11 Common Skin Issues in Dogs
Skin issues can be one of the most frustrating medical conditions a pet owner will have to treat. From a wide variety of causes to a never-ending list of treatments, finding what works best for your dog and your routine can be a challenge. Because finding the best way to navigate the challenges with your pet’s skin conditions is essential, we have compiled a list of 11 of the most common skin problems your dog may experience and what you need to know to discuss with your vet and manage their care at home.
What does healthy skin look like?
A healthy coat will appear smooth, shiny, and lustrous. When you run your hand across the fur, there is no greasy feeling, no evidence of white flakes or any lumps or bumps under the haircoat. Looking under the fur, the skin appears calm, with no signs of redness, bleeding, or discharge. Healthy coat and skin do not have any odor.
11 Common Skin Problems in Dogs
For a variety of reasons, our pets can have changes to their normal, healthy skin.
Allergies (Foods, Environmental Factors, Flea)
Just like us, our pets can suffer from allergies! Your pet can be allergic to ANYTHING – including you! Finding out what your pet is allergic to can help determine a treatment plan. Allergies are a lifelong condition and cannot be cured; they can only be managed. Allergies can present with: Licking paws, scratching, red skin, ear infections, anal gland issues, and hot spots.
Possible Remedies:
Allergy testing – blood testing from companies like Nextmune for environmental or food factors or skin prick testing at a Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist.
Bathing – Bathing your pet is the best way to remove allergens from their skin, and many shampoos contain medicated ingredients to aid in your pet’s allergy treatment. Duoxo has an amazing line of shampoos, conditioners, and sprays to assist in bathing your pet.
Dietary changes – removing possible food allergens from your pet’s diet is one of the easiest changes to make. The most common food allergens include: Beef, Dairy, Chicken, Wheat, and Lamb.
Flea/Tick preventions – Just one flea bite is enough to send some pets into a full-blown allergic reaction. Keeping your dog on an FDA-approved flea and tick preventative is the best way to prevent your pet from getting fleas.
Allergy Medications – There are numerous veterinary allergy medications on the market. Discuss with your veterinarian if medications like Apoquel, Cytopoint, or Zenrelia are a good fit for your pet. (Apoquel and Cytopoint https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products Zenrelia https://yourpetandyou.elanco.com/us/our-products/zenrelia)
Mange
Mange is caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin, causing significant skin irritation, itching, and hair loss. There are two main types of mites: Sarcoptes and Demodex. Sarcoptes is highly contagious to other animals and people, while demodex is not transmissible to people. Mange is diagnosed by scraping the skin with a surgical blade to collect a small sample of mites or by hair testing. Some possible remedies include: Antiparasitic medications, antibiotics to treat secondary skin infections, anti-itch medications, and bathing with medicated shampoos
Ringworm
Ringworm is actually a fungal infection that gets its name from its typical appearance. The classic ringworm patient will arrive in the clinic with a patch of hair loss, surrounded by a red, raised ring. Ringworm is diagnosed by getting a small sample of hair and skin cells and culturing it either in the clinic or at an outside laboratory. Some species of ringworm can also be diagnosed with a wood's lamp, which shows the ringworm as a fluorescent yellow/green color. Some possible remedies include: Oral or topical anti-fungal medications, anti-fungal shampoos, and anti-itch medications
Dry Skin/Hair
Dry skin or hair can be caused by many factors, including environment (think dry, cracked hands during winter), low-quality diet, or other underlying health conditions. Dry skin/hair presents with white dandruff, dull coat, and overall flaky or crusty skin. Some possible remedies include switching to a higher-quality, AAFCO-approved diet, adding omega-3 supports from an appropriately sized dog fish oil product, and using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners like those from Duoxo.
