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Dog Skin Problems

A QUICK LOOK AT DOG SKIN PROBLEMS
By Tess Thompson

As in humans, skin is the largest organ in your pet’s body too. But unlike humans your pet’s skin is concealed by a coat that hides any changes that may be occurring beneath it. And though humans easily detect small changes that may occur on the skin, certain pet skin ailments can only be detected by understanding pet behavior.

Excessive itching and scratching is the first give-away symptom that can help you to understand that there is something wrong with your pet. Most of the times, it is this behavior that turns minor problems like cat dandruff and feline acne into serious skin problems like excessive feline hair loss and eczema.

Dogs run an increased risk and dog skin problems are among the most common health disorders that dog owners have to deal with.

A healthy skin and coat is a good indicator of the overall health of your dog. And you may have noticed that the first thing that veterinarians while examining pets is to run their hands over the coat of the pet. The skilled hands of the veterinarians can detect infections and distortions on the skin better than we can. They can notice infestation of parasites and many other disorders that may lead them to the final source of the problem.

A dog’s skin can get affected due to a number of reasons. These are classified into various types like auto immune mediated, infections and infestations, genetic and manifestations of internal ailments.

A weakened immune system of the dog often results in problems like:

Recurrent infections - These infections can be bacterial or fungal in nature.

Hypersensitivity - This includes allergic reactions to food, chemicals, environment, pollens, grass, weeds and house dust mites.

Acute moist dermatitis / hot spots - This condition is created and worsened by excessive licking and scratching. A hot spot can spread rapidly resulting in secondary staphylococcus infection. This causes the top layer to break and form pustules that get caught in the hair. Spherical gram-positive parasitic bacteria tend to form irregular colonies. Some cause boils, septicemia or infections

Infectious skin diseases can be contagious or non contagious. They include all kinds of infestations as well. These are mostly caused by parasites, bacteria, fungus and viruses.

Mange - It is a long lasting and contagious disease caused by microscopic mites that cause inflammation, itching and loss of hair.

Other contagious parasitic infestations - Sarcoptic canine scabies is a common contagious skin disease. Infestation of Cheyletiella mite and lice are another two infestations that are contagious.

Non contagious parasitic infestations - Fleas and ticks are acquired from the environment, especially from areas where there are hosts that are already infested.

Flea allergy dermatitis – This is the most common cause of skin disease. The flea saliva causes allergic reactions that lead to hair loss and eczema.

Some skin diseases are hereditary that promote typical skin structures or functions.

Certain dogs are more prone to a fragile, elastic and soft skin that easily forms welts and scars. Others can contract canine follicular dysplasia or alopecia due to a genetic predisposition.

Endocrinal disorders like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome and tumors of ovaries and testicles can also manifest as skin diseases.

It is important to note that a dog generally does not indulge in excessive licking or scratching unless there is a reason behind it. It is extremely easy for dogs to contract skin problems since they accumulate and retain dust and water in their coat. A moist and dirty skin is very conducive to bacteria and mites. Even a harmless looking cut or a leison can worsen if parasites and mites get attracted to it.

The one way in which you can avoid complicated skin problems is to ensure high levels of hygiene and regular checks that can help in early detection.


References:
http://superk9.com/article-doghealthcare06.asp
http://ezinearticles.com/?Skin-Conditions-in-Dogs&id=468256