Your Dog's Skin

If you see your dog scratching itself, it could probably be nothing or it might be a skin condition, making it itch. If you observe incessant scratching or that your dog is chewing at its own skin, understand that you have a problem at your hands. 

A perfectly healthy protection dog will have skin that will clue you in to its state of health. The canine’s skin is one of the first indications that it might be suffering from a skin problem that all dogs may experience. What increases the probability of these issues are unhealthy living environments. 

Types of Skin Problems

Some problems that your protection dog might experience include:

• Hot spots

• Acral lick Granuloma

• Changes in color or texture

• Impetigo

• Yeast infections

• Dry and flaky skin

• Hair Loss and shedding 

• Allergic Dermatitis

What Causes Skin Problems

Since a skin affliction might be caused by more than one reason, if you cannot discover its source, be vigilant in contacting your veterinarian. Some agents commonly found responsible are:

• Seasonal allergies: Allergens like weeds, dust, and pollen in the air might lead to scratching.

• Other causal agents are allergens present in dog food, colorings, and fillers.

• At times, owners use products that are not geared specifically towards dog grooming. They are often the cause for skin problems. 

• Changes in your protection dog’s metabolism or hormonal levels may also be responsible for textural or color differences.

How Serious are these Skin Problems

You should never take your dog’s health lightly. Skin problems can worsen and cause more damage than they would have, if caught and treated in the early stages. It is rather easy to spot, if your dog is experiencing them. Symptoms include:

• Licking, scratching, or chewing,

• Redness, scabs, scaly patches on face and paws, swellings or rashes,

• Rubbing their face against the furniture or on the carpet

Curing Skin Problems

Once you spot that your dog has been scratching itself excessively, contact the vet immediately. When you take your dog in, a vet will do a skin biopsy on your dog. It will be tested for the presence of ringworm, blood, and allergies. A microscopic exam of the skin and hair may also be in order.

Post-diagnosis, the vet will advise you to give your dog a balanced diet. He might also use anti-parasitic shampoos and ointments; recommend dietary supplements, injections, or antibiotics that will reduce the intensity of the dog’s allergic reactions