Dogs are highly intelligent animals with superior communication abilities that allow them to effectively connect with both other dogs and humans.
Have you noticed your dog rolling in grass or droppings when they feel happy and relaxed?
Rolling is often harmless behavior; however, it’s important to pay attention to context so you can ascertain if there may be medical or behavioral reasons behind their rolling behavior.
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Excess Skin
Loose skin is an attribute found among many breeds of dogs. Bloodhounds in particular can benefit from having extra skin to capture scent and help them track prey more effectively.
Skin fold dermatitis should be of great concern to pet owners as loose skin on dogs may lead to serious health complications.
Recent research has demonstrated that dogs with flat faces (brachycephalic), such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs are more prone to suffering from this condition than crossbreds.
At all costs, it is crucial that your dog remains at an ideal weight. In addition, it may be beneficial to wipe down his skin folds after each meal with canine facial wipes so as to prevent bacteria forming within their folds and helping him remain healthier overall.
Eyelid Issues
Eyelid issues may be the result of injuries, infections, skin diseases and body-wide diseases; your veterinarian can perform a full medical examination and biochemistry profile to ascertain the source of inflammation.
Entropion is one of the most prevalent eyelid abnormalities. This condition occurs when eyelids turn inward and scrape across the surface of the eyelashes, leading to chronic irritation, corneal ulcers, infections and scarring if left untreated.
This condition affects several dog breeds, such as Shar Peis, Chow Chows, Boxers, Bulldogs, Saint Bernards, Pugs and Labrador retrievers. Their eyelids tend to roll inward toward their inner corner of eyes, causing their fur or hair to rub against the corneal surface and rub against its fur or hair.
Treatment for entropion generally includes eyelid surgery to correct its position and alleviate chronic irritation, often performed on young puppies. A veterinarian may place tacking sutures to pull back the eyelid from its connection with the eyeball; after several weeks have passed, these tacking sutures may be removed if entropion has subsided.
Skin Infections
Your dog needs special care to remain bacteria and yeast-free, which means cleaning the area regularly, reducing inflammation, and sometimes giving an anti-yeast treatment.
Certain breeds, such as British Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs and French Bulldogs are more prone to this condition; however it can affect any dog. It occurs when folds of your pet’s skin create an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria growth.
Dermatitis, or skin inflammation and infection, is an inflammation and infection of the skin, often with its symptoms being mild or chronic in nature. A veterinarian should be seen for diagnosis and management; depending on its source it may require antibiotics or an antifungal cream/shampoo to be effective treatments.
Ear Issues
Rolly dogs tend to experience ear problems due to their unusual ear shape or history of infections such as Otitis Externa. This infection typically takes place on the outer portion of their ears and may lead to damage of the tympanic membrane (ear drum), middle ear inflammation, and even deafness in some cases.
An ear infection may have various causes, such as parasites, foreign bodies, hypersensitivity disorders (allergies), keratinization diseases, glandular conditions or auto-immune skin disease. Regular preventive exams and cleaning as part of an animal wellness plan can help identify any issues before they worsen and lead to infections.
Other common symptoms may include rubbing ears, tilting of the head, discharge from the ears or any combination thereof. Yeast overgrowth or bacterial infections could be contributing to these signs; for this reason it’s crucial that your veterinarian identify what specific type of infection exists so they can prescribe any necessary treatment medications to your pet.
