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Did you know that the skin is essential to a dog's body? It makes up about 13% of an adult dog's weight and 24% of a young puppy's weight! It serves as a protective barrier against the outside world.
Dogs can sometimes experience different health issues than humans, including sensitive skin disorders. Canine skin disorders can make our furry friends feel uncomfortable, irritated, and distressed, leading to more scratching and licking and significantly affecting their quality of life. Some popular breeds in Singapore, like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Bulldogs, can be more prone to skin issues.
Understanding these conditions and knowing what to do about them is essential to ensure our dogs stay healthy and happy! In this article, we’ve summarised seven common skin disorders that dogs can develop and some possible treatment options for each of them.
Allergic Dermatitis
Preventing skin problems in your pets requires thoughtful consideration, dedicated effort, and lots of care. Try Dermcare Aloveen conditioner, a well-established product specially formulated to provide deep conditioning and relax the skin. You can simply leave it on or rinse it, which can be helpful for your dog’s skin. It's excellent for soothing and relieving any discomfort your dog might be experiencing. Give it a try and see how it works for your furry buddy!
Hot Spots
Hot spots are common in dogs, especially in Singapore's humid climate and rainy seasons. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots can spontaneously appear anywhere on your dog’s body. It usually happens when something irritates or breaks the skin. Coupled with moist conditions and if contaminated with bacteria, it creates the perfect shape for infection.
Moist conditions are instances where your dog is not thoroughly dried off from a recent bath or water play. Under the right conditions, even a small scratch or tiny lesion can develop into hot spots.
Treatment involves:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry.
- Clipping the fur around it.
- Applying topical cream or antibiotics, or other vet prescribed pet medication for dogs and cats.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can sometimes occur in dogs with moist skin folds, like the ones around their ears, paws, or groin area. For treatment, you'll usually need to use some topical antifungal medication, along with a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. In some cases, oral antifungal drugs might also be required. To help prevent yeast infections, it's essential to practise good hygiene and keep the affected areas dry.
Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Canine atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition that dogs can have due to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mould. Some common symptoms they may experience include itching, redness, recurring ear infections, and skin lesions.
Demodex (Dermatits caused by Mites) under the microscope
There are several treatment options available to help manage the symptoms. These include avoiding allergens (if you know the ones that can trigger your dog’s allergies), hypoallergenic diets, antihistamines, immunotherapy, and topical medication. Regular bathing with gentle shampoos is a great way to keep your pet’s skin happy and minimise exposure to allergens.
Mange
Mange is a skin condition that can affect dogs. It's caused by tiny mites that burrow into their skin, which can make them feel very itchy and cause hair loss, scabs, and sometimes even infections. Demodectic mange and Sarcoptic mange are two of the most common types.
Treatment for your pet typically involves using medicated shampoos, applying topical medication, and giving oral antiparasitic drugs as a veterinarian prescribes. In addition, it's essential to separate the infected dog from other pets to stop the spread of the infection.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis happens when a dog's skin touches things that can irritate it, like certain plants, chemicals, or materials such as latex or wool. It can cause redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes blisters or hives.
Treatment involves:
- Identifying and eliminating the allergen or irritant.
- Gently cleanse the affected area.
- Applying soothing topical treatments or prescribed medication to relieve symptoms.
Folliculitis
It occurs when hair follicles in dogs get inflamed or infected, usually because of bacteria or yeast. It's a common issue. It can happen due to allergies, not-so-great grooming habits, or underlying health issues. You might experience blemishes, redness, itching, and hair loss.
Treatment usually involves topical or oral antibiotics or antifungal medication, improving grooming habits and addressing any underlying issues causing folliculitis.
Sense and Sensitivity
Having sensitive skin disorders can affect a dog's comfort and overall happiness. Learning about the different conditions dogs can develop and how to treat them is crucial. This knowledge will help you provide your furry friend with the best care and relief.
If you suspect your dog might have a sensitive skin disorder, it's vital to contact a veterinarian for a friendly consultation. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest the best treatment plan for your furry friend. By giving our furry friends the proper care, attention, and timely help, we can ensure they have a wonderful and healthy life without skin-related discomfort.