Skin Diseases In Dogs

Skin diseases in dogs can be categorized into 4 groups; bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and allergic skin diseases.

- Bacterial Skin infections in dogs

Staphylococci or the ('Staph bacteria') if you like, are the most common causing organisms present in bacterial skin diseases in dogs. Luckily, the bacteria are not contagious to other pets or humans. The symptoms include itchy, yellow pustules forming on the surface of the skin in the early stages of the disease, ulcerated and reddened skin, and as the condition progresses, there will be the appearance of dry, crusted areas, hair loss on the affected areas, and oduor.

While bacterial infections in dogs can affect all parts of its body, many cases are confined to the dog's trunk where the most commonly affected area is the chin. Diagnosis of bacterial skin infection in dogs is normally made as per the appearance and location of the skin lesions.

- Fungal Skin Infections

Ringworm, or the fungal skin infection in dogs is another common skin disease in dogs caused by two species of fungi - Trichophyton and Microsporum and as a result, the condition will mostly be referred to as 'ringworm'. The condition will mostly affect puppies, and the fungi live in nails, hair, and dead skin cells. Hair loss may ensue mostly in circular patches and if affected, the centre of the patch will feature a dry, crusty appearance. Ringworm mostly affects the head and the legs although it can spread to various other parts of the body if no treatment is administered.

- Allergic Skin Diseases

Majority of the skin diseases in dogs are as a result of allergies, which is characterized by eye and nasal discharges, itchy skin, sneezing, skin lesions and digestive upsets. The primary sign of allergic skin diseases in dogs is itching where the affected skin can appear normal, or sometimes moist and red in patches known as hot spots. Dried crusts and pus will be present if the dog has an underlying bacterial infection. Chest, feet, face, and abdomen are the most affected areas.

- Parasitic Skin Diseases

The most common parasitic skin diseases in dogs are fleas and mange, which is caused by mites. Lice, ear mites, ticks, and various other common parasites are known to affect dogs where they will irritate the dog resulting to self-mutilation. Common signs include reddened skin, intense itching, hair loss, and crusting of the skin in the affected areas.

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