Dogs are susceptible to various skin problems. This article focuses on various skin problems seen in dogs, and various means that are used to diagnose these skin problems.

Bacterial skin infections

As indicated by the term, bacteria are the main causative agents for this type of skin infection. The staphylococci group of bacteria which is S. intermedius is the causative agent of bacterial skin infection and also termed as pyodermas. The best part of this bacterium is that it cannot infect humans.

Initial signs that are observed include highly reddened skin with yellow colored pustules that are itchy. Infected dogs start to lose their hair.

Bacterial skin infections are mostly diagnosed with the symptoms itself. However, in some cases skin cells are cultured to identify antibiotic sensitivity. Antibiotics that prevent the multiplication of the bacterial cells are generally used for treatment.

Fungal skin infections

Fungi belonging to the group’s trichophyton and microsporum cause fungal skin infections in dogs. Skin rashes that develop due to fungal infections are generally termed as ringworm. These rashes make the skin dry and result in hair fall in the affected region.

As in bacterial infections, most of the fungal infections are diagnosed by the symptoms. However, to identify the microsporum group of fungi, wood’s lamp test is performed. Culture of the skin cells in appropriate fungal growth medium is a perfect diagnostic test to confirm the presence of fungal infections.

Fungal infections can be treated by giving bath to your dog with fungal shampoos and periodic application of lime sulfur over the skin.

Allergic skin diseases

Like humans, dogs also exhibit allergic reactions to flea saliva. Fleas are small insects that generally reside on the dog skin. Fleas generally infect dogs during the summer season. Dogs may suffer with allergic reactions irrespective of the age. These skin lesions are red and highly itchy. Severe scratching may result in rupture of the skin, which may result in bacterial infections.

Intense itching serves as a symptom for allergic reactions. However, blood tests can be performed to identify the presence of antibodies against the allergens.

Antihistamines and corticosteroids are generally used to obtain relief from itching. If the allergic reaction is due to fleas, eliminating the fleas will give relief to your pet in most of the cases.

Parasitic skin diseases

Fleas, ear mites, lice and ticks are the parasites that generally affect dogs. Presence of parasites makes the dog restless and may keep scratching. In more severe cases extensive scratching results in skin damage that further results in bacterial infections.

All the parasites except for ear mites can be seen on the dog’s skin by clear examination. Ear mites are very small and can be identified by placing ear wax on the table. You can see small creatures moving, which are nothing but ear mites.

Elimination of the parasites gives relief to your dog. Giving it a bath with antiseptic solutions helps to gain control over the parasitic diseases. If the disease is not controlled, oral antibiotics may be used to control the disease.

The last set of skin diseases are caused due to hormonal disturbances and can be treated by correcting the hormonal levels in the dog.

Jonathan Pitts

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