Soothing Skin Problems

Skin problems make dogs miserable. The health of the skin is important because it acts as a barrier to protect your dog from dehydration, infection, ultra-violet light and caustic substances. If your pup excessively scratches, licks and chews her coat, you’ll need to get to the root of the problem.

Symptoms of Skin Problems

• Scratching, licking or chewing at skin
• Scabs
• Redness or inflammation
• Hot spots (one area where itching is intense)
• Round, scaly patches on face or paws
• Dry, flaky or irritated skin
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Rashes
• Lesions
• Drainage of blood or pus
• Swellings, lumps or skin discoloration
• Rubbing face against carpet or furniture

Causes of Skin Problems

Many factors can cause skin problems in dogs and usually it’s a combo of things making her itch. Since it’s not easy to identify the underlying causes, consult your vet as soon as you see skin problem symptoms.

Parasites

Flea bites can irritate the skin and some dogs have an allergic response to the saliva following a bite. Sarcoptic mites, also called scabies or red mange, create intense itching, alopecia and inflamed skin with many small scabs. Demodex mites, known as mange, live just under the skin in hair follicles and oil glands and cause severe itching and patchy alopecia.

Allergies

Sensitivity to common substances such as pollen, weeds, dust, mites, trees or grasses can cause itching and scratching. Your dog may also develop food allergies to common ingredients in dog food such as beef, chicken, wheat, corn, soy, fillers and colorings.

Infections

Ringworm, a contagious fungal infection, causes inflammation, scaly patches and balding. Dogs can also develop bacterial and yeast inflections when the skin is damaged from other skin problems.

Other

A dog may lick her skin excessively from stress or boredom. Hormonal changes can cause change in skin color or coat thickness. Some shampoos and conditioners can irritate dog’s skin.

Prevent Skin Problems

• Use natural, hypoallergenic shampoos recommended for dogs.

• Brush your dog regularly.

• Feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet without artificial fillers.

• Work with your vet on a parasite prevention or flea treatment program.

• Provide a calm environment for your dog.

• Regularly clean and vacuum your home.

Products to Help

Dawg Gone Good offers a number of products that can help you treat your dog’s itchy skin.

Happy Tails offers shampoos and conditioners for itchy skin such as Comfy Dog, Fur Butter, Flea the Scene and Itchin’ for Relief.

               

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Conair Yellow Dog massaging brush helps improve a dog’s coat.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taste of the Wild provides a natural grain-free formula with vitamins and minerals to provide your dog with a balanced diet.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Go! Natural provides wholesome formualtions with meat plus fruit and vegetables.