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Having a cute and lovable dog is one of the things that make dogs
well appreciated. As an owner we will have to do our part to help
keep the dog cute and lovable. We should learn how to take care
of it’s hygiene to prevent it from suffering skin complications.
When your
dog suffers from skin complications it will become harder to
look at and be very pitiful. If you have seen the world’s ugliest
dog Sam, you will have a whole lot of pity for it. To prevent
your dog from having any skin complications that could deform
it, here are some of those common complications and their preventive
measures.
• Atopy
or Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis: as a result of microscopic
particles in the air that lands in the dog’s skin, the skin
becomes very itchy. The diagnosis of this skin condition is
based from the clinical presentation and absence of other causes
like the ectoparasites. Treating this problem will include dietary
supplements, steroids and antihistamines, and most likely long
term. In some cases where the condition gets out of control,
skin allergen testing and hypo sensitization helps. Rinsing
and shampooing the pet also helps.
• Ectoparasites
or external parasites: mites, fleas, ticks. These parasites
are able to break the external barrier of the skin, making the
bacterial infections possible or allergic reactions. You or
the vet can diagnose this condition by carefully observing the
skin through gross observation or microscopic examinations of
skin scrapes. The treatment depends on the parasites found.
The common treatment though is anti-parasitic shampoos and drugs
and rinsing the dog.
• Fungal
Infections: Dermal Coccidioidomycosis, Malassezia and Dermatophytosis.
Diagnosis is based on the organisms found on the fecal samples
that are fresh and cooled, microscopic exams of skin scrapings
and blood tests that will identify the antibodies to Coccidioides
immitis. The treatment are systematic antifungal drugs and shampoos
that will include rinses and topical.
• Food
Allergies: giving the wrong food that dogs have allergic reactions
to will manifest themselves in their skin. Diagnosing food allergic
reactions is usually done by ruling out other allergic reactions
first. Treating this will be giving the dog a hypoallergenic
diet for a minimum of six weeks.
• Irritant
contact dermatitis: diagnosis is based from the history of clinical
contact allergies or presentations. Treating this will only
require you washing the irritated area and are given steroids
for a short period. Remember to prevent re-exposure.
• Autoimmune
Skin Disease: there are lots of diseases of this kind and surgical
biopsy is done to diagnose it. The treatment includes either.
Steroids, immune modulation drugs or dietary supplements.
These are
the most common skin disease that you should observe on your
dog when your dog has been acting weird in a way. Your dog may
already be suffering from among these skin conditions that could
eventually worsen. Immediately seek help when initial outbreaks
are present. |
