Dogs with skin conditions like dermatitis often suffer from itchiness that causes them to scratch and lick their skin. Today, our Fort Worth vets discuss what may be causing your pup's skin problem and how dermatological treatment can help.
Skin Conditions That Cause Itching & Irritability
Most dogs will suffer from itchy skin at some point in their lives. Typically, this will be an annoying but minor symptom for your pup. However, some conditions do need veterinary dermatological treatment to prevent them from becoming worse or leading to secondary infections.
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Your dog may start to scratch, lick or bite at their fur for several reasons. Some of the more common culprits include:
Bacterial Skin Infections
Skin infections are a common skin disorder often caused by an overgrowth of normal skin bacteria, which can occur when a dog's immune system has other issues like allergies or an underlying disease.
Signs of bacterial skin infections include red, scaly patches, moist areas of inflamed skin, or small, red bumps or pustules.
Skin infections can also develop when bacteria that are not part of normal skin flora enter the skin through a small puncture or scrape. Bacterial skin infections are typically treated with oral antibiotics.
Dry Skin
Dry skin in dogs may be accompanied by flakiness (dander) and has many potential causes. This skin problem can be a normal skin condition in puppies who haven't yet developed the oil glands that help them maintain a shiny coat. While dry weather is a common cause of dry skin, inadequate nutrition or underlying disease can also cause a dog's skin to dry out.
Treatments for dry skin include oral omega-3 fatty acid skin supplements or moisturizing leave-on products,
Hot Spots
These areas of red, inflamed, moist skin sometimes appear to develop overnight and happen when a dog scratches, licks, chews, or rubs an area until a hairless wound develops. They occur due to an underlying allergy that causes intense itchiness.
Hot spots are sensitive to the touch and may be painful. Your vet will likely recommend treating them with anti-itch medications and antibiotics. Additionally, an over-the-counter antimicrobial spray can also provide relief.
Parasitic Bites
Bites from fleas and mites are one of the most common causes of itching in dogs. Fortunately, they are also one of the easiest to treat. Your veterinarian can diagnose the infection using a fecal exam and other tests, and prescribe medication to kill parasites. You can also proactively give your dog medication to prevent fleas, mites, or ticks from gaining a foothold and causing infection in the first place.
Skin Allergies
Some dogs are susceptible to skin allergies (allergic dermatitis), making this a relatively common underlying cause of itchiness and irritability.
Pollen, plants, insects or dander can all have your dog scratching at their skin.
Aside from itchiness, other signs of skin allergies include watery eyes, sneezing, rashes, excessive licking or grooming, sneezing and inflamed skin. Your vet will diagnose and treat the allergy. Treatments will depend on the allergy's underlying cause and may include an elimination diet or modified diet, laser treatments, non-steroidal allergy medications, medicated baths or other options.
Environmental Dermatitis
This skin irritation develops when certain substances, such as dirt, grass, and plants, come into contact with the skin. Symptoms include itchy, dry, or cracked skin, blisters, rashes, redness, or swelling.
Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet may recommend alleviating environmental dermatitis by applying a cortisone cream to the affected area, administering antihistamines or giving your pup an oatmeal bath.
Nutritional Dermatitis
While nutritional dermatitis is a relatively uncommon issue for dogs, it's still possible for your pup to have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the food.
This condition typically causes skin irritations and scratching, but digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. If your dog is displaying either type of symptom, book an appointment with your vet, who can recommend a hypoallergenic diet or medication.
Hives
Another type of allergic reaction is hives (also known as urticaria). Hives on dogs are extremely itchy but are not life-threatening. The skin will be swollen and usually looks like a red rash.
They can be a reaction to many things, from bites to medications and appear as a reaction anywhere from 6-24 hours after exposure to allergens. Symptoms show as a raised bump that would cause the dog's fur to stick out.
Occasionally, hives will present with swelling near the eyes. Using an antihistamine or hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs will usually alleviate the condition. A hydrating leave-in conditioner may also help. Ask your vet what they recommend for your pet.
Dermatology & Allergy Veterinary Treatment in Fort Worth
It's important that skin problems and conditions be accurately diagnosed and treated effectively, as prolonged itching can cause excessive scratching and biting at the itch which can create a self-inflicted injury. This can become serious if left unchecked.
If your dog has developed a skin problem or condition that has not responded to treatment by your primary veterinarian, our veterinary dermatologist can diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment. We provide dermatological care for pets suffering from uncomfortable skin issues in Fort Worth and beyond.
We are available to assist with all of your pet's dermatology needs, and can offer tips and advice to help you manage any conditions and resulting symptoms.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.