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The Most Commonly Seen Skin Diseases in Puppies and Dogs
Skin illnesses in dogs have lots of possible causes, but 1 or 2 skin conditions make up the great majority of skin problems. By far, the commonest skin conditions in dogs are due to allergies of variable types. The most common types of allergic responses are flea allergy, environmental allergy (atopy), and dietary sensitivity, in that exact order. Demodectic mange, a kind of mite invasion, is also fairly common in puppies.
Flea allergy is puzzling to people because it will only take a few fleas to set off a severe problem for some dogs, and you will not always see the fleas in the house or on the dog. If your dog is severely itchy, particularly round the rump and back end, it is probably best to call your vet and ask for a referral for a good flea product. Flea allergy can and will affect a dog any time of the year, but tends to be the worst in the latter summer and fall.
Environmental allergy, or atopy, is another often seen underlying cause of skin problems in dogs. Just like people, dogs have an allergic sensitivity to airborne antigens in the environment, for example pollen, ragweed, and mold. However , unlike people who often develop watery eyes and a runny nose, dogs respond to the allergens in the shape of itchy skin. Dogs experiencing this problem can be itchy anywhere on their body, but the most common areas are the feet and the belly. Any breed of dog can be influenced, but smaller dogs eg the West Highland white terrier and the Bichon Frise, as well as the English bulldog are over represented. Atopy tends to be season specific, with the dog being affected in the spring, summer, and fall, and seldomly seen in cold weather months. Antihistamines and special shampoo therapy are used to control atopy symptoms.
Food allergy is the next most frequently seen trigger of skin illness in dogs and it's also the one of the toughtest skin disorders to diagnose. Food sensitivity happens when a dog becomes allergic to a protein that is present in the dog's food (or treats, or table scraps). The three commonest antigens that cause diet allergy are beef, dairy, and wheat, although plenty of other proteins can also be implicated. Food allergy can develop in a dog at any time, and often times the dog has been eating the same food for years without problems before it all of a sudden develops a problem. Diet allergy causes a dog to be itchy anywhere on its body and also frequently causes ear illnesses. If your vet suspects a dietary sensitivity, she will doubtless talk with you regarding a food trial for your dog, and prescribe a special kind of hypoallergenic dog diet.
Demodectic mange is a difficulty very commonly seen in puppies, although not in adult dogs. The demodex mite infects the puppy when it is very young, and causes patchy alopecia and secondary illnesses. Demodectic mange is different from the allergic skin conditions as it is mostly does not itch, and a skin scraping at the vet is required to diagnose it.
Flea allergy is puzzling to people because it will only take a few fleas to set off a severe problem for some dogs, and you will not always see the fleas in the house or on the dog. If your dog is severely itchy, particularly round the rump and back end, it is probably best to call your vet and ask for a referral for a good flea product. Flea allergy can and will affect a dog any time of the year, but tends to be the worst in the latter summer and fall.
Environmental allergy, or atopy, is another often seen underlying cause of skin problems in dogs. Just like people, dogs have an allergic sensitivity to airborne antigens in the environment, for example pollen, ragweed, and mold. However , unlike people who often develop watery eyes and a runny nose, dogs respond to the allergens in the shape of itchy skin. Dogs experiencing this problem can be itchy anywhere on their body, but the most common areas are the feet and the belly. Any breed of dog can be influenced, but smaller dogs eg the West Highland white terrier and the Bichon Frise, as well as the English bulldog are over represented. Atopy tends to be season specific, with the dog being affected in the spring, summer, and fall, and seldomly seen in cold weather months. Antihistamines and special shampoo therapy are used to control atopy symptoms.
Food allergy is the next most frequently seen trigger of skin illness in dogs and it's also the one of the toughtest skin disorders to diagnose. Food sensitivity happens when a dog becomes allergic to a protein that is present in the dog's food (or treats, or table scraps). The three commonest antigens that cause diet allergy are beef, dairy, and wheat, although plenty of other proteins can also be implicated. Food allergy can develop in a dog at any time, and often times the dog has been eating the same food for years without problems before it all of a sudden develops a problem. Diet allergy causes a dog to be itchy anywhere on its body and also frequently causes ear illnesses. If your vet suspects a dietary sensitivity, she will doubtless talk with you regarding a food trial for your dog, and prescribe a special kind of hypoallergenic dog diet.
Demodectic mange is a difficulty very commonly seen in puppies, although not in adult dogs. The demodex mite infects the puppy when it is very young, and causes patchy alopecia and secondary illnesses. Demodectic mange is different from the allergic skin conditions as it is mostly does not itch, and a skin scraping at the vet is required to diagnose it.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins is a well known, publisher, author and editor concentrating on dog health worries such as canine skin conditions. She has commitment to the care and humane treatment of animals and is a common contributor to the Dog Health Guide, one of the most popular online dog health resources online.