Types of skin diseases in dogs. Skin diseases of dogs

Among the most common factors contributing to the development of skin diseases are the following:

Poor nutrition. If your dog's food does not contain the required amount vitamins and microelements, then this will have a detrimental effect on the general condition of the animal, including the skin. When choosing a diet, it is advisable to consult an experienced breeder or veterinarian.
Negative influence of the external environment. A dog living in the city, breathing polluted air, walking in winter without a blanket that would protect the pet from chemicals is unlikely to have healthy skin. But if the dog is not taken out at all, this will also negatively affect its skin.
Hereditary diseases. In some dog breeds ( Dogue de Bordeaux, chow-chow, bulldog, poodle, etc.) are predisposed to skin inflammation.

Symptoms and hallmarks of scabies

Compliance with the rules of caring for your dog and keeping it clean does not protect against infection with scabies, so you should carefully monitor changes in your pet’s skin and start treatment on time.

The disease begins with redness of the skin on the head, face, neck, and the dog actively itches. After some time, small nodules appear at the site of redness, gradually turning into bubbles filled with liquid.

With scabies, the skin on the dog’s face and head turns red and peels, and the dog actively itches.

The liquid flowing from the bubbles sticks the fur together and crusts grow on the skin. When scratching, the skin is injured and non-healing wounds appear on it. Scabies is characterized by increased itching while being in the heat, especially near a radiator or heater.

The next stage of the disease is the beginning of the dog’s baldness. Hair loss is most severe on the head. In places devoid of wool, dense crusts form. The dog emits an unpleasant odor with sour overtones.

The dog becomes lethargic and loses its appetite. If the disease is not treated, enlargement of the lymph nodes and general intoxication of the body begins.

The dog begins to rapidly lose weight and refuses to eat. The skin is completely covered with scabs, the fur resembles matted felt, and the dog gradually becomes completely bald.

This condition of the animal leads to inevitable death.

Fungus symptoms

Skin diseases in dogs and their signs are given below.

It should be noted that the above ailments pose a danger not only to the pet, but also to the breeder. So if you notice symptoms or even a slight manifestation of them, then the dog needs help as quickly as possible.

Of course, the best option would be to consult a veterinarian, but there are certain rules that every dog owner should know.

The most common signs of fungal infection are:

The first symptoms of sarcoptic mange and notoerosis in dogs differ from each other. Most of all this concerns the localization of scabies.

Sarcoptic mange develops mainly in the head, chest area, at the root of the tail, as well as on the abdominal part of the body, where there is less hair volume.

A distinctive symptom of sarcoptic mange in males is the appearance of lesions on the foreskin.

Notoedrosis is localized primarily on the dog’s head, in almost any area - above the eyes, the back of the nose, the forehead and the outer surface of the ears. At the next stages, lesions develop in the forelimbs, then in the hind limbs.

The main characteristic symptom of sarcoptic mange and notohedrosis is, of course, itching. Almost with the first visible signs of the disease, the dog begins to actively itch, which attracts the attention of its owner.

It is worth noting that the symptoms of scabies in dogs, regardless of the type of pathogen, develop gradually and step by step, and the treatment will be almost the same at any stage.

Conventional stages of disease development in dogs:

The appearance of areas of redness on the skin. As a rule, at this stage, owners rarely independently determine such a sign, since not every one of us examines the dog’s skin under the fur, immediately after the dog has scratched its face. Although this is one of the basic principles of early prevention of scabies.
Small pustules form - red dots on the skin filled with liquid contents, the scabies lesion is depleted of hair. When scratching, the dog damages the thin shell of the pustules, their contents moisturize the skin.

Scabies in dogs - photo of the first symptoms 2.5 weeks after the initial infection.

The skin in pathological lesions becomes coarser, and the hair falls out more and more intensively. On the remains of fur and skin, large quantities of rejected epidermal particles are formed and a phenomenon somewhat reminiscent of large dandruff can be observed.

Notoedrosis in dogs - photo of one of the first stages of the disease. Epidermal scabs are clearly visible.

As the scratching becomes more and more intense, until it bleeds, in addition to the above symptoms of scabies, hard crusts in dogs are added, the skin becomes very rough, cracks until it bleeds, loses elasticity, and an elephantiasis effect is observed. The remnants of the fur, where the hair was long and thick, fall together with the products of skin inflammation, forming a kind of felt.

Methods for diagnosing scabies

It is useless to examine a tick on a dog’s skin, since its size is microscopic. The only method for sensitive fingertips is to feel the skin for the presence of the smallest bumps.

