Just like their human opposite numbers, our furry canine friends are susceptible to a large assortment of dog skin diseases that can manifest as a long list of symptoms. It can be tricky for most dog lovers to determine when to try at-home approaches and when to arrange for vet care for their puppy or adult dog.
The initial thing to contemplate is whether the skin disorder is causing pain for your pet. Quite a few skin diseases cause some level of inflammation. If your dog is mildly itchy, or itching on occasion, you may be ready to get by with home treatments to aid in eliminating the itching. However , if your dog is itching to the point of causing redness or hair loss, or if he is so itchy that it is interfering with his normal activities "i.e, he stops in the middle of playing to take a seat and gnaw on himself " that is considered to be chronic itchiness and he likely needs prescription medications that only your veterinarian can prescribe.
The second thing to consider is the age of your dog. If your dog is a a young pup then you must see the veterinarian for any concerns. Puppies are commonly diagnosed as having conditions that are often uncommon in adult dogs. As an example, many puppies are either born with worms (roundworms) or procure them straight after birth (hookworms, whipworms). These puppies may not show any outward signs of worm infestation aside from a leaden, dry hair coat. A vet visit is typically needed to microscopically identify the sort of worm present and start the little puppy on an appropriate dewormer.
Another condition that is often seen in pups and not in adult dogs is demodecosis, which is a sort of mange (mite plague) that's bought by the little dog right after birth. It causes mild to serious alopecia and secondary illnesses, and requires a veterinarian visit and skin scraping with microscopic research for diagnosis.
The third thing to consider is whether your dog has any other symptoms along with the skin problem. A skin condition can be because of either a primary skin illness, or can just be a sign of an illness that may also be affecting other body systems. For example, an hormonal illness such as hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease) could cause severe hair loss and thin/fragile skin, but is not a primary skin condition. It could also cause loss of muscle, excessive puffing, a distended abdomen, and other symptoms. It's critical to be observant and if you notice a change in appetite, activity level, pissing habits, or any other changes along with a skin problem, you should seek veterinary care. Your veterinarian should be able to review with you potential issues and lab tests needed to eliminate or rule out those diseases.
In today's economy, many times it is necessary to try home treatments before looking for pro vet care, but there are some scenarios that need swift animal care. If your pet is in pain or having his or her quality of life interrupted due to reddish and inflamed skin or dreadful itching, if your dog is a puppy with skin illness, or if your dog has other symptoms along with the skin illness, don't delay and seek vet care sooner rather than later.
The initial thing to contemplate is whether the skin disorder is causing pain for your pet. Quite a few skin diseases cause some level of inflammation. If your dog is mildly itchy, or itching on occasion, you may be ready to get by with home treatments to aid in eliminating the itching. However , if your dog is itching to the point of causing redness or hair loss, or if he is so itchy that it is interfering with his normal activities "i.e, he stops in the middle of playing to take a seat and gnaw on himself " that is considered to be chronic itchiness and he likely needs prescription medications that only your veterinarian can prescribe.
The second thing to consider is the age of your dog. If your dog is a a young pup then you must see the veterinarian for any concerns. Puppies are commonly diagnosed as having conditions that are often uncommon in adult dogs. As an example, many puppies are either born with worms (roundworms) or procure them straight after birth (hookworms, whipworms). These puppies may not show any outward signs of worm infestation aside from a leaden, dry hair coat. A vet visit is typically needed to microscopically identify the sort of worm present and start the little puppy on an appropriate dewormer.
Another condition that is often seen in pups and not in adult dogs is demodecosis, which is a sort of mange (mite plague) that's bought by the little dog right after birth. It causes mild to serious alopecia and secondary illnesses, and requires a veterinarian visit and skin scraping with microscopic research for diagnosis.
The third thing to consider is whether your dog has any other symptoms along with the skin problem. A skin condition can be because of either a primary skin illness, or can just be a sign of an illness that may also be affecting other body systems. For example, an hormonal illness such as hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease) could cause severe hair loss and thin/fragile skin, but is not a primary skin condition. It could also cause loss of muscle, excessive puffing, a distended abdomen, and other symptoms. It's critical to be observant and if you notice a change in appetite, activity level, pissing habits, or any other changes along with a skin problem, you should seek veterinary care. Your veterinarian should be able to review with you potential issues and lab tests needed to eliminate or rule out those diseases.
In today's economy, many times it is necessary to try home treatments before looking for pro vet care, but there are some scenarios that need swift animal care. If your pet is in pain or having his or her quality of life interrupted due to reddish and inflamed skin or dreadful itching, if your dog is a puppy with skin illness, or if your dog has other symptoms along with the skin illness, don't delay and seek vet care sooner rather than later.
About the Author:
The writer, Cathy Doggins, is a well known contributor to leading online publications such as the Dog Health Guide. She has written extensively on canine skin problems and other dog health disorders. When not caring for her dogs, she is is an advocate of dog adoption foundations and the kind-hearted treatment of animals.
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