Dog Skin Conditions

Wound care for dogs doesn’t differ much from human skin conditions; the two most important things are preventing an infection and supporting the natural healing process.

Hot Spots

Hot Spots are firm, thickened, circular, raised, warm, hair less and often ulcerated skin lesions that usually are caused by repetitive licking and chewing. These sores are painful and can become infected. They usually develop on the top of a dog’s wrist joint or on top of one of the front paws. They can be found on the lower hind legs, paws and under the flap of the ear, especially in large breed dogs with floppy ears. Affected dogs usually have some type of allergic reaction or other underlying skin condition that that's the itch/lick cycle. Dogs become almost obsessed with compulsive licking, biting, and chewing. Other common names for hot spots include, moist dermatitis, and acute dermatitis. The lesions can appear suddenly, and grow rapidly within hours.

Causes Of Hot Spots?

Hot spots can be caused by a many different things. Dogs with heavy coats develop hot spots before they shed, when their damp, dead hair becomes tangled and matted, which causes irritation and itchiness. Other things that can cause or contribute to hot spots food allergies, environmental allergies, infestation by fleas, mites, ticks or other external parasites, fungal infections, skin wounds or scrapes, poor grooming and bacterial or viral skin disorders. Emotionally there could be obsessive-compulsive disease, separation anxiety, or even boredom.

Treatment Of Hot Spots

It is recommended that the hair be clipped around affected area and cleaned. Apply ResQ Skin Organics Skin Treatment to cleaned area 3 or 4 times daily.

***If condition persists contact your Holistic Veterinarian***

Yeast Infection

When a dog can’t stop scratching an ear or licking between the toes it is possibly a yeast infection. Symptoms include irritated, itchy, or discolored skin. The infection usually occurs between the paws or inside the ears, where it is a perfect area for yeast to grow.

Folliculitis

Superficial bacterial folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, bumps, and scabs on the skin. These skin abnormalities are easier to see in short-haired dogs. In long-haired dogs, the most obvious symptoms may be a dull coat and shedding with scaly skin underneath. Folliculitis often occurs in conjunction with other skin problems, such as mange, allergies, or injury.

Ringworm

Ringworm is not caused by a worm, but by a fungus. The term “ring” comes from the circular patches that can form anywhere, but are often found on the dog’s head, paws, ears, and forelegs. Inflammation, scaly patches, and hair loss often surround the lesions. Puppies less than a year old are the most susceptible, and the infection can spread quickly between puppies.

Shedding And Hair Loss (Alopecia)

How much shedding is normal depends on breed, time of year, and environment. But sometimes stress, poor nutrition, or illness can cause a dog lose more hair than usual.

Mange (Mites)

Mange is a skin disorder caused by tiny parasites called mites. Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, spreads easily among dogs, and can also be transmitted to people, but the parasites don’t survive on humans. The symptoms are intense itching, red skin, sores, and hair loss. A dog’s ears, face and legs are most commonly affected. Demodectic mange can cause bald spots, scabbing, and sores, but is not contagious between animals or people. Always check with you holistic veterinarian if you suspect your dog has mange!!

Allergic Dermatitis

Dogs can have allergic reactions to grooming products, food, and environmental irritants, such as pollen or fleabites. Scratching the head or neck is a common sign of food allergies. Symptoms of other allergies include chewing on the paws or scratching the ears or base of the tail.

Fleas

Fleas are a very common problem affecting dogs and cats. You can look for them or their droppings in a dog’s coat. Other signs of a flea infestation are persistent scratching, crusty skin lesions, and thinning hair above the base of the tail. Some cats experience an allergic reaction to fleabites and even infections and other complications if left untreated.

Acral Lick Granuloma

Also called acral lick dermatitis, this is a frustrating skin condition caused by compulsive, licking of a single area – most often on the front of the lower leg. The area is unable to heal, and the resulting pain and itching can lead the dog to keep licking the same spot.