Reviewing Dog Skin Disorders

With six key types of Dermatitis, Veterinarians take each one into consideration when diagnosing any skin problems. In fact, Veterinarians treat more dog skin irritations than any other problem. Many dog skin disorders are closely related to diet, poor health and a weakened immune system.

Diet is the first plan of attack in strengthening the immune system and avoiding problems. A premium food and proper nutrition is the base to good health, skin and vitality for your dog. We briefly cover the six main catagories of Skin Dermatitis followed by more extensive information on particular dog skin disorders thereafter:

Canine Dermatitis And Dog Skin Disorders

Environmental

Plastics are believed to be a cause of Environmental Dermatitis. So always feed your dog from a glass or metal bowl. Some dogs can be sensitive to the grass they romp on daily. Your Veterinarian will compare the actual skin irritation and existing environmental factors to correct the problem.

Nutritional

Unfortunately many dog owners don't completely understand the importance of AVOIDING cheap brands of dog food all together. That old adage, "you get what you pay for" holds completely true when it comes to dog food. A dog's entire system including his skin and coat are in constant distress due to the lack of nutritional needs. Spend the money on an expensive premium food for your pet. The Best Dog Food will often correct Nutritional Dermatitis

Parasitic

Mange, Fleas and Ticks all fall under Parasitic Dermatitis. Fleas are the cause for many allergic reactions in dogs. Your Veterinarian can recommend a safe and effective flea medication. More extensive information on "Mange" below.

Infectious

Dog skin disorders include Bacterial, Fungal and Yeast:

Bacterial - Although bacteria is present on healthy skin at all times, when healthy skin is harmed, this hinders natural skin defenses. Bacterial Dermatitis seldom just appears. There are many anti-biotics that can trigger or disturb healthy skin causing a bacterial infection. A lesion that is moist, inflammed and sticky with hair loss is typical of Infectious Dermatitis. This can quickly spread when the dog bites, chews, scratches and licks other parts of the body. Antihistimines, antibiotics and topical medication are usually prescribed.

Fungal - AKA Dermatophyte organisms. Read more below about Ring Worm.

Yeast - Skin with existing problems are susceptible to yeast infection. The skin reacts to organism waste by releasing histamine. Histamine is a inflammatory chemical that the body releases during an allergic reaction. Unfortunately histamine causes additional inflammation and adds to any existing problem. Yeast infections usually indicate that there is an underlying problem. Veterinarians will check for a fatty acid deficiency, a thyroid problem or over use of cortisone medication.

Allergic

Dog Skin Irritations due to Allergic Dermatitis can truly be a Veterinarians worst nightmare. Like with human beings, determining what is causing the pink skin and allergies is just as difficult. Flea bites, food or an ingredient within the food, grass and pollen or dustmites, the list is endless. Skin and blood tests are the process used to identify what the dog is allergic to.

Atopic Dermatitis is diagnosed most often and is extremely frustrating for dogs and owners. Chewing at the paws, licking, stratching at the face, head and ears are all common signs of Allergic Dermatitis. Antihistimines, medicated sprays or baths and Cortisone are common methods of treating Atopic Dermatitis. Many Veterinarians are now prescribing "Atopica" is a pill thought to be very effective for this condition.

Neurogenic

This form of Dermatitis can not only be difficult for Veterinarians to diagnose, but to treat as well. Lick Dermatitis, Lick Granuloma and Canine Neurodermatitis are conditions caused by a dog's excessive licking and chewing on a targeted area. Separation Anxiety, Boredom, Frustration Due To Lack Of Exercise or Confinement are typical reasons for dogs that develop excessive licking. Dogs will often fixate on an abrasion or cut and intensely lick and chew the area raw.

The dog continues to traumatize the target with continuous licking and chewing never allowing the healing process to take place. Dogs often repeat this process causing a bacterial infection and skin damage. Treatment for this condition usually includes a combination of exercise and anti-anxiety medication. Clomipramine and Amitriptyline are the most common medications prescribed for anxiousness in dogs.

Mange (Parasitic Dermatitis)

Sarcoptic Mange

Also known as Scabious is caused by a tiny mite that can deliver extreme discomfort for the infected dog.This highly contagious dog skin irritation will cause the dog to intensely scratch at the skin. With Sarcoptic Mange the scratching usually starts at the ears and elbows of the dog and then progresses down the legs.

With time, the skin will become more and more inflamed and begin to smell very foul. Cortisone is almost always prescribed for dog skin disorders and dog skin rashes involving intense itching and it usually helps, aside from mange which it might help for only a day or two. Vet's usually prescribe a lime-sulpher dip or a organophosphate dip.

Demodectic Mange

Caused by a mite and not contagious. The demodectic mite which is part of the dogs'skin will remain dormant until there is a deficiency within the dogs' immune system. Once the immune system is weakened, the demodectic mite will then begin to reproduce and begin the manifestation which causes demodectic mange.

With this Mange, there are two different types of manifestations, "localized" and "generalized". The localized type is usually seen on puppies and appearing as scaly small patches of hair loss around the head of the pup. Fortunately, this dog skin disorder is not as itchy and typically heals by itself as the puppy grows to adulthood.

A generalized manifestation of demodectic mange may involve one particular part of the body or the entire body and can make it very difficult for veterinarians to cure.

The conventional method of treatment for this type of mange is to use Amitraz dips along with antibiotics. These dips are extremely toxic to the dog thus allowing only portions of the dog to be dipped at one given time. Homeopathic methods for demodectic mange usually include placing the dog on a highly nutritional diet along with supplements that boost the immune system.

Cheyletiella Mange

Affecting puppies and highly contagious, this dog skin disorder is caused by a large red mite and the mange is often misdiagnosed as seborrhea. Cheyletiella Mange gives the appearance of dandruff on the pups head, neck and even down the back.

These mites don't live long and are usually treated with a dip. The homeopathic approach is Neem Oil.

More On Dog Skin Disorders, Dog Rashes And Dog Skin Irritations

Eczema

Dog skin irritations such as Eczema are itchy and may look different from one dog to another. While some dogs get dry, scaly skin along with a rash, others may get oozing bumps all over the body. Moist Eczema or more commonly known as hot spots are often accompanied by a yeast infection.

It is believed that Eczema or clinically known as Atopic Dermatitis, is an immune disorder caused by an environmental sensitivity including dustmites, chemicals, fumes or other industrial pollutants.

Conventional veterinarians treat moist eczema or hot spots with shampoos, antibiotics and cortisone. The holistic approach is to enhance the immune system with an improved diet, apply potassium permanganate compresses, primrose oil and Neem Leaf Tea are often added to the dog's diet until cured. Fortunately, Eczema is cured rather quickly.

Ringworm (Infectious Dermatitis)

Although most would think that this dog skin disorder is caused by a worm, it's actually not. It is a contagious fungus that inhabits the feet, scalp and the body. Characteristically, a red ring appears indicating the presence of Ringworm.

You might first notice a growing lesion with hair loss and scaly skin around the infected area or the dog might develop a yellow crusty skin. Griseofulvin and Itraconazole are the two medications of choice for most veterinarians to treat Ringworm.

The holistic method is to use Neem Shampoo accompanied by Neem Oil for several days until gone. A high protein diet including fruits, vegetables, echinacea and fish oil is often recommended. Ringworm can take anywhere from 3 to 10 weeks to cure completely. It's important that you not only treat your dog, but treat your home and the environment where the dog lives.

Again, ringworm is a fungus and the spores can live within carpet and upholstery for several years. With that in mind, it is recommended that you change your vacuum bag each time you run your sweeper until the vet says your dog is completely free of ringworm.

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