Learn Even More On Dog Skin Problems

Dog skin problems are extremely common and can affect all kinds of dogs, no matter what the breed or the level of care they are given. These serious diseases will cause moderate to severe irritation and discomfort to the dog, and can even lead to permanent bald spots on the dog's coat.

Some of these diseases can cause infection, or be a sign of a flea infestation, so it is very important to take these problems very seriously. Some of these illnesses can be caused by a bacterial infection, or a type of a fungus that can grow on dog hide, as well as by an allergy to the dog's environment or food.

There is no reason to wait for the symptoms to get worse, as they will not clear up on their own. At the first sign of a disorder, it is vital to take your pet to a licensed, trained veterinarian for a diagnosis and a treatment. No matter what the issue is, early treatment will provide your dog with relief from discomfort and prevent future problems.

The veterinarian will do a variety of tests and procedures to determine what is causing the troubles with your dog. Some dog skin troubles can be traced to a simple allergy and are relatively easy to treat, while others can require blood tests and hide biopsies to effectively identify and begin treatment. In some cases, there even may be a separate, underlying medical condition that is causing the problem.

The dog's hide is the biggest organ in its body, and one of the most important ones. Medically, it consists of two separate layers. The outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The inner layer is called the dermis. Healthy hide is always odorless and clean, as dogs will naturally keep their hide clear. The first sign of trouble is usually inflammation, or red hot spots on the dog's body.

Because there is a range of possible diagnoses, finding the right one may take a little bit of time. Commonly, the issue is an infection caused by a type of fungus or bacteria. For some dogs, the problem might be fleas, even if the owner has not noticed yet. Some dogs are hypersensitive to flea saliva, so even a tiny number of fleas is enough to trigger an outbreak.

The veterinarian may prescribe various medications for the dog to control the underlying problem. Treating the dog for fleas or other parasites might be done, as well as giving the dog antibiotics in order to kill any invasive bacteria or fungi.

There are some alternative options, which can be helpful, especially in case of allergies. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to a number of substances. Usually, changing the dog's diet or altering where the dog lives can help treat the allergy issue. No matter what the treatment ultimately is, not treating dog skin problems is not an option, as it can cause great discomfort to your pet.