Yeast Infections
Some of our canine friends have an overgrowth of yeast that builds up on their paws, ears, or all over their bodies. We can often tell our companions are yeasty by rubbing their coat and getting a greasy feeling on our hands or by noticing a strong odor coming from their skin. Many of our friends with yeast buildup are itchy, frequently experience ear infections, and generally have red skin. Some possible remedies for yeast infections include oral anti-fungal medications, medicated baths, and discussing with your veterinarian whether your pet may have a yeast allergy.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, but cause a mighty itch. Even our friends without flea allergies get itchy when they have fleas hitching a ride. Flea bites are similar to mosquito bites; their saliva irritates the skin. Fleas tend to gather on the neck or on the rump. Fleas may cause itching, redness, small bumps, and black debris on the skin (the flea waste product). Some possible remedies include using a topical or oral flea and tick preventative such as Nexgard, Frontline, Bravecto, or Simparica Trio. Flea baths are toxic not only to fleas but also to pets. If you have feline friends in the home, use extreme caution with flea and tick preventatives and shampoos, as cats can have serious side effects if exposed to these products.
Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
Hot spots are patches of red, moist, infected areas of skin that typically pop up very suddenly and can grow rapidly. Hot spots can be self-inflicted, from licking or chewing at places that are already uncomfortable and itchy. Some hot spots can be caused by trauma from prong or shock collars rubbing on a pet's neck. Pets with matted hair or other dermatitis issues caused by poor grooming can also get hot spots. Most hot spots will require a vet visit, as many pets will need medications to help clear the infections. Keeping the area clean and dry will also help with treating the hot spot.
Lick Granuloma
Similar to hot spots, lick granulomas are caused by self-trauma. Lick granulomas occur when a pet obsessively licks one site due to factors like anxiety, allergies, or boredom. Most commonly, lick granulomas occur on the legs or feet and are red, irritated, hairless spots. The first and most important remedy to lick granulomas is implementing an anti-lick device, like an Elizabethan collar or inflatable collar, followed by addressing the allergies or behavioral component behind the licking.
Skin Growths
Lumps and bumps growing on your pet’s skin can cause ongoing skin issues. Seeking veterinary care to determine if a mass is benign or cancerous is the first step of treatment. Even masses that are not cancerous can proliferate, cause overall discomfort, or pose an issue during routine grooming. Discuss with your veterinarian any growths you see on your pet to determine the best treatment plan.
Bacterial Infections
Often occurring secondary to other skin issues, bacterial infections will always require a veterinary consult. It may be difficult to determine at home if your pet has a possible bacterial infection, as many of the symptoms will be similar to the concurrent skin ailments, such as red bumps, a pus-like discharge, or a foul odor. Veterinary diagnosis is required to determine the best course of treatment and may sometimes require a culture of the bacteria to rule out antibiotic resistance. Treatment would include oral or topical antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian.
Alopecia
Pets who have hair loss have alopecia. Alopecia can be in small focal points or can be widespread. Alopecia is a symptom of another underlying condition, such as ringworm, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, or autoimmune diseases, to name a few. Diagnostic testing is key to forming a treatment plan. Your veterinarian may order bloodwork, skin scraping, or cultures as a baseline. Successful treatment of alopecia depends on the cause.
What are some things I can try at home for skin conditions prior to calling my vet?
Add fish oil for the omega 3 fatty acids which help to support skin health.
Add in a high-quality probiotic such as FortiFlora, Vital Pet Life, or ProViable. Gut health is directly linked to systemic and skin health.
Bathing 1-2 times a week, clean out the pet’s ears weekly to remove topical irritants
Consider a Belly Guard Recovery Suit to cover any spots on the body that your dog might be licking, chewing or itching on their belly or chest. Belly Guard Recovery Suits can be purchased on Chewy or Amazon. Belly Guard Recovery Suits maximize pets’ comfort while protecting the skin.
If your pet is licking at their paws or legs, consider a soft collar or cone to limit their access to lick.
What symptoms mean you should see your vet immediately?
Anytime your pet is not feeling their best, they should have a check-up with your veterinarian. Skin issues can be resolved quickly when pets are seen sooner after their flare-ups.
