Your dog might suffer from a skin condition due to allergies or drastic climate conditions. Discover common dog skin conditions and how to treat them here.
Around 30 percent, or 3 out of every 10 Americans are allergic to dogs.
But did you know that dogs can be allergic to us, too?
While rare, much like humans are allergic to dog hair, dogs can be allergic to human dander.
Even if your pet isn’t allergic to you, they could be allergic to other things. And those allergies can lead to painful skin conditions.
Keep reading to learn about 3 common dog skin conditions and how to treat them.
1. Dry Skin
Just like their two-legged owners, dogs can suffer from dry skin.
Like us, dry skin can be caused by changes in weather, diet, allergic reactions, and more.
If you already know that your dog has allergies, either to food or plants, dry skin is likely a symptom. If not, you should consult your vet to see whether the dry skin could be a symptom of an underlying issue.
Manage chronic dry skin with moisturizing pet shampoos and conditioners. Add healthy fats and oils to your pet’s diet can also help give them healthy skin and a shiny coat.
2. Hot Spots
One of the most concerning-looking skin conditions that dogs can develop are hot spots. But while these small bumps on a dog’s back, legs, stomach, or paws can be very serious, they are often relatively mild and easy to treat.
Hot spots are caused by localized inflammation of your pup’s skin. These spots are caused by a variety of conditions and injuries.
For instance, they can occur when your pet gets bit by a flea or other bug and develops an adverse reaction. Sometimes food allergies or other illnesses like an ear infection can also cause a hot spot to arise.
Your dog can even cause them himself by excessively licking his leg or paw. Often, excessive licking is caused by anxiety or stress.
Hot spots usually heal on their own but do keep them clean. If you think your dog caused his or her hot spot by licking, you should take them to the vet to have it cleaned and to get a prescription for a preventative that can keep them from further irritating the spot by licking.
If you don’t want to use medications that contain harsh chemicals that could cause more reactions try using cbd oil for dogs. CBD oils have proven effective at keeping Fido calm, which can prevent future licking.
3. Allergic Dermatitis
Sometimes Fido licks his or her paw because they are anxious. Other times, it’s because they are suffering an allergic reaction, and their skin may be painful or itchy.
When this occurs, allergic dermatitis may arise.
This painful skin condition is caused by an allergic reaction to grooming products like shampoos, foods, or environmental irritants like plants or bigs.
If your pet is suffering from this condition, they will develop a red rash, usually around their paws or stomach. While these reactions are manageable with medications, the best way to prevent allergic dermatitis from continuing is by identifying what your dog is allergic to so that you can avoid it.
Treating Common Dog Skin Conditions
Depending on the dog skin conditions your pet has and the severity, you may choose to try to treat them on your own home. But if their symptoms persist rather than getting better, or if other symptoms appear, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet.
Looking for more advice on keeping your four-legged best friend healthy and happy? Check out our section on dog care tips for more helpful content!
Love our content? Share it with a friend or link it to social media. Like short clips of cute household pets? Training tips? Follow us on instagram @nydognanny or on YouTube at nydognanny. Have some news you needs to get to dog and cat parents stat? Email info@newyorkdognanny.com with your article pitch.
