Having a cute and lovable dog
is one of the things that make dogs well appreciated. As an
owner we will have to do our part to help keep the dog cute
and lovable. We should learn how to take care of it’s hygiene
to prevent it from suffering skin complications.
When your dog suffers from skin complications
it will become harder to look at and be very pitiful. If you
have seen the world’s ugliest dog Sam, you will have a whole
lot of pity for it. To prevent your dog from having any skin
complications that could deform it, here are some of those common
complications and their preventive measures.
• Atopy or Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis: as
a result of microscopic particles in the air that lands in the
dog’s skin, the skin becomes very itchy. The diagnosis of this
skin condition is based from the clinical presentation and absence
of other causes like the ectoparasites. Treating this problem
will include dietary supplements, steroids and antihistamines,
and most likely long term. In some cases where the condition
gets out of control, skin allergen testing and hypo sensitization
helps. Rinsing and shampooing the pet also helps.
• Ectoparasites or external parasites: mites,
fleas, ticks. These parasites are able to break the external
barrier of the skin, making the bacterial infections possible
or allergic reactions. You or the vet can diagnose this condition
by carefully observing the skin through gross observation or
microscopic examinations of skin scrapes. The treatment depends
on the parasites found. The common treatment though is anti-parasitic
shampoos and drugs and rinsing the dog.
• Fungal Infections: Dermal Coccidioidomycosis,
Malassezia and Dermatophytosis. Diagnosis is based on the organisms
found on the fecal samples that are fresh and cooled, microscopic
exams of skin scrapings and blood tests that will identify the
antibodies to Coccidioides immitis. The treatment are systematic
antifungal drugs and shampoos that will include rinses and topical.
• Food Allergies: giving the wrong food that
dogs have allergic reactions to will manifest themselves in
their skin. Diagnosing food allergic reactions is usually done
by ruling out other allergic reactions first. Treating this
will be giving the dog a hypoallergenic diet for a minimum of
six weeks.
• Irritant contact dermatitis: diagnosis is
based from the history of clinical contact allergies or presentations.
Treating this will only require you washing the irritated area
and are given steroids for a short period. Remember to prevent
re-exposure.
• Autoimmune Skin Disease: there are lots of
diseases of this kind and surgical biopsy is done to diagnose
it. The treatment includes either. Steroids, immune modulation
drugs or dietary supplements.
These are the most common skin disease that
you should observe on your dog when your dog has been acting
weird in a way. Your dog may already be suffering from among
these skin conditions that could eventually worsen. Immediately
seek help when initial outbreaks are present.
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