Pets should be seen on a more urgent basis if they have open sores, bleeding, pus-like discharge, lethargy, signs of pain, or any signs of a severe allergic reaction (vomiting, facial swelling, difficulty breathing).
Tips to keep your dog’s skin healthy
Routine vet check-ups: Early detection is key to managing skin conditions effectively. For pets with seasonal allergies, having a solid plan in place with your vet before the start of allergy season can prevent more significant reactions.
Annual bloodwork screenings: Regular bloodwork monitoring is an effective way to screen for some diseases, such as thyroid or adrenal issues. Screening bloodwork can often identify medical problems before pets are even symptomatic.
Regular bathing: Bathing removes dirt and allergens. Antifungal baths can reduce the amount of yeast growing on the skin. Aloe and Oatmeal, or products like Duoxo Calm, are great for easing skin irritation. Be sure not to over bathe, as you can strip the oil from the pet’s skin. Always use a shampoo labeled for dogs, as they are formulated for their unique pH levels.
Regular grooming: Brushing helps to prevent matting and improves skin circulation. Routine trims for long-haired pets can improve airflow to the skin and promote healthy skin.
Routine ear cleaning: Using an ear cleaning with salicylic acid helps in getting wax and debris out of the ear while also drying the ears. Medicated ear flushes can be used in the ears on alternating days to aid in yeast reduction.
High-quality food: Foods dense in nutrients, fatty acids, and quality ingredients will help promote a healthy skin coat.
Wiping paws/contact areas each time the pet comes inside: Our friends with grass, weed, or pollen allergies can pick up those allergens on the paws and fur when they go outside. Wiping high-contact areas, such as the paws, chest, or belly, each time they come inside is a great way to help reduce reactions.
Flea/tick prevention: Stay consistent with preventatives. There are a variety of products on the market that last for 30 days or 12 weeks, like Nexgard or Bravecto. Some companies also offer combination drugs, where heartworm and flea and tick prevention are combined, such as Simparcia trio or Heartgard Plus
Make a list or calendar: Just like when we attempt to change our habits, managing skin care for our pets involves establishing a new routine. Writing out when treatments are due will help to keep consistent. Having a list of all medications or treatments the pet is receiving helps to keep all caretakers on the same page.
Regularly wash your Belly Guard Recovery Suit: Keeping your pet’s recovery suit clean helps to prevent secondary infections. Wash immediately if soiled.
Consider a consult with a veterinary dermatologist: Yes, there are dermatologists for your dog! If your pet has a complex skin issue or managing their skin ailments is proving to be difficult, a specialist may be a member to add to your treatment team. To find a veterinary dermatologist near you, please follow this link.
Final Thoughts
Skin conditions can be frustrating to manage. Early diagnosis is key to identifying the best treatment options. It is important to keep in mind that some medical conditions are not curable and will require lifelong maintenance. A wide variety of tools are available to make management easier, such as the Belly Guard Recovery Suit. Working together with your veterinary team is key to successful management.
If any questions arise regarding your pet’s skin or overall health, don’t hesitate to have the pet seen by your veterinarian.
FAQ
Q. How do I determine if my pet’s skin condition needs to be seen urgently by a veterinarian?
A. Pets should be seen on a more urgent basis if they have open sores, bleeding, pus-like discharge, lethargy, signs of pain, or any signs of a severe allergic reaction (vomiting, facial swelling, difficulty breathing).
Q. How do I determine which products are best for my pet to use for treating their skin issues?
A. Try to stick with trusted brands that offer evidence-based studies, excellent peer reviews or come as a recommendation from your veterinarian. While cheaper products may be available, they may not be as effective.
Q. What is the best way to form a new routine for managing my pet’s skin conditions?
A. Start by making 1-2 changes a week and keeping a calendar of what day you need to complete items that is posted for all caretakers to see. For example, maybe you add in fish oil and bathe once a week – then next week add in ear cleaning or probiotic.