The presence of scabies mites in the epidermis can be detected by scraping from the affected area. It is placed in a glycerin solution and examined under a microscope. If you have a microscope, you can analyze the scraping at home.

To make a diagnosis, the veterinarian examines and feels the dog's skin and shines an ultraviolet lamp on the affected areas.

Treatment of skin diseases

It is quite possible to rid your pet of some ailments, if they are uncomplicated, on your own. As practice shows, the flower, which is found in almost every home, has excellent healing properties.

We are talking about aloe, which can be used for treatment. The healing juice of this plant must be applied to damaged areas of the skin.

This treatment will relieve your pet of itching and burning, as well as discomfort in general - you can prepare the juice yourself or purchase it at the pharmacy.

It should also be noted that other herbal decoctions are characterized by almost similar properties. For example, you can use echinacea, calendula or medicinal chamomile for treatment.

In addition to the fact that these herbs significantly reduce the pain of your pet, they also help relieve the inflammatory process. Also, medicinal herbs can eliminate microbial suppuration.

Treatment with herbs is possible only as an auxiliary therapy, which will not cause harm (although in case of eczema it can do so) (author of the video - dog-channel. tv).

Complex diseases and their treatment should only be carried out under the supervision of specialists in a hospital.

Before prescribing medications and prescribing treatment, the veterinarian must:

carry out diagnostics of the animal’s body;
take a blood test;
do the necessary skin tests;
scrape the pet's skin.

Treatment for scabies is carried out at home, and the dog must be isolated from people and other animals.

The following treatment regimens are most effective:

Despite the complexity of the symptoms and the active progression of scabies in dogs, treatment, if correct, can quickly achieve a cure.

Prevention of skin diseases in dogs

Of course, you won’t be able to protect your pets from all misfortunes, but you can still significantly reduce the risk of infection. What can be done for this?

provide the dog with adequate nutrition;
during the off-season, in poor health and other situations, give your pet vitamin complexes;
do not allow the dog to communicate with stray relatives;
monitor the condition of the pet’s skin and general well-being;
keep the dog clean, wash and brush its coat on time.

If you adhere to these simple rules, then you can completely protect your beloved pet from any misfortune, especially from skin ailments.

If your dog is scratching his ears or biting and licking his paws, he may have a fungal infection. Symptoms include irritation, itching, pale skin. The infection usually affects the paws or ears, where there are conditions for fungal growth. This infection is easy to diagnose and can be treated well with local treatments.

Folliculitis

Superficial bacterial folliculitis is an infection that causes ulcers, bumps, and scabs on the skin. This skin pathology is easier to notice in dogs with short hair. In long-haired dogs, the most obvious symptoms are dull hair and flaky skin. Folliculitis often appears in combination with other skin diseases such as scabies, allergies or various injuries. Treatment may include oral antibiotics and antibacterial ointments or shampoos.

Impetigo

Another type of bacterial infection, impetigo is most common in puppies. It causes pus-filled blisters that may burst and crust over. Ulcers usually develop on the bald part of the abdominal wall. Impetigo is rarely dangerous and can be treated with topical medications. In a small number of cases, the infection can spread over large areas.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea manifests itself as greasy fur and dandruff. In most dogs, seborrhea manifests itself as a complication of some other disease, such as an allergy or hormonal imbalance. In these cases, it is necessary to treat the underlying cause to ensure that symptoms do not recur.

Dermatomycosis (lichen)

Symptoms of this disease are round bald spots that can form anywhere, but most often appear on the head, paws, ears or front legs. Inflammation, scaly patches and patches of balding often surround the affected area. Puppies under one year of age are the most susceptible, and the infection can spread very quickly between dogs in the kennel or through contact with other dogs outside or at home.

Pathological shedding and hair loss (alopecia)

Anyone who has lived at home with dogs knows that they shed. How much hair is lost depends on the breed, time of year and habitat. But sometimes stress, poor diet or illness can increase natural hair loss. If abnormal or excessive shedding lasts more than a week, or you notice patches of hairless skin, consult your veterinarian.

Mite scabies

Fleas

Change in skin texture or color

Changes in skin color or coat texture may be a sign of metabolic or hormonal problems. Be sure to consult your veterinarian!

Dry, flaky skin

Dry, flaky skin can be a symptom of many problems. Often a sign of allergies, scabies and other skin diseases. Make sure you are using quality food and remember that some dogs' skin becomes drier and flaky in the winter.

"Dermatitis from licking"

Lick dermatitis is a skin condition caused by compulsive, relentless licking of the same area of skin - most often on the front of the paw. The skin does not have time to heal, and persistent pain and itching force the dog to continue licking the area. Treatment is to discourage the dog from licking using a topical solution that tastes and smells disgusting, or using an Elizabethan collar. At the same time, it is necessary to identify and correct behavioral problems that lead to compulsive disorders. The cause of active licking can also be itching due to atopy or food allergies.

Acute moist dermatitis

Acute moist dermatitis appears as skin lesions, usually small in volume and localized, with a pronounced red color and increased local temperature. They usually occur on the dog's head, thighs, or chest. Usually hot to the touch. Acute moist dermatitis outbreaks can arise from a variety of conditions, including infections, allergies, insect bites, or excessive licking. Treatment is the elimination of the underlying disease and control of pathogenic microflora.

Immunological disorders

In rare cases, skin lesions or infections that do not heal may indicate an immunological disorder in your dog. One of the most famous is lupus, a disease that affects both dogs and humans. Lupus is an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system attacking its own cells. Symptoms are: skin pathologies and kidney disease. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Skin scabs, or exfoliative dermatitis, are a group of skin diseases that most commonly affect pets. There are several types of exfoliative dermatitis: according to the extent of damage to the skin and the severity of the disease. In accordance with this, different treatment methods are prescribed. Scabs on a dog's skin are usually caused by excessive shedding, excess accumulation of skin cells, or loss of moisture from the skin.

Exfoliative dermatitis in dogs

This disease dogs of almost all breeds and different ages are susceptible, however, there are some breeds that are more prone to excessive dry skin and scabs. These are, for example, Cocker Spaniel, West Highland Wild Terrier, English Springer Spaniel, Basset Hound, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Labrador Retriever, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Chow Chow, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Whippet, Great Dane, Saluki, Italian Greyhound, Akita, Samoyed and Golden Retriever.

If your dog is pregnant, be sure to notify your veterinarian as some medications can have a harmful effect on the developing fetus.

Symptoms and types

Scabs on a dog's skin can be small, like dandruff, or larger.

Oily or dry accumulations of dead skin on the surface or in the animal's fur

Scabs can appear all over the dog's body or be localized only in certain areas

Accumulation of debris around the hair, accumulation of fat at its base

Excessive scabs and crusts can lead to skin infections if your dog is itchy and scratches constantly.

Hair loss

Skin infections are characterized by the presence of pus

Unpleasant smell

Your dog's nails can also become damaged.

Possible reasons

In some cases, the cause cannot be determined (idiopathic seborrhea)

Vitamin A deficiency (common in cocker spaniels)

Zinc deficiency (applies to Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and some other large breed dog puppies)

Abnormalities of skin and hair follicle development

Thickening of the skin for an unknown reason

Inflammation of the sebaceous glands (glands that are responsible for moisturizing the coat and skin)

Congenital defects of the skin's hydration mechanism

Allergies (food, seasonal, flea bites, etc.)

Skin infections

Hormonal disorders

Age-related changes (you've probably met old dogs with similar problems)

Eating disorders and reactions (malnutrition, eating from the master's table)

Immune disorders where the immune system attacks its own skin (pemphigus)

Diabetes

Skin tumors

Diagnostics

At the veterinarian's appointment you will need to describe in detail the dog's lifestyle, her food preferences, the diseases she suffered, as well as the symptoms of this disease from the beginning of their onset. To find out the cause of the disease, the attending physician will conduct several tests. There are many different options why the skin reacts in this way, so the examination will be very thorough. The search begins, of course, with a detailed external examination of the animal. If something seems suspicious to the veterinarian, he will order additional tests.

In any case you will have to take a complete dog blood test, biochemical profile, urine test. Often, the results of these tests show that the body is fine, unless your pet has a blood disorder such as hyperthyroidism, a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, or cancer.

To assess the condition of the skin, the following procedures may be necessary:

A skin scraping that will be sent to the laboratory to be tested for fungal and bacterial infections

Skin biopsy

Skin tests to identify possible allergens

It is possible to prescribe a hypoallergenic diet if the veterinarian suspects an allergic reaction to any food

Treatment

Correct diagnosis of this and other associated diseases, if present, is extremely important for the success of treatment. First of all the veterinarian will prescribe suitable local remedies, which will moisturize the skin and relieve the itching that bothers the animal. Doctors usually recommend refraining from frequently bathing your dog during treatment, although in some cases water, on the contrary, is indicated for a quick recovery. Also a standard veterinary prescription for such problems. are special shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. The choice of shampoo and topical treatments depends on how severely the dog’s skin is affected, whether it is infected, and what diseases accompany the dermatitis. Strictly following the veterinarian's instructions is the key to success in treating your dog!

