Skin disorders in canines can be a crucial problem for dog owners to deal with. The coat and skin of a dog is a key indicator of overall health, and any problems they develop can be long lasting and require persistent treatment by owners. Keeping dogs clean and parasite free are easy and effective ways to prevent long term problems. Simple tests run by a veterinarian can get a positive diagnosis for either inhalant or contact allergies.
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Causes
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Most skin problems in dogs are related to the immune system, but there are several other factors. Other common environmental issues are allergies (most commonly to flea saliva), contact with other infected animals or an allergy to plants, food or other common household product.
Symptoms
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Skin disorders in canines are most commonly recognized by itching, rash, hair loss or scabs on the skin. Frequent itching and chewing are also common, and can cause serious health issues if left untreated. The best source of diagnosis and treatment options is your veterinarian. Avoid self-diagnosing, as often animals will need special medications to deal with allergies.
Prevention
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Most importantly, keep dogs parasite free, both internal and external. Parasites are one of the top causes of skin disorders in dogs. Ticks, fleas, worms or mites can cause serious itching and other problems that can lead to secondary infections
Grooming
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Groom daily and keep an eye out for symptoms. Irritating factors, such as pebbles or skin tumors can usually be found while brushing and doing general coat care. Avoid frequently shampooing and follow guidelines from a vet or other professional. How often a dog is shampooed can change depending on the breed. Like with people, over-shampooing can dry out natural oils and change the pH-level of skin. This leaves the dog open to dry skin and other irritants.
Nutrition
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Proper nutrition is key. Though dogs are not necessarily allergic to dog food, they may have a sensitivity to an ingredient in the food. Mineral deficiency can weaken the immune system and leave animals prone to skin disorders.
Tests and Treatment
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For mild cases, pet stores and veterinarians will carry a mild Tea tree oil spray. This product has a bitter taste which discourages the dog from chewing or biting sensitive skin. Aloe Vera and Omega fatty acids can also be effective treatments for mild allergies. For more serious reactions, a veterinarian can run two types of test. The most common is a RAST test or ELISA test, both are blood tests that check for antigen-induced antibodies. The other is an intradermal test, in which a small amount of antigen is injected and the area observed for a reaction. Allergy testing is performed by a veterinarian to determine the appropriate therapy for the animal.
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