Common skin conditions in dogs
Depending on your dog's breed, age, and a number of genetic factors, you may find they are prone to skin conditions. You can support your dog’s recovery, as well as prevent future problems, in a number of simple ways.
What’s important about your dog’s skin?
A dog’s skin acts as a barrier between their organs, muscles, and skeleton and their environment. It’s the largest organ in their body and, including their hair, makes up around 12% of their entire body weight. It offers vital protection against parasites, stores fat, water, and vitamins, and houses sensitive nerve endings.The skin is a barrier that prevents water loss, reducing the chance of dehydration and helps regulate their body temperature. A dog’s skin also secretes sebum, an oil-like substance that creates a biofilm over the surface of the skin. This film protects against external threats by managing the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria, and helps prevent bacteria from multiplying. It also maintains the pH balance of your dog’s skin to help prevent irritation from environmental changes.
In these ways, your dog’s skin is an important filter between their environment and their body, and needs to be looked after properly.
What are the signs of a skin condition in my dog?
Much like the signs of a skin condition in a human, your dog might suffer from dry, irritated, or red skin in certain areas. Their coat may appear dry or greasy, there may be some hair loss or you may notice they have dandruff. It’s likely that the first thing you’ll spot is your dog scratching itself more as it tries to relieve some of its discomfort.Particular breeds of dog have their own skin conditions. Dog breeds with folded skin, such as Pugs or Bulldogs, can suffer irritation as it’s easier for bacteria and yeast to get trapped in the folds of their skin. Medium-sized dogs who may spend lots of time outside or working are exposed to environmental pressures, which means their skin’s natural defenses need special support. German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Miniature Schnauzers, and Shih Tzus all have similarly sensitive skin, so it’s important to ask your veterinarian if there are any genetic predispositions to skin conditions you should know about.
Why do dogs get skin conditions?
Some skin conditions in dogs are created or exacerbated by external factors. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are in contact with a greater variety of potential pests and parasites, which in turn can cause inflammation. Although hygiene is important, if you use a shampoo or cleaning product that strips their skin of sebum this can similarly cause problems.
A nutritionally unbalanced diet may contribute to the occurrence of skin conditions in dogs. There are several types of adverse reactions to food, and the most common is allergic. As a result, signs such as scratching, redness, and inflammation may be triggered. Your dog's sensitivity, combined with their diet, can then cause signs of skin irritation.
Keeping your dog’s skin healthy requires a complex mix of nutrients, including long chain fatty acids like those from the omega 3 and omega 6 groups. Trace minerals like zinc and copper are important for overall cell function and to help maintain a high-quality coat. Most importantly, high-quality proteins that are easy to digest are essential. Your dog’s skin and coat uses a good portion of their daily protein intake, so the right type and amount of protein is important.
You can support your dog’s skin and hair health, and take preventative action against many common skin conditions by choosing an appropriate food, and being aware of any external factors they might encounter. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian.
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If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, consult a vet for professional advice.
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