A dog owner is used to seeing his dog&'s eyes, usually looking hopefully at him during dinnertime. Unusual dryness around a dog&'s eye can be a symptom of a skin infection.
-
Symptoms
-
Dryness around a dog&'s eye can be characterized by loss of hair around the eye and dry, scaly skin inside the bald areas. The visible skin might be red or flaky.
Causes
-
Dry patches of bald skin around a dog&'s eye can be caused by ringworm, a fungal infection. It can also be caused by mange, a skin condition triggered by mites, according to "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook."
Diagnosis
-
A veterinarian can diagnose the cause of dryness around a dog&'s eye by taking a scraping of the dry skin. By examining it under a microscope for fungal matter or mites, she can determine what is causing the problem.
Treatment
-
Ringworm can be treated with topical anti-fungal medication. Mange can be treated with injections of medication, as well as special shampoos and washes.
Considerations
-
Once the cause of hair loss and dry skin has been treated, the dog&'s fur will grow back and the skin and hair around its eye will return to a normal appearance.
-