What causes skin problems in dogs?
There are a lot of things that can cause skin problems in dogs. Some of them are internal, some of them are external, and some of them are allergies. We need to see them to identify the issue properly.
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What are some signs and symptoms that my dog may have a skin infection?
Anytime they're losing hair, itching, scratching, rubbing themselves on the floor, showing lumps or bumps, or shedding more than usual, these are all signs that we need to get them in for a check up.
Are dermatology issues painful for my dog?
They can be. Dogs have nerves and can feel discomfort just like us. Sometimes licking, chewing, or biting at themselves can be a sign of itchiness, but it can also indicate pain.
What tests will be performed to diagnose my dog's skin condition?
We usually look for bacteria, yeast, and external parasites. Changes in any of these things may decide which medications we use. Diagnostic testing is important to tell us which direction to go.
What are some common skin problems in dogs and how are they usually treated?
Allergies are a common issue that cause itching and scratching. When they itch and scratch, they open up that skin barrier and that can lead to skin infections. Chronic conditions and contact issues are also common.
What if my dog's skin problems go untreated?
If it's bad enough, the animal can end up with a whole-body infection and that can lead to sepsis, which will make your dog feel very bad. Nine times out of 10, it's not life-threatening, but if it goes on long enough, gets bad enough, it can turn that direction.
What is the difference between atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is when you have an allergy to something in your environment and usually those things are inhalant, causing your skin to break out. Contact dermatitis is when you touch something that irritates your skin and then you get a skin infection or a skin lesion.
What are curable versus incurable skin problems in dogs?
We can't cure allergies, but we can manage and treat them as they pop up. Things that are curable usually relate to things like external parasites that we can manage and keep away. A lot of recurrent dermatitis are more managed than cured.
How can I get my dog checked for skin problems?
If you have any concerns about your dog's skin or itchiness, you can give us a call at Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital and we can set you up an appointment to see one of our doctors!
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Dermatology - FAQs 1
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What is dog dermatology?
Dog dermatology is the examination of a dog's skin and factors that affect it. This includes lesions, masses, tumors, itching, scratching, and the like. All these are encompassed in dermatology.
Can all veterinarians diagnose skin conditions in my dog or do I need to see a specialist?
While most veterinarians can diagnose and manage initial skin issues in dogs, there are dermatology specialists available if your dog's skin issue becomes chronic or difficult to manage. There can be times when your pet is referred to a specialist to treat a problem that is beyond the scope of a general veterinarian's expertise.
Are there any skin conditions in dogs that will resolve on their own?
The resolution of skin conditions depends on the nature of the issue. For instance, parasites need to be eradicated to relieve the skin condition. Skin infections usually require antibiotics to clear up. If the dog's skin irritation is due to contact with a certain element, removing that element can potentially resolve the issue. Hence, the treatment varies based on the condition and its cause.
Are there things I can do at home to help my dog avoid skin issues?
Completely avoiding skin issues might not be possible. However, you could manage your dog's environment and keep their skin clean to reduce the chances of skin problems. This might involve bathing them frequently in a medicated shampoo prescribed by your vet, especially for breeds with skin folds or wrinkles. It's also crucial to understand what your dog is exposed to, as many dogs have allergies which can lead to skin issues.
When do I need to see my veterinarian for my dog's skin conditions?
If you notice any skin conditions, hair loss, or discomfort in your dog, it's time to visit your vet. Ignoring these signs for extended periods can potentially worsen the skin problem and result in resistant infections that are difficult to treat.
What should I expect from a dog dermatology exam?
A typical dog dermatology exam includes a full physical check-up where the vet looks for hair loss, skin irritation, changes in color, and new masses or tumors. Following that, they conduct dermatology diagnostics to test for bacteria, yeast, and parasites on the skin. The vet then discusses the treatment options based on the findings.
Why are recheck exams so important?
Recheck exams are crucial to ensure complete recovery of your pet's skin condition. Even if the symptoms seem to improve after initial treatment, the problem might not have fully resolved and could require extended treatment. Frequent check-ups, typically every two weeks, can help monitor the progress and modify the treatment plan if necessary.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Dermatology - FAQs 2
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What is dog dermatitis?
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin in its dictionary definition. Anything that irritates or inflames the skin, redness, swelling, changes in color, things like that are all encompassing with dermatitis. Dermatitis is just a big word for there's inflammation in the skin.