The most important aspect of successfully treating a dog with exfoliative dermatitis is adequate external skin care with specific products prescribed by your veterinarian. If the doctor has not forbidden swimming, Try to wash your dog regularly with medicated shampoo, and then be sure to apply a moisturizer. To prevent recurrence of the disease, strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions and always complete the treatment to the end of the course, even if the skin condition has noticeably improved. Often similar Skin problems in dogs become chronic. In this case, it will be your responsibility to always monitor the condition of your pet's skin and properly moisturize it. Take your dog to the veterinarian regularly so that he can see the results of treatment and adjust his prescriptions depending on the situation.

Some dog skin diseases are contagious, meaning they can spread to another animal or even a person. To minimize the possibility of infection, follow some simple tips when handling your pet. Limit contact between household members and the dog during treatment. Always use rubber gloves when washing your dog and applying treatments. Keep the house clean and tidy, paying special attention to the place where the dog sleeps.

Now it’s time to figure out what skin diseases exist in dogs, what their symptoms are and how to treat them!

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Fungal

In addition, there is some tendency to fungal diseases in Yorkshire Terriers. Dermatophytosis is a contagious disease, it is transmitted from dog to dog, as well as through their contact with fungal spores. Which, by the way, even you and I can bring into the house without knowing it.

Symptoms

The main symptom of fungal infections is spontaneous alopecia (baldness). Moreover, concomitant lesions are almost never observed on bare areas of the skin and itching is rarely present. Sometimes with trichophytosis, onychomycosis can be observed - damage to the claw and periungual bed. At the same time, the claw turns yellow and splits.

Quite rarely, dermatophytosis occurs in the form of kerion - a nodular skin lesion. In this case, purulent exudate may be released from the kerion. With severe fungal infections in animals, microsporic lesions of the paw pads may be observed.

Treatment

Treatment of fungal infections involves external treatment and bathing in special antifungal shampoos such as Nizoral or Dermazol. You can also use the veterinary drug Imaverol. In addition, dermatophytosis is treated with systemic antifungal drugs Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Terbinafine.

Please note that the treatment of fungal infections is not complete without measures aimed at cleaning the dog’s habitat. It is imperative to treat their bedding or bed to destroy all fungal spores.
Symptoms
Symptoms of otodectosis and sarcoptic mange are often severe itching. At the same time, with otodectosis, ear lesions and a symptom of excessive accumulation of sulfur in them can be observed. Sarcoptic mange is characterized by a symptom such as severe itching on the paws, head and neck. Scratching can cause wounds and skin inflammation. And also the so-called self-induced baldness, when the dog combs its own hair.
Allergic reactions
Allergies are the most difficult to diagnose, because isolating a specific irritating component—the allergen—is always very difficult. The very nature of the origin of allergies is not fully understood.
Allergies in dogs are usually divided into:
food;
allergies to environmental components (dust, pollen, fluff, feathers).

Diagnosis of allergic reactions has the following standard algorithm:
However, blood allergy diagnosis is carried out in only a few European laboratories. At the same time, it is advisable to carry out it if it is possible to carry out exclusive expensive treatment - allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).

Symptoms
Allergies always manifest as severe itching. Since allergies reduce the protective properties of the skin, this creates favorable conditions for the development of various bacterial processes on the skin. Therefore, redness, pustules or rashes are almost always integral symptoms of allergies. Due to strong scratching, bald spots naturally appear.
Treatment
If your dog has a food allergy, to treat it, she will be prescribed a specific diet that will eliminate allergenic foods. However, veterinarians say that food allergies are rare; allergies to environmental components are much more common.
Skin cancer
Many owners mistakenly believe that any tumor in their pet is cancer. While cancer is just one type of tumor process. And as such, skin cancer is uncommon in dogs, unlike other skin tumors. Cancer is a tumor of epithelial cells and can only be malignant. Much more often than cancer, the type of tumor that veterinarians see in their patients is mastocytoma or mast cell tumor.
Symptoms
Cancer often manifests itself as skin lesions on the fingers or head. These lesions look like non-healing extensive ulcerative skin lesions. These lesions are quite painful and in order to make a disappointing diagnosis - cancer, you need to carry out a smear-imprint followed by microscopy. More common than cancer, mastocytoma appears as cutaneous and subcutaneous swellings and is often malignant.
Click to open image
Treatment
Cancer treatment is always only surgical intervention. After surgical removal, the veterinarian decides on further treatment: this may include radiation or chemotherapy.
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Video “Skin diseases of dogs”
The video below will help you learn more about what skin diseases exist in dogs!
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