When a dog itches or scratches, the condition is almost always the sign of a skin disorder, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Skin problems can range from mild to severe, and it is believed that most conditions are genetic due to the frequency they occur in specific breeds.
-
Symptoms
-
Owners usually only notice a problem because their dogs will begin scratching and licking themselves, almost obsessively. This is a common indication that some form of dermatitis, or skin problem, exists. In some cases, owners will notice scabbing, bleeding or oozing fluids at the dog's skin. According to Vetinfo.com, these are usually a result of the dog's own scratching but could indicate a greater problem, such as acne, growth hormone responsive dermatosis, infection or epidermal dysplasia.
Genetic Conditions
-
According to the Canine Inherited Diseases Database, there have been no scientific studies conducted to determine the inheritance of skin disorders in dog breeds, but there are at least 40 skin diseases known to affect dogs of various breeds. Research compiled by the database shows that most skin disorders--except infectious disorders--are more common in specific breeds than others, giving credence to the theory that the disorders are inherited. In fact, the website notes that some conditions, such as acanthosis nigricans in the dachshund, are so common in certain breeds they have been accepted as normal for that breed.
Types
-
Some of the conditions known to affect certain breeds more than others include: footpad disorder (softness of the skin on the pads of feet) and pyoderma (a bacterial skin infection) in German shepherds; an inflammation of the hair follicles called bronzing syndrome in Dalmatians; epidermal dysplasia (abnormal development of skin cells and sensitivity to yeast infections) in West Highland terriers; and comedo syndrome (blackheads, or blocking of hair follicles) in schnauzers.
Common Conditions
-
Acral lick dermatitis, or lick granuloma, is probably the most common skin disorder believed to be genetic that occurs in multiple breeds. Dogs with this disorder lick continuously at an area on their leg until it becomes raw and ulcerated, and the cause is usually complex and psychological. Another common condition, pattern baldness, manifests through a gradual thinning of hair until the affected area is totally bald. It is also known to affect multiple breeds.
Treatment
-
Before determining the treatment for a dog's skin problem, a veterinarian will first identify the type of disorder and any outside causes. Often, inherited disorders need to be treated with antibiotics, steroids or diet control. Bathing dogs in a mild pet shampoo can also help soothe the dog's symptoms, according to Vetinfo.com.
-