The most common skin diseases in dogs

Animal owners will have  noticed some symptoms that may be associated with a skin disease. This is the case with allergies, itching or irritation. Let’s find out the causes of these problems.

Parasites, the most common cause of skin diseases in animals

Fleas and ticks are the parasites that most frequently invade the fur of our animals. These can cause various dermatological problems, such as dermatitis.

When fleas bite a dog, they cause severe itching that causes the animal to scratch constantly. As a result the skin will become inflamed.

In addition, these parasites could cause serious diseases or infections in the animal, such as canine ehrlichiosis. The solution is to use good pesticides   that do not damage the skin of our 4-legged friend.

Skin allergies

Another cause of redness, irritation, or small blisters, are food allergies and external agents. For example, pollen allergy, which affects both dogs and people.

Injuries and accidents

Some injuries from various accidents  can cause skin problems for your furry friend. To prevent them, for example, prevent them from going to dangerous areas of the house.

Tumors and cysts

Skin diseases could also be caused by tumors . They are known as carcinoma, sebaceous cysts, adenoma, (similar to a wart), or melanoma, (patches on the skin).

The older the dog (from 10-11 years old), the more likely it is to suffer from these diseases.

Internal diseases can also affect the skin

Some metabolic diseases, such as diabetes , affect an animal’s skin health.

When a vital organ in his body is diseased, for example the liver,  the skin reflects the inner state of the dog through a change in color. 

Another type of metabolic pathology such as Cushing’s syndrome and hyperthyroidism could affect the skin of animals,  causing ulcers, sores and difficult wound healing.

Prevention and treatments

Specific treatment is required according to the severity of the skin disease that the veterinarian will determine.

A diet rich in fatty acids and some hypoallergenic foods help dogs with skin problems. 

Depending on the type of injury,  treatment will consist of using antiseptics, medicines, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory ointments.

Tips for keeping animal skin healthy

  • It is important to use pesticides  to prevent the dog from being attacked by fleas and ticks.
  • Make him the bathroom with the times and the right products  is very important. Excessive washing could cause skin pH imbalances.
  • Poorly treated wounds could lead to infections. The best thing is to clean them and make sure that the dog does not lick them.

Some skin diseases of bacterial origin

Fungus

It arises from an invasion of fungi and almost always originates under the nails and between the legs,  extending slowly throughout the body.

Ringworm

This infectious and contagious disease caused by fungi can also spread to people. 

It is recognized by the presence of some hairless areas in the animal. It spreads very quickly and can even cause burns.

Pyoderma

It is a set of skin diseases of bacterial origin  that occur on the dog’s skin, regardless of the bacterium that originates them.

They have various symptoms, such as small blisters or pustules with leaking pus, with or without alopecia in the affected areas.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer is another disease that can affect dogs. The various symptoms are redness, rashes, hair loss, etc.

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