Understanding Skin Disorders That Affect Dogs

If you are a dog owner, then it is an excellent idea to learn about the skin disorders that can affect particular breeds in order to provide proper treatment. The skin issues of dogs can manifest only on an animal’s sensitive tissues, or you might notice changes to the animal’s coat instead. The symptoms of skin problems for a dog are similar to humans with an animal experiencing inflammation and intense itching. Some skin conditions are only temporary, and with the correct treatment will resolve and heal, but other disorders are chronic, and pet owners must spend more time caring for a dog’s coat and skin.

Inherited Disorders

When you purchase a puppy for a knowledgeable breeder, it is less likely to have an inherited skin disorder. A few of the hereditary conditions that are found in dogs are:

Color dilution alopecia – leads to loss of fur.
Hypotrichosis – abnormal hair growth.
Canine follicular dysplasia – leads to loss of fur.
Ichthyosis – rough and flaky skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis – itchy, flaky and inflamed skin.

Infectious Diseases

Your dog can also contract skin diseases from other infected animals, and these conditions are frequently caused by parasites, viruses, fungus or bacteria. These diseases include:

Alabama rot.
Malassezia dermatitis.
Ringworm.
Sarcoptic canine scabies.
Lice infestations.

Environmental Disorders

Environmental disorders are typically caused by a dog’s habitat or own behavior. An animal can have an allergic skin reaction to the fibers or chemicals in fabrics or carpets. A dog might have repetitive behavior such as licking its own fur or foot pads, leading to an infection from the acids in its saliva.