Pet skin problems can be divided into a number of key types and dogs in particular are prone to a number of conditions, including bacterial infections, fungal infections, allergic diseases, parasitic diseases and hormonal diseases.

There are a number of causes of these pet skin problems, with seemingly no logical reason why some dogs are so vulnerable, whilst others will remain unaffected throughout their lives. Even dogs that spend most of their lives outside, in all sorts of conditions, can remain immune to the skin problems.

So lets take a look at the causes and signs of the main types of pet skin problems.

Bacterial

Bacterial skin infections are quite common in dogs. And the main culprits behind the infection are organisms known as staphylococci (staph bacteria). The good news is that they are not contagious to other pets, or indeed humans.

The thing that owners have to look for are yellow pustules, which can be seen early on in the development of the disease. The dog’s skin can also appear reddened and, in some cases, ulcerated. As the problem develops, an owner will notice loss of hair, encrusted areas and the affected area will smell.

Although the condition tends to develop on a dog’s trunk, it can actually appear anywhere on its body. One of the most common places of infection is the dog’s chin, where it has the delightful title of chin acne. And those dogs which have skin folds on their face, are quite susceptible, as the bacteria finds a home in the warm creases. In younger dogs, the problem might firstly become apparent between their toes, or on their elbow pads, or on parts of their stomach.

Ringworm

Fungal infections in dogs can mostly be attributed to Microsporum and Tricjophyton, two species of fungi, which when manifested on the skin, are commonly known as ringworm.

Ringworm mostly affects younger dogs and the fungi is attracted to the head and the legs, where it lives in dead skin, nails and hairs. If the problem is not treated, then it can spread to other parts of the body quite quickly. Once the ringworm has gotten hold, there is a degree of hair loss, which is evident in circular patches which can have a dry and crusty appearance. Again, if it is not treated, the dog can start scratching and nipping at the patches.

The big problem with ringworm, from the owners point of view, is that it can be caught by humans and other pets. It is a very contagious disease, and children are particularly vulnerable, and should be kept away from the dog at all times. In fact, the dog should be kept isolated in separate quarters until the ringworm clears up.

Allergies

Allergic skin problems are quite common in dogs. They suffer from allergies of various kinds and they manifest themselves in a number of ways, and not only as itchy skin, but also as sneezing, discharges from the eyes and nose, and digestive problems.

Like people, dogs can be susceptible to a number of allergies. They can affect dogs at various ages and stages of development, and varying breeds. The problem is caused by allergy-causing substances which are known as allergens.

And one of the commonest allergens for a dog is flea saliva. It need be only one flea that can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in sudden, rapid itching.

Another form of allergic reaction comes from pollen, dust, or various types of molds (from outside, or inside the house). This is a common problem and usually affects dogs from a young age.

Dogs can also suffer from what’s known as contact allergies, such as exposure to chemicals found in the house, say in carpet cleaners, air fresheners, or soap, but this is rare. Food allergies tend to manifest themselves as skin lesions, or sickness and diarrhea.

The signs are varied, but keep an eye out for a lot of licking, scratching and nibbling at affected areas. On closer inspection, the skin can look normal, but look for moist, or reddened areas. If a bacterial infection is also present, dried-up crusts, or pus might be visible.

Allergies irritate dogs and the location of the affected area can often provide a clue as to the type of problem. Flea problems mostly affect the neck, back and tail areas; dust allergies mostly affect the stomach, chest, neck, or face; and, contact allergies affect the paws and stomach.

Parasitic

Fleas are a big problem in dogs, as well as other household pets, and they are behind most of the parasitic skin diseases. But mites are also a problem and cause what’s known as Mange. The two types an owner is likely to come across are demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange.

But they are a number of other nasties, including ticks (a major problem in warmer, or damp climates), lice and ear-mites. All these have the potential to render the dog very uncomfortable and even at the stage of self-mutilation to rid themselves of the problem.

There are many signs of parasitic problems. Fleas will cause a dog to scratch and bite at the area, with increasing discomfort if treatment is not provided. Ear mites attack the ears and cause general discomfort. One key sign of ear mites is hair loss at the back of the ear, as the dog tries to deal with an infestation. Ticks can stay on a dog for quite a few days before it becomes a problem. Lice and other mites will cause the dog skin irritation.

When it comes to sarcoptic mange, this can cause a dog a lot of discomfort, which mostly manifests itself as bad itching, skin crusting and hair loss. This affects a dog’s stomach, chest, ears and legs.

The other type of mange, demodectic, generally causes itching and owners should look out for red skin, scaly scabs and hair loss. The legs and face are the commonly affected areas. Demodectic manage can indicate an internal medical problem, or one which is hereditary.

Hormonal

The skin can often be the window of an animal’s medical condition. Although it might be quickly dismissed as a skin problem, some thought should be given to what might lie behind a dog with a degree of hair loss. Patches of near baldness, or different thickness of a dog’s coat, can indicate hormonal abnormalities. Hormones need to be balanced properly; if there is excessive, or deficient amount in any of the hormone produced by say the key glands (ovaries, testicles, thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal), then the first sign of these problems can be seen in the skin condition. And as well as the coat, the skin can vary in thickness and there may be changes in colour.

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