There are many different dog skin treatment products on the market. These can range from products that you can apply directly on your pet to more complicated treatments that you might need to take your dog to the vet to be injected with. The most common issues your dog may have with its skin include Ringworm, Scabies, Secondary hyperpigmentation, and Flea allergy dermatitis. These are all issues that can be treated. However, they can be a little tricky to diagnose.
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Secondary hyperpigmentation
When your dog develops secondary hyperpigmentation, you may be confused as to what’s causing it. It’s important to understand that this symptom is usually a sign of an underlying disease. Once the underlying problem is treated, the hyperpigmented patches will disappear.
If your dog has this condition, you’ll need to treat the underlying issue to get rid of the skin discoloration. If the symptoms worsen, you’ll want to speak to a veterinarian.
The best way to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms is by taking a careful history. Your vet will also want to know any changes in your dog’s behavior or diet.
If your dog has been scratching or licking its feet, this might be a sign of an allergy. Your vet may prescribe a special shampoo that will help control the itchiness.
Flea allergy dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis is a common skin disease in dogs and cats. Usually, it is associated with excessive itching and hair loss. This condition may also lead to secondary bacterial infections. Fortunately, there are various dog skin treatment options available to treat the condition.
The main part of treatment is controlling the fleas. In some cases, the pet may need to take antibiotics or antifungal drugs to help with a secondary infection. These medications will help reduce the pain and irritation from the itch and may relieve the dog of the secondary conditions.
A veterinary dermatologist can determine whether the dog has a flea allergy. This is done by performing a physical examination and taking a history. The veterinarian will also look for signs of other disorders.
Environmental and food allergies
A dog’s skin can be prone to both food and environmental allergies. These conditions can be difficult to diagnose and manage, but they do not always need to lead to an ear infection.
The underlying cause of both types of allergy is atopic dermatitis, an autoimmune disease that causes an over-reaction of the immune system. Some dogs are predisposed to atopic dermatitis because of genetics, while others may develop it spontaneously. However, the symptoms are often similar.
The most common food allergens for dogs are proteins, such as cow’s milk, eggs, and chicken. Other foods that can be a dietary trigger for an allergic reaction include dairy products, fish, and peanuts.
In most cases, allergies in dogs begin between 6 months and 3 years of age. As the condition progresses, more areas on the dog’s body will become affected. The ears, face, and abdomen are the most common areas.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a disease that affects dogs and people. It is a fungal infection that can cause lesions on the skin. It is usually not a serious problem. However, it is contagious.
The best way to treat ringworm is to get a diagnosis from a veterinarian. This will help you prevent re-infection.
In addition to having a good medical history of your dog, a veterinarian will perform a physical examination to check for any signs of ringworm. He may also use a special UV light called a Wood’s lamp.
Once your vet has ruled out other conditions, he or she will take a sample of your pet’s hair and test it for ringworm. If a fungus is found, it will be treated with an antifungal.
Scabies mites
The scabies mite is a parasite which lives on dogs. It’s not a dangerous parasite but it can cause intense itching. The best way to prevent an infestation is to talk to your vet. If you notice your dog developing itching, see your veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It burrows into the skin and causes severe itching and crusting. The incubation period for the mite is a few weeks.
The disease is most commonly seen in dogs with weakened immune systems. It can also affect any type of breed, including small and large dogs. The symptoms vary and can include redness, rashes, and weeping sores. The severity of the condition usually peaks in six to eight weeks.
