Acne. Itchy spots. Rashes. Irritation. You may be surprised to learn that humans are not the only ones who suffer from skin conditions. In fact, dogs are particularly susceptible to a range of skin conditions, many of which may not improve without proper attention. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common skin conditions your furry friend may develop and how you can treat them.
How do you know your dog has a skin condition? Often, licking is one of the first symptoms. Your dog may lick the same part of its body repeatedly in an effort to soothe irritation or itching. Other symptoms include redness; rashes; skin flakes; lumps and bumps; and patches of hair loss.
Dogs can also have allergies, just like people do. For example, they can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, and grass, among other substances. If your dog starts itching suddenly, exposure to an allergen may be the cause. Dogs can also have food allergies, most commonly to different types of protein, including chicken, dairy, or even beef. A dog with a food allergy will often have itching in the face, ears, feet, and anus area.
Dogs can also develop yeast infections, especially in warm, hard-to-reach areas such as the insides of their ears and between their toes. Your dog may scratch and bite at the affected area, and the skin itself may be discolored and give off a bad odor.
Dandruff, or flaky skin, can also affect your dog. Some dogs are simply more susceptible to having dry skin, especially during winter; in other cases, dandruff can be a symptom of an infection. For more information on how to treat these common skin conditions, check out the accompanying resource.
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