What Are the Causes of Oily or Itchy Skin in Collie Puppies?

Due to their sensitive immune systems having to adjust to the new world around them, collie puppies can sometimes suffer from itchy or oily skin problems. As their immunities build, these issues may go away. Knowing specifically what is causing the itching or oily skin can make it possible to help alleviate the skin problems your collie puppies are suffering from.

  1. Mange

    • Mange is a common cause of itchy or oily skin in collie puppies. Mange occurs when tiny mites attack and nest in a puppy's skin. Symptoms of mange include extreme itching and biting at the skin, skin abrasions, and in some cases hair loss. Your vet will diagnose mange and offer a topical treatment to help get your puppy mange-free.

    Dust Mites

    • Dust mites are another cause for itchy or oily skin. Dust mites are common in households and live in fabrics, carpeting and upholstery. While they may have no affect on humans in the household, a collie puppy's sensitive skin can be bothered. Your vet can help with a topical treatment. At home you can practice frequent linen and upholstery cleanings, keeping puppies off furniture and carpets and washing puppy bedding in extremely hot water a couple times a week.

    Mold

    • Mold can also contribute to skin problems in collie puppies. If collie puppies are exposed to molds and inhale them, their skin will react sometimes by getting itchy, red and oily. To treat a mold allergy, inspect the area where your puppies live and clean it thoroughly. A vet-prescribed topical treatment can help. Also, placing a dehumidifier in the area will help remove and prevent mold growth.

    Pollen

    • Pollen is another inhalant allergen that can cause skin problems. You may be able to diagnose pollen as the culprit by the season as pollen is most prevalent in spring and summer. Watch to see if itching or biting increases whenever your puppy comes inside. A vet can give a topical treatment to help relieve symptoms. You can also limit the time your puppy spends outside to times when the pollen count is low. Keeping grass trimmed and cleaning the puppies' feet when they come in can also help lower allergic reactions.

    Malnutrition

    • Poor nutrition can lead to oily skin and itching in a collie pup. This is because your pup's sensitive skin isn't getting the nutrients it needs to maintain its health. If skin dries out as a result of poor nutrition, they can develop itchy rashes that can eventually become infected and produce an oily discharge. Talk with your veterinarian about your collie puppy's diet to determine if nutrition is the cause, and make changes according to your vet's advice.