depend on the underlying cause of their condition and could include antiparasitic medication, oral antibiotics, medicated shampoos, or ointments.
Bumps
Small bumps on your dog's skin that are crusted may be caused by a fungal or bacterial skin infection known as 'folliculitis'. Your vet will most likely treat this with antibiotics and an ointment or medicated shampoo.
If your dog's bumps are large, flat, and don't have any crusting they could have hives caused by an allergic reaction. These hives are generally treated with steroids or/and antihistamines. However, while hives aren't usually life-threatening, swelling caused by an allergic reaction could restrict your dog's airway, making it imperative to call your vet immediately.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are hot, moist areas on a dog's skin that often develop in the summer as the result of excessive chewing or licking of the area. This licking introduces bacteria to the irritated area which makes the spot hot. These hot spots often occur after a dog has been swimming or outside on a hot day, they can also be seen in dogs that have dense undercoats.If your pup's hotspot is uncomplicated, it can be treated by cleaning the area with a diluted chlorhexidine solution or by simpling clipping the fur in the area to let the skin breathe.
You can help prevent hotspots by keeping your pup well-groomed and drying them after they have been out in the rain or swimming.
Sores
If your dog has developed sores on their skin, but there isn't an obvious cause or they aren't healing properly, they could be caused by cancer or another underlying health condition that is preventing normal healing. It is essential to keep the sores clean and to contact your veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Veterinary Dermatology at Healthy Paws Veterinary Center
Our veterinary team offers dermatology services for cats and dogs suffering from skin conditions. We have the tools and services required to diagnose and treat a range of skin problems in pets and, if your furry friend requires a diagnosis or services outside the capabilities of our experienced team we will refer your dog to a veterinary dermatologist near Little Elm.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.