Dog skin problems: Two common symptoms of dog skin problems

When your dog has a skin problem, it’s important that you treat it immediately. It’s rare that skin problems just go away by themselves, and dogs have a way of aggravating them into really serious, problems with their scratching, worrying, licking and chewing. In fact, in some cases, canine skin problems are even communicable to other family members, so you’ll want to keep on top of them.

Two symptoms of skin problems you’re likely to notice first in your dog are scratching and reddened skin. Below, you’ll find a more detailed description of these two symptoms, plus their possible causes, treatments, and hints about when it’s time to call the vet.

Scratching

Itch, itch, scratch, scratch. An itchy dog can just about drive you as crazy as they are!

If you notice your dog scratching more frequently, especially in one area of his body, try to figure out where the problem lies. Look for typical dog-centric parasites such as fleas, mites or lice. Also look for bacterial sores — small, infected spots that show up as inflamed and scaly areas, sometimes known as “hot spots.”

Four possible causes of itchy dogs include ear diseases, parasites, contact dermatitis — which sometimes shows up as redness on the belly — and perhaps most unpleasantly, impacted anal sacs, which your dog will indicate by either dragging his bottom across the ground, or licking at sores at the base of his tail (underneath).

The treatment for the skin problems depends on its specific cause. If your dog suffering from a parasite infestation, you may need to invest in a parasite-killing systemic such as Frontline or Revolution, or look into anti-parasitic shampoos. But before you go this route, be sure you know which parasite your dog’s dealing with.

For bacterial sores or hot spots, first try rinsing the infected area with an antibacterial wash. Other helpful treatments might include Neosporin or aloe vera. Keep a close eye on your dog’s hot spots, because dogs have a way of turning them into big, painful problems. You might also want to start thinking about Fido’s diet — it’s possible he’s suffering from allergies, especially if his food contains corn or other grains. Does Fido get ear infections from time to time? It’s time to take a really hard look at possible food allergies and eliminate common allergens.

If his hot spots don’t respond to your efforts, or he’s suffering from impacted anal sacs, you’ll need to see your vet for a more intensive plan of treatment. Actually, you can “express” those anal sacs at home without hurting your dog, but the process is so unpleasant that most people happily leave this task to a pro.

If you dog’s itching and scratching is due to contact dermatitis, try protecting him from possible irritants like a nylon carpet, car seat covers, floor disinfectants, and other common household cleaners. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call your vet. And if your poor dog’s skin is broken, chewed up or sticky-feeling, call your vet right now. Even if your vet can’t figure out the problem right away, he or she might be able to prescribe steroids that stop your dog from suffering while you investigate the root cause.

Reddened Skin

Reddened skin can start to indicate a problem before the problem really takes root. Four possible causes of red skin include fleas, allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and any type of infestation such as ringworm, lice or bacterial sores.

When treating reddened skin in your dog, if the redness only shows up in a certain area, try calamine lotion. Of course, you’ll need to hold your dog for a while, or he’ll lick the whole thing off immediately.

If the problems more widespread, try a lanolin-based baby shampoo to wash off any potential irritants and soothe the skin. Once your dog is dry, try a flea spray. If he still has a problem after 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet.