Dogs visit the vet for various reasons, but one of the most common is skin issues.
Various conditions, including allergies, significant endocrine abnormalities, and external parasites such as fleas and mites, can lead to multiple problems.
Managing skin problems can be difficult. A cure may work one day but not the next. Before we delve further into dog skin conditions, we advise you to regularly ask your veterinarian for help and guidance. A veterinarian can identify and address the underlying issue to make flare-ups less severe or frequent.
Book an appointment with an experienced veterinarian at Discovervet now if your pet shows signs of skin problems!
Common skin problems in dogs:
Flea allergy
Fleas, lice, ticks, sand flies, mites, and other parasites can infest your pet, feed on them, and be the culprit. Their bites or simple contact can cause systemic illnesses, allergic reactions, and infected wounds.
Common signs of flea allergy in dogs
Your pet may have fleas or flea droppings on them and show signs of a rash, hot areas, and itchy, red skin. Further, some symptoms include increased licking, rubbing, skin-chewing, and infected sores on the legs, tail, or hindquarters.
It's vital to always keep your dog up to date on their parasite prevention medicines, even though not all dogs respond to flea bites in this way.
Possible treatment of flea allergy in dogs
If your dog is having an allergic response to fleas, your veterinarian can help you decide how to treat him. Some of these treatments are:
Cytopoint apoquel: A four- to eight-week-long anti-itch injectable, an immunostimulating medication that eases itching and irritation
A topical immunomodulator called cyclosporine (or Atopica) reduces inflammation.
Dog shampoos: To relieve itching temporarily, your veterinarian may suggest over-the-counter dog shampoos.
Antihistamines are an example of an over-the-counter (OTC) drug you can use, but they won't be as effective as prescription drugs, so it's best to use them with your veterinarian's approval. Consult with a vet at Discovervet now.
If you decide to administer an antihistamine to your dog, make sure it doesn't contain decongestants or alcohol, as these substances can be harmful to them.
Ways to prevent flea allergy in dogs
Even if you can't stop your dog from getting flea allergy dermatitis, you can prevent the symptoms by avoiding exposing them to fleas. And the best way to accomplish this is to continue giving your dog a trustworthy monthly flea and tick treatment.
A few monthly medications include,
K9 Advantix for dogs
Frontline Plus for dogs
Simparica prescription medication for dogs from Chewy
Seasonal/Environmental allergy
You may anticipate a similar response from your pet if you see a change in your seasonal nasal symptoms, such as congestion or runny nose. However, your pet won't have the same nasal congestion from seasonal irritants like pollen, grass, dust mites, or certain plants. Instead, your dog will develop rash and blisters, and exhibit itchy signs.
Pets may experience skin responses from antifreeze chemicals on the walkways throughout the winter. In the summer, your pet's outdoor activities may bring them into contact with plants like poison ivy or lawn fertilizer, which can cause contact dermatitis. It is important to identify the allergen so that you can prevent your pet from being exposed to it.
Common signs of an environmental allergy in dogs
Your dog's allergies are usually seasonal, meaning they may only experience itching during certain times of the year. Similar to food allergies, the most frequently affected locations are the paws and ears (along with the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and between the toes).
Possible treatment of an environmental allergy in dogs
There is no lasting treatment because environmental factors cause most seasonal allergies. However, there are remedies for managing the symptoms.
Avoid allergens
Whenever feasible, avoiding allergens is the best way to treat seasonal allergies. However, allergens in the air, such as pollen, can travel long distances.
However, there are several things you can do to reduce the exposure to allergens in your house:
- To kill dust mites, wash your dog's bedding in hot, soapy water once a week, and to dry it, use a hot cycle in the dryer.
- Soft surfaces, including carpets and couches, should be vacuumed frequently.
- Use washable area rugs and hardwood or linoleum flooring.
- Clean your carpet and floor weekly.
- Use a hoover with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.
- If possible, avoid opening windows at the peak of pollen season.
- Instead of fluffy toys, give your dog durable, washable chew toys.
- Wash your pet's favourite plush toys in hot, soapy water whenever possible.
- Reduce humidity by using recirculation mode on air conditioners.
- Use dehumidifiers to avoid mould in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas.
Antihistamine treatment
Drugs that inhibit histamines reduce allergic symptoms. Antihistamines can be used to treat seasonal allergies in dogs in the following ways:
Clemastine (Tavist)
Trimeprazine (Vanectyl-P, Temaril-P)
Astemizole (Hismanal)
Although these drugs are frequently utilized, they do not offer the same level of immediate or long-term comfort as other treatments. However, when combined with other medicines, they might provide some alleviation.
Anti-inflammatory steroids
The allergic reaction and itching can be successfully blocked with steroid drug treatment. Your veterinarian might recommend drugs like:
Prednisone
Dexamethasone
Prednisolone
The use of steroids may have undesirable side effects, such as severe hunger, thirst, reduced immunological capacity, infections, particularly upper respiratory tract and urinary tract infections, and a possible rise in blood sugar.
The objective is to eliminate the need for steroid drugs by combining alternative treatments with steroids.
Shampoo therapy
Using a hypoallergenic shampoo to bathe your dog can help to relieve itchy skin. Any allergens your dog may take up are also washed out by regularly cleaning and wiping down their skin and coat.
It is advised to consult your vet for shampoo recommendations that would suit your pet the best. To book an appointment, visit Discovervet now!
Allergy shots
For dogs with environmental allergies, allergy injections or allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) can be successful. The goal of allergy shots is to rehabilitate your dog's immune system.
This one is a decent option for dogs who have yet to respond well to prior treatments. Additionally, it usually works better in younger canines.
(Please Note: These are only recommended under veterinary care and supervision; it is advised to consult a vet before proceeding with any treatments. To book a consultation, visit Discovervet.)
Food allergy
Food allergies in dogs can have significant consequences, including skin conditions, behavioural disorders, and digestive concerns, including vomiting and diarrhoea.
Many dogs are allergic to a type of protein found in food. When this protein enters their body, it causes cells to release histamines or other substances that can cause itching and other allergic symptoms.
On the other hand, a food intolerance doesn't entail an immunological reaction, yet the symptoms of a food intolerance can resemble those of a food allergy. One illustration is a dog's body simply not processing lactose in milk products efficiently, which results in gastrointestinal issues (often diarrhea).
Common signs of a food allergy in dogs
These are the most common signs of a food allergy:
- Itching (aka pruritus)
- Sneezing
- Itchy paws
- Hot spots
- Skin rash
- Greasy or scaly skin
- Pigmented skin
- Leathery skin texture
- Eye discharge
- Red eyes
- Hair fall
- Ear infections
- Secondary bacterial or yeast infections of the skin or ears, often known as pyoderma
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
According to research, only 10% to 30% of dogs with verified food allergies exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Other symptoms include:
- diarrhea that may be bloody, mucus-filled, or both
- bending over to pass a stool
- abdominal pain while vomiting
Rare symptoms
- Though less often than the ones mentioned above, some dogs may experience these symptoms:
- Nasal dripping
- Breathing problems
- Seizures (food allergies may cause them in dogs predisposed to them).
- Secondary urinary tract infections brought on by a bacterial overgrowth on the skin
- Loss of weight along with violent vomiting and diarrhea
Possible treatments for food allergy in dogs
The key to treating dog food allergies is to identify which foods your dog may be allergic to and steer clear of those. A few tactics come up in dealing with food allergies and intolerances.
Antihistamines and other medications
Antihistamines like Benadryl, which are generally safe and have received approval from veterinarians for usage at home, can reduce itching. Topical anti-itch shampoos and ointments may also be helpful, but get your vet's permission before giving your dog any over-the-counter medication or treatment. The short-term treatment of secondary infections that develop when the skin is inflamed may be aided by antibiotics and antifungals like cephalexin and ketoconazole.
Homemade dog food diets
Homemade diets are occasionally employed for dogs with food allergies or intolerances. Since the pet parent has complete control over the chemicals, it is simple to understand why they are successful. However, there is a drawback to homemade dog food diets. According to Shmalberg, a clinical professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, "Many are deficient in certain critical nutrients unless formulated well, with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist".
Vegan dog food diets
Several pet parents and veterinarians follow vegan diets during food trials. A vegan diet is undoubtedly one approach to avoiding meat if a dog has allergies to numerous types of meat. However, vegan diets need to be created with care, just like homemade diets. According to Shmalberg, "Some store-bought vegan diets were found to be deficient in essential nutrients, and they're only mentioned by veterinarians because they're becoming increasingly popular among owners."
Ways to prevent food allergy in dogs
Prevention of food allergy in dogs is done through hypoallergenic foods and elimination diets; this method involves giving your dog a few different foods until you locate one that doesn't bother them. It's critical to eliminate any treats or extra food.
While natural hypoallergenic pet food lowers the possibility of an adverse food reaction and is ideal for your dog's general health, it is advisable to avoid these five common allergens - soy, meat, pork, wheat, and dairy.
Conclusion
We hope this blog helped you identify common skin conditions in dogs and ways to cure them or prevent them in the first place. However, in case of serious issues, we strongly recommend you seek the advice of a veterinarian for an efficient treatment. To book an in-clinic, at-home or online consultation with experienced vets, visit DisciverVet now.