What is food allergy dermatitis and how is it treated?
Food allergy dermatitis is when we have a hypersensitivity to the main protein source in the diet. And so you eat something that makes you itchy and then you scratch and you open up that skin barrier, you get an infection. It's a multi-step process, but usually food has something to do with it. And in order to diagnose and treat those guys, we have to work on the diet.
What is flea allergy dermatitis and how is it treated?
Flea allergy dermatitis is literally that is an allergy to the saliva from flea bites. And so what ends up happening is you can have a flea, you don't even have to have a lot of fleas. So if a flea comes and bites you, if you're allergic to that saliva, they will then break out. They will get itchy. They will scratch your skin open. They will get secondary skin infections. And until or unless you get the fleas out of the equation, and that means every animal in the house and treating the house and the environment itself, you're going to have recurrent skin problems.
What is contact allergy dermatitis and how is it treated?
Contact allergy dermatitis is literally when you're touching something that irritates your skin. So if we find something that literally irritates the skin when you lay on it, sometimes there's a problem with a new laundry detergent or something that we sprayed in the environment or literally something like a plant that irritates the face when they go and sniff it. All of those things are contact allergies and knowing the underlying cause, getting it out of the environment or at least reducing the likelihood that the animal is going to touch those areas is really important to managing those issues.
What dog skin conditions are transmittable to other pets and people?
External parasites, although usually fleas and ticks, like they really want your dog more than they want you. And so your dog or your cat can have fleas and you not know about it because the fleas want to be on the dog. They technically, if there's not enough food on the dog, they will get on to people. And then they can transmit other diseases. There are certain skin mites that are transmissible to dogs or to people from dogs. There are some bacteria, but not a lot of them. And nine times out of 10, that skin infection is your dog's skin infection from the bacteria that's on its skin. And it's not going anywhere else unless we've got a really severe problem.
Is dermatitis stressful for dogs?
Oh, absolutely. If you think about it, if you had something crawling all over your skin or you were itchy everywhere and you couldn't get at it, think about that one time that you were doing something and you had to scratch your nose and you couldn't, it is unbearable. Imagine these guys being like that everywhere all the time. I can't imagine that doesn't cause stress, discomfort, pain, irritation. It can make them grumpy. It can give them changes in their behavior. They can become more reserved. They can become aggressive because it's just so uncomfortable. And a lot of dogs eventually will just reserve themselves to it and end up just taking themselves out of the equation. And it's actually a really sad thing to see.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Dermatology - FAQs 3
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What are some common skin conditions in dogs?
There are many common skin conditions in dogs, including those related to allergies and environmental factors. Additionally, external and internal parasites can cause skin problems. There are also some systemic conditions that can cause dermatitis in dogs.
What causes skin conditions in dogs?
Skin conditions in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including external issues, internal problems, and medical conditions. It's always best to have a vet examine your pet to identify the underlying problem and treat it accordingly.
Can anxiety or stress cause a skin condition in my dog?
Absolutely, stress and anxiety can indeed cause skin conditions in dogs. For instance, compulsive disorders where dogs constantly lick at an area can lead to skin problems. Sometimes, dogs with separation anxiety or other compulsive disorders can chew at their skin, causing issues. Therefore, stressful conditions can cause dermatitis in dogs.
Could a grooming product be the cause of skin conditions in my dog?
Yes, grooming products can cause skin conditions in dogs, especially if they are sensitive or hypersensitive to certain ingredients. These products can cause irritation, leading your dog to lick or chew at their skin, potentially causing a skin infection.
How can I care for my dog's skin at home?
You can care for your dog's skin at home by observing their normal behavior. Look for changes in the amount of hair they are losing, whether their shedding seems normal or abnormal, and whether they are itching, licking, chewing, or showing signs of redness or scabbing. Any of these could be a reason to visit the vet to ensure you're not overlooking a skin problem.
Are there any natural over-the-counter products or supplements I can use for my dog's skin?
While there are many over-the-counter products available, it's crucial to have your dog's skin problem diagnosed by a professional. Typically, skin issues are symptoms of larger problems, like allergies or external parasites. It's best to have your pet examined by a vet and follow their recommendations, which may include specific lotions, creams, or sprays. Attempting to treat the problem at home can inadvertently make it worse.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram