Is your lovely pooch struggling with skin irritation and wondering what to do?
Well, in this article, we will tell you more about skin irritation in dogs including its causes, symptoms, and remedies.
Come with us.
Causes of Skin Irritation in Dogs
Skin irritation in dogs is often a symptom of a bigger underlying health issue. The following are some of the most common causes of skin irritation in dogs.
- Parasites: Bites from parasites such as fleas, mites, lice, or ticks are a leading cause of skin itching and irritation in dogs.
- Allergies: Sensitivities to certain foods and environmental allergens such as dust and pollen can lead to skin inflammation and itching.
- Infections: Bacterial and fungal infections can lead to skin irritation in dogs marked by itching, scaling, discharge, and unpleasant odors.
- Diseases: Skin irritation in dogs can result from diseases such as flea allergy dermatitis, hypothyroidism, and contact dermatitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Irritation
Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of skin irritation:
- Redness or swelling
- Dry skin
- Scaling
- Hair loss
- Constant scratching and itching
- Skin hardening
- Sores
- Excessive licking
- Scooping and rubbing on surfaces
Diagnosis of Skin Irritation
Skin irritation in dogs can be diagnosed in various ways:
- Allergy tests
- Biopsy
- Blood test
Treatment Options
The treatment option for skin irritation depends on the root cause. The options include:
- Dietary changes if skin irritation is caused by food allergies.
- Removing any environmental allergens from your dog’s environment
- Use of antibiotics
- Giving your dog medicated baths
- Putting in place parasite control and treatment measures
- Laser treatment.