Our dogs are more than pets; they’re furry family members. We delight in their playful antics, their comforting presence, and their unconditional love. Part of responsible pet ownership involves keeping a close eye on their health, and their skin is often one of the first places where underlying issues can manifest. A dog’s skin and coat are indicators of their overall well-being. While occasional scratching is normal, persistent itching, redness, hair loss, or unusual spots warrant attention.
Skin problems in dogs are incredibly common, ranging from minor irritations to symptoms of more serious systemic diseases. Here are 7 common canine skin problems every owner should be aware of:
1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Fleas are tiny pests, but their bites can cause significant misery, especially for dogs allergic to flea saliva. FAD is one of the most common skin diseases diagnosed in dogs. It’s not the sheer number of fleas that causes the reaction, but the dog’s hypersensitivity to proteins in the flea’s saliva. Even a single bite can trigger intense itching and discomfort in an allergic dog.
Symptoms
The hallmark sign is severe pruritus (itching), often concentrated around the base of the tail, lower back, hind legs, and abdomen. You might notice your dog frantically chewing, licking, or scratching these areas.
This self-trauma can lead to hair loss (alopecia), redness, small bumps (papules), scabs, and secondary skin infections. You may or may not see actual fleas or “flea dirt” (flea feces, which look like black specks) on your dog, especially if they are efficient groomers or only bitten sporadically.
Management
Strict flea control is paramount. This involves treating the affected dog, all other pets in the household (even if they don’t seem itchy), and the environment (home and yard). Consult your veterinarian for the most effective and safe year-round flea prevention products for your specific situation. Treating secondary infections and managing the itch with medications may also be necessary.
2. Atopic Dermatitis (Environmental Allergies)
Similar to hay fever in humans, atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction to environmental substances like pollens (from grasses, weeds, trees), mold spores, dust mites, and even shed human skin cells (dander). It often has a genetic component and tends to manifest in certain breeds more frequently, typically starting between six months and three years of age.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is itching, which may be seasonal or year-round depending on the allergen. Common target areas include the face (muzzle, around the eyes), paws (leading to licking or chewing), ears (causing recurrent infections), underarms (axillae), groin, and abdomen. The skin might appear red, inflamed, and develop bumps or pustules.
Chronic licking and chewing can lead to saliva staining (a reddish-brown discoloration of the fur), hair loss, and thickened, darkened skin (hyperpigmentation and lichenification). Recurrent ear and skin infections are very common secondary complications.
Management
Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes of itching (like fleas or food allergies) and potentially allergy testing (skin or blood tests) to identify specific allergens.
Management is often multi-faceted and may include avoiding allergens where possible, medications to control itching and inflammation (like antihistamines, corticosteroids, Apoquel, or Cytopoint), medicated shampoos, supplements (like omega-3 fatty acids), and potentially allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or oral drops) for long-term control.
3. Food Allergies/Intolerances
Dogs typically develop allergies to protein sources in their diet, such as beef, chicken, dairy, soy, or wheat. It’s important to distinguish a true allergy (an immune system reaction) from a food intolerance (a digestive issue), although both can sometimes cause skin signs.
Symptoms
The main sign is non-seasonal itching that can affect any part of the body, but often involves the paws, ears, face, and rear end. Unlike environmental allergies which can be seasonal, food allergy symptoms persist as long as the offending ingredient is fed.
Recurrent skin infections (pyoderma) and ear infections (otitis) are very common. Some dogs with food allergies may also exhibit gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or diarrhea, but many only have skin issues.
Management
The gold standard for diagnosis is a strict elimination diet trial, supervised by a veterinarian. This involves feeding a novel protein diet (an ingredient the dog has never eaten before) or a hydrolyzed protein diet (where proteins are broken down too small to trigger a reaction) for 8-12 weeks, with absolutely no other treats, table scraps, or flavored medications.
If symptoms resolve, suspected ingredients are reintroduced one by one to identify the trigger. Long-term management involves strictly avoiding the identified allergens.
4. Pyoderma (Bacterial Skin Infection)
Pyoderma literally means “pus in the skin” and refers to bacterial infections. These are very common but are almost always secondary to an underlying issue that compromises the skin’s natural defenses, such as allergies (FAD, atopy, food), parasitic infestations (mange, fleas), hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease), or trauma (like chronic licking).
Symptoms
Pyoderma can be superficial or deep. Superficial pyoderma often presents as red bumps (papules), small pus-filled lesions (pustules), circular crusts or scales (epidermal collarettes), and patchy hair loss. It can be itchy. Deep pyoderma involves deeper layers of the skin and can cause pain, swelling, draining tracts (fistulas), crusting, and a foul odor. Common areas affected include the trunk, skin folds, and pressure points.
Management
Treatment involves addressing the infection itself, usually with oral antibiotics for several weeks and often supplemented with topical therapy like antibacterial shampoos or sprays. Critically, the underlying cause must also be identified and managed to prevent recurrence.
5. Yeast Infections (Malassezia Dermatitis)
Malassezia pachydermatis is a type of yeast normally found in small numbers on a dog’s skin and ears. Problems arise when conditions allow this yeast to overgrow, often secondary to allergies, hormonal disorders, or prolonged antibiotic/steroid use. Certain breeds seem predisposed.
Symptoms
Yeast infections cause intense itching, redness, and often a characteristic greasy feel to the skin and coat (seborrhea). A musty or rancid odor is common. The skin may become thickened, leathery, and hyperpigmented (darkened), particularly in chronic cases. Affected areas often include the ears (leading to otitis), paws (between the toes), skin folds (face, neck, armpits, groin), and ventral neck/abdomen.
Management
Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying the yeast organisms under a microscope (cytology). Treatment involves antifungal medications (oral and/or topical like shampoos, wipes, or lotions). As with bacterial infections, managing the underlying cause (e.g., allergies) is crucial for long-term control.
6. Mange (Mites)
Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites. The two most common types are Demodectic mange and Sarcoptic mange (scabies).
Symptoms
Demodectic Mange
Caused by Demodex canis mites, which are normal inhabitants of dog skin, usually acquired from the mother shortly after birth. Disease occurs when the dog’s immune system is unable to keep the mite population in check (often seen in puppies with immature immune systems or older dogs with underlying health issues).
It typically causes patchy hair loss, scaling, and redness, often starting on the face and forelegs. Localized demodex may resolve on its own, but generalized demodex requires treatment. It is generally not considered contagious to other dogs or humans.
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching. Symptoms include severe scratching, hair loss, crusting, and sores, often affecting the ear margins, elbows, hocks, chest, and belly. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious to other dogs and can temporarily infest humans, causing an itchy rash.
Management
Diagnosis involves skin scrapings to identify the mites under a microscope (though Sarcoptes can be hard to find). Treatment involves specific miticidal medications (dips, topical spot-ons, or oral medications) prescribed by a veterinarian. Treating secondary infections and any underlying conditions (for Demodex) is also important.
7. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It infects the hair, skin, and nails. It’s particularly common in puppies, kittens, and animals with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms
The classic sign is circular patches of hair loss with scaly, sometimes crusty or red, centers, often appearing on the head, ears, paws, and forelimbs. However, lesions can be irregular, and some infected animals show minimal signs. Some lesions may be itchy, while others are not.
Management
Diagnosis can involve fungal culture (the most reliable method), examining plucked hairs under a microscope, or using a special ultraviolet light (Wood’s lamp), although not all species fluoresce.
Ringworm is contagious to other animals and humans. Treatment typically involves a combination of topical therapy (antifungal shampoos or dips) and oral antifungal medication, which may need to continue for several weeks or months. Environmental decontamination is also crucial to prevent reinfection and spread.
Vigilance and Veterinary Care are Key
Never attempt to diagnose or treat serious skin conditions on your own; always consult your veterinarian. They can perform necessary tests, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Regular professional grooming can also play a role in maintaining skin and coat health. Groomers often spot early signs of trouble, like parasites, minor infections, or new growths, that owners might miss.
For professional grooming that helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and allows for early detection of potential issues, contact Shaggy’s Dog Wash & Grooming at 701-232-4367.
By being observant and working closely with your veterinarian and groomer, you can help ensure your canine companion stays comfortable, healthy, and happy in their own skin.
