Dog Health Check
If your dog is itching consistently he or she may be more than likely to have a skin condition. It is difficult to know what is irritating your dog without a dog health check by a vet. It is quite normal for a dog to occasionally itch, just like a human may occasionally scratch their skin. Itching frequently is a tell-tale sign that your dog may have dog health concerns.
Dogs more than often stop their itch by rubbing their head against an object. They also use their paws to scratch the irritated area. Your dog may lick their paws or other areas of their body to soothe they skin.
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There are other dog health concerns in respect to a skin condition. These are:
- Skin sores
- Dry skin
- Rashes
- Lump
- Redness
- Dandruff
- Bumps
- Hair loss
Regular dog health checks and then taking note as and when your dog has a reaction will help you to identify your dog’s problem. If your dog itches after meal times, during a particular season or if you have recently done any housework, all of which can indicate an underlying allergy. The more information you can provide to your vet they can then make an accurate diagnosis of your dog’s skin allergy.
The most common types of dog skin conditions
The most common dog health problems regarding skin conditions are: bacterial infections; fungal infections, and parasite allergies.
1. Environmental Allergies
Itching particularly to the face, feet, chest and stomach for a dog can indicate an environmental allergy.
This allergy in dogs is called ‘Atopy’ and is similar to how people have hay fever. Dogs show their dog problems by having irritated, itchy skin. https://wagwalking.com/condition/atopy
By carrying out a blood test for your dog can diagnose whether your pet is allergic to grass, dust mites and pollens. In the most severe cases you may be asked to use a medicated shampoo, tablets or injections. Drugs have evolved for the care of dogs with this disease and a combination of these treatments can help ease your dog’s symptoms.
United Dogdom sell a range of shampoos and conditioners for dogs with sensitive skin. https://uniteddogdom.co.uk/shop/toys-accessories/shampoos/
2. Food allergies
Itching to the face, feet, ears and anus are signs of a dog food allergy. Dogs health problems can develop through their food. Their diet such as beef, eggs, chicken, dairy or even vegetables can be an allergy for your dog.
Going through an elimination process for 8-12 could rule out any causes of allergies. Your vet can advise on this treatment. It is particularly important that you do not introduce your dog to any of the foods that may be a problem during the process to ensure accurate results.
3. Folliculitis
Folliculitis means inflamed hair follicles. This is another dog skin allergy which needs to be managed to ensure your dog is not in any discomfort. The inflamed hair appears on the body in sores, bumps and scabs over the skin. This can be kept under control with medicated shampoos, tablets and antibacterial ointments are prescribed by a Vet to help treat the infection.
4. Impetigo
Young puppies are more likely to experience impetigo, which is another skin condition. You must see a Vet as soon as possible if you think your dog may have this skin condition.
These lesions can appear on the dog’s stomach as blisters, which can burst and scab over. Your dog can be treated for this with antibiotics or shampoos. Your Vet can run a few tests to diagnose the problem. This will also help with your dog’s mental health too.
5. Ringworm
Ringworm, is a fungus that is highly infectious. The infection appears as a round, crusty bald patches and is often found on a dog’s head, paws, ears and front legs. Your dog’s skin can also appear inflamed and red from where they have irritated the area from scratching. Contact your Vet straight away if you spot any signs of irritation. The Vet will carry out a dog health check and prescribe a medicated cream to prevent it from spreading.
6. Yeast infections
Another infection that your dog may experience is a yeast infection that cannot be ignored. Certain warm areas on a dog’s body attract yeast infections. These can appear on the ear canal, in between your dog’s toes, groin and perineum. This will cause your dog to itch and bite at the area. The yeast can change the colour of your dog’s skin and can smell. A Vet will carry out a dog health check and prescribe a topical cream, shampoo and tablets to relieve your dog from the symptoms.
7. Ticks and fleas
Ticks and fleas bite at your dogs’s skin and suck the blood. The flea’s saliva enters the body and can cause an allergic response which irritates your pet’s skin, causing them to itch constantly. Your dog’s skin will appear red and inflamed. Your dog will scratch and may chew at their fur.
Keeping carpets and bedding clean is vital as this is where fleas can live. Also, regularly changing your dog’s bed and ensuring your dog receives their up to date flea and tick treatment will defer the fleas and ticks.
United Dogdom offer a selection of beds and blankets for your dogs. These items are not only cosy, comfortable and durable but also washable which is essential to keep the ticks and fleas away. https://uniteddogdom.co.uk/shop/beds-blankets/dog-beds/
8. Mange
Mange is a extreme severe skin condition caused by many species of mites that live on the dog’s hair and skin.
There are two types of mange:
The demodex mite, which tends to affect dogs under one year old.
Sarcoptic mange, which is an intensely itchy condition and is often first seen on the dog’s ears. Your dog will experience hair loss on the face and legs, along with severe itching and redness around the affected areas.
To avoid mange, ensure you wash your dog’s bedding and keep the environment clean. Ensure your dog is not in contact with any other pet if they are infected. The Vet will carry out a dog health check. This can be treated with tablets and shampoo to kill the mite. This will ease the itching and inflammation.
9. Dandruff
Dogs unfortunately can get dandruff or dry skin. Some dogs are prone to having dry skin, particularly in the winter. The reason for this can be their diet. By feeding your dog a high quality source of protein, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can help keep your dog’s coat healthy. Simple cases of dandruff are normally easy to treat with shampoos but your Vet will advise you accordingly.
10. Lupus
As with humans, lupus attacks your dog’s immune system. Open, crusty skin sores around the eyes, nose and paws, which take too long to heal can indicate an immune disorder. If left untreated can be very serious. Therefore you need to ensure the vets gets to the bottom of any skin condition that is not improving. This is very important for your dog’s health.