Common Factors Inducing Skin Problems In Canines

1. Common Factors Inducing Skin Problems in Canines Skin problems can cause irritation, itching, sores and rashes in dogs, thereby leading to scratching and poor appearance. Some of these skin issues can also be a result of the underlying health issue or an adverse reaction to certain foods. So, it is important to figure out what are those allergens that trigger skin allergies and infections in canines. Read on to know a few of them that may be causing discomfort to your dog. Environmental Factors Some dogs could be allergic to pollen, grass or even dust mites which may cause itching, rashes, and sores in their paws, chest, face, tummy or any body part. This allergy is generally genetic and sometimes is specific to certain breeds. If your dog is the one who gets affected with these environmental allergens, it is important to keep him protected by using medical treatments because no matter what you do, you cannot avoid your dog from going out. Consult your vet to seek professional advice to change his lifestyle if that is causing the trouble.

2. Food Allergies Proteins like chicken, beef, eggs or dairy products can also be responsible for skin infections in dogs. These food items can cause an allergic reaction in the gastrointestinal tract of the dog’s body which may lead to diarrhea, vomiting and skin rashes. A dog with this kind of food allergies should be completely abstained from having these proteins. Consult a vet to prescribe a more hydrolyzed diet which contains proteins in small particle forms that doesn’t trigger an allergic reaction in the body. If at all the dog gets food allergy, he must be kept on a completely non-allergic diet for 10-12 weeks. Bacterial Infection Bacterial skin infections are one of the most common causes of skin infections in dogs. Bacteria can easily infect an open wound or can be transferred to the skin layers through mosquito bites and parasite infestations. Thus it is important to use repellents that keep these insects away from the dog. Ringworm This fungal infection is often confused with worm infection because of its deceptive name. However, ringworm infection appears as round, crusty scabs or bald patches on the skin that cause intense itching and are highly contagious to humans as well. Oral treatments and antifungal shampoos are the best remedies to treat this ailment. Fleas Infestation Fleas are parasites that suck blood from the host and in turn transfer their infected saliva on the skin to which some dogs could be highly allergic. Dogs allergic to the flea saliva experience intense itching. They scratch and chew their fur aggressively to get rid of the discomfort which leads to bald patches on their coat. Even you don’t see fleas on his coat; the flea dirt could still be present on his skin underneath the fur causing such nuisance. The only way to combat this issue is by keeping the dog on flea preventatives which eliminate flea infestation and further prevents its recurrence. Besides, you would also require to treat and vacuum your house regularly to stay flea free.

3. Ear Mites Ear mites can thrive in the hair follicles and skin of the pet and can cause Sarcoptic or Demodectic mange depending on the species of mites that infested the pet. A dog suffering from Demodectic mange often undergoes hair loss, and experience sores and bald spots on his skin. Sarcoptic mange also leads to similar symptoms like red rashes, intense itching and hair loss. Both of these skin infections can affect the dog badly and make him restless. Therefore, treatment is necessary to combat this issue. Yeast Infections Dogs that have floppy ears are susceptible to having yeast infections. These microbes grow on the skin and infect the skin gradually and increase their activity in humid weather. Therefore, in order to avoid yeast infection to develop in your dog, he must be checked after his swimming sessions and in the rainy season. Yeast infection appears as rashes and thickened skin and the pet experiences hair loss and itching. It is a kind of fungus and thus can be treated using antifungal treatments and ointments. Tips to Combat Skin Infections in Dogs 1.Choose the skin products carefully. Read the ingredients. 2.Use antimicrobial shampoos and conditioners to wash your dog. 3.Always clean his paws and skin after returning from parks. 4.Check him for fleas using a flea comb. 5.Put him on preventatives to safeguard him from parasites. 6.Avoid food that could cause allergy in your pet. 7.Go for regular checkups to the vet and make a thorough check yourself at home regularly.