Dogs and Skin Irritations

Identification

• Skin irritations in dogs may affect the condition of the skin or the hair coat and can result in more-serious conditions such as secondary skin infections. According to K9Web.com, the most common medical problem dog owners seek treatment for is skin conditions, followed by ear problems

Types

• Inhalant allergies are a common source of skin irritations in dogs. Substances such as pollen, mold and dust mites can cause symptoms of itching, constant licking, chewing and biting of the skin. Dogs with inhalant allergies may have itching on the feet, groin, flanks and armpits. Flea bite allergies are caused by an allergic reaction that the dog has to the saliva of the flea. Dogs that have flea bite allergies do not need many fleas in order to have severe symptoms of itching. Dogs may also develop skin irritations as a result of food allergies. Many dogs have skin irritations as a result of an allergy to one or more of the ingredients in dog food. Dogs that have food allergies may benefit from allergy testing to identify the allergen.

Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with skin irritations in dogs may include itching, licking, biting, chewing and excessive grooming. Dogs that develop skin irritations may also rub their faces on the carpet and may suffer from anal itching. Secondary skin infections such as bacterial pyoderma may result from the dog scratching excessively. A condition known as acral lick granuloma is a condition that is often resistant to treatment. Acral lick granulomas may develop because skin irritations cause the dog to lick constantly, which can result in a sore on the skin.

Diagnosis

• In order to diagnose the cause of skin irritations in your dog, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination. Your veterinarian will also ask you to give a brief outline of your dog's medical history. Many veterinarians will prescribe medications to treat the symptoms of skin irritations. If these medications prove to be successful in controlling symptoms, no other testing may be done. Dogs that do not respond to traditional treatments for skin conditions may need to have an allergy test performed to determine the cause of the skin irritation.

Treatment

• The treatment for skin irritations in dogs depends on the cause of the condition. Treating the skin symptoms with medicated shampoos and topical ointments may help to relieve itching. Antihistamines may be prescribed for severe itching as well as corticosteroids for the inflammation that may result from skin conditions. Allergy shots may be performed for dogs with allergies to inhalants or food. According to K9Web.com, relief of symptoms may not be seen until the dog has taken allergy shots for six to twelve months. Many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog's diet with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the symptoms associated with skin irritations in dogs.