With a bark, your dog speaks volumes about how he’s feeling. His often garbled language can be confusing, and it’s never too late to start learning what his body language means. It might help know that different skin conditions can make your puppy appear scaly, sweaty, dry, or inflamed. Here’s everything you need to know about the signs of canine dermatitis and how best to help your furry friend feel better!
What is a skin condition?
There are 37 different skin disorders in dogs; they’re called dermatitis. This term describes inflammation of any part of the dog’s body, including the mouth, ears, paws, and nose.
Although the pain associated with many skin conditions is similar, the underlying cause is different. Each has its symptoms, treatment, and causes, so you need to find out your dog’s primary condition to help him feel better.
If you suspect your dog has a skin problem, contact your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. You can also review these signs:
- Redness or irritation around the eyes or mouth
- A clear discharge from an ear or nostril
- Genital blisters/inflammation
- Scratching at her skin
- Hot spots that are red and inflamed
The most common causes of canine dermatitis include allergies, parasites, infections, and hormone imbalances.
Most Common Skin Conditions In Dogs
Itchy Skin
Hives, rashes, and acne are common rashes that result from various triggers. Dogs need to be groomed regularly and are usually easy to spot with this condition.
Red Sores
These occur when the dog scratches her skin or after being bathed since they’re inflamed areas. In such a case, you must use a dog fence to get them a covered area free from germs to avoid scratches made by them.
Urticaria
This condition causes the dog’s skin to have raised red bumps with a bit of scaling around it. This rash is more common in dogs with allergies, but it can also happen without an obvious cause. It can be spread through contact between animals or by fleas or ticks.
How To Help Dog In Case Of Skin Conditions?
It’s important to limit your dog’s exposure to anything that triggers the condition. For example, if he is allergic to fleas, avoid having him around people and pets infested with them. Keep him on a strict daily flea treatment program and get rid of any fleas that he does not already have on his body.
Brush Your Dog Regularly
Brushing removes dead hair and dirt, leading to bacterial build-up on your dog’s skin which causes respiratory issues. This is why it’s so important that you groom her regularly. Some dogs like being brushed often while others do not, so consult with your vet about the best method for your canine friend. Also, after this aspect, you can get an electric dog fence so as to provide a clean and isolated environment.
Use a Dog Shampoo
Cleanse your dog’s skin with a hypoallergenic canine shampoo that’s affordable and safe for dogs. Try to limit the number of times you bathe your dog throughout the year to avoid stripping her coat of essential oils. Try a pet-specific anti-itch shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin to reduce allergies.
Diet
You must prevent your dog from becoming overweight or obese since his belly can become enlarged, and he will get hot spots on his belly. Remember to feed him healthy, balanced meals high in fiber content. A good diet for dogs is a mix of animal proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and healthy grains such as barley, wheat, or kibble made with a gluten-free blend.
Borax to Treat Hot Spots
Try to eliminate dogs with these issues by giving them a cleansing bath with borax to remove the scales and bacterial build-up from their bodies. This can also help prevent future scale build-up and quicken the healing phase for skin conditions.
Bathe Your Dog Before Bathing Him Yourself
Your dog should not be bathed more than twice a month as it will strip his skin of essential oils needed for good health, causing dryness and wrinkling of the coat. If you want to bathe your dog, consult with your veterinarian about how often you should do it.
Ask for Help if Needed
If you’re struggling with dealing with the pain or discomfort of an allergic dog, then speak to your vet or find someone who can assist in helping you care for your pet in the most comfortable way possible. Your dog’s health is of utmost importance and should be treated.
Conclusion
Don’t let your dog suffer from skin condition syndrome. If you suspect your pet might have one, consult your veterinarian and see what they recommend to help him feel better.
Also, be sure to do all you can to stay at home by brushing him regularly, using hypoallergenic shampoo, and treating his skin. If you don’t know which dermatitis your dog has, try looking for an easy to distinguish symptom such as in the list of common skin conditions above.