Common Dog Skin Complaints
Cysts, Dandruff And Black Skin In Dogs
Managing These Common Dog Skin Complaints!
Most Veterinarians would agree that dog skin complaints are one of the
most common conditions they treat in dogs. In this article I'd like to discuss three common skin problems in dogs,
and how they can be managed:
Dog Skin - Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts can develop in any dog. Sebaceous glands produce an oily
substance (sebum) which helps to keep your dog's skin and coat moist.
This oily substance moves through little ducts from the gland to the hair
follicle, then it moves up the hair follicle to the skin. If the hair
follicle becomes blocked, the oily substance can't escape. The gland
continues to produce sebum which then forms a cyst.
These cysts can become as large as 2 inches in diameter. They're not
usually painful, and in many cases they resolve without treatment. If
your dog's cyst is not going away, apply a warm compress to see if it
loosens the plug blocking the follicle and allows the sebum to drain.
Sometimes the cyst will actually rupture and discharge its contents onto
your dog's skin. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, the area
needs to be kept clean so it doesn't attract flies. Again, the rupture will often heal without treatment. If the cyst doesn't
go away on its own, it may need surgical removal.
www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com recommends using warm compresses 3-4 times daily on the dog cyst until you see results.
Keep in mind that these type of cysts are soft.
If you see no improvement or the cyst(s) appear red and bleeding
or hard to the touch, make an appointment with your Veterinarian.
Dog Skin - Seborrhea Sicca AKA Dog Dandruff
Dogs can develop dry skin with what looks like dandruff in the hair. This
is often associated with a condition called seborrhea sicca, where there
is an abnormality in the oil production in the skin, leading to secondary
infection, itching and reddening.
You'll need Veterinary help to manage
this problem - antibiotics and medicated shampoos are often part of the
treatment. However, some dogs just
have dry skin and a brittle coat, and
this can make them itch and scratch.
Some flakiness or dog dandruff is normal, especially in some young puppies. However if your dog has excessive scaliness, it may be a sign of seborrhea. In some
cases, the hair will feel greasy and have a distinctive odor. The skin may or may not appear red. In other cases, the ears may be inflamed and
have excess secretions. You may see your dog scratching and licking more. If you suspect your pet has Seborrhea, he should be seen by a Veterinarian.
Your Veterinarian will want to know your observations.
In most cases you can alleviate dry skin by looking at two things - what
you feed your dog and how you bath him. If you feed a cheap food based on
cereals, you'll often see dry skin problems in your dog. That's not to
say you need to spend a fortune on dog food. A mid range food with meat
and meat products listed in the first few ingredients is ideal. You can
also add fatty acid supplements such as fish oil to his diet.
When it comes to bathing your dog, the less you do it, the better. Excess
bathing will strip the oils from his coat and make it harsh and dry. If
you must bath him, use a mild soap free shampoo, and leave it as long
between washes as you can. You may want to follow his shampoo with a
moisturizing conditioner to help prevent dryness.
Black Skin Disease
You may have found a black discoloration on your dog's skin and wondered
what it was. There are several possible causes. If it is a small flat
discoloration, it's quite likely to be a benign macule, and doesn't need
any treatment.
It's also possible for papillomavirus to cause black spots
on your dog's skin.
Another cause of black skin spots in dogs is melanoma. This is a type of
cancer, but unlike skin melanomas in people, they tend to be slow growing
and can be easily removed by surgery or freezing. Any melanomas around
the mouth or on the feet aren't as easy to manage and tend to need
aggressive treatment.
More extensive skin blackening, particularly under the front legs, can
indicate a skin allergy or a hormonal disorder, such as hypothyroidism or
Cushings disease. A blood test will confirm the presence of hormonal
disease, and your dog can then receive the appropriate treatment.
In the
dachshund, this dark pigmentation of the skin is a hereditary condition.
If your dog skin issue is severe enough to cause you
concern, it's important that you have him examined by your Vet. A proper
diagnosis will allow you to start the right treatment straight away, and
have his skin back to normal as quickly as possible.
Most Veterinarians would agree that dog skin complaints are one of the
most common conditions they treat in dogs.
Above Article - Courtesy of Dr. Susan Wright, Staff Veterinarian for DogFenceDIY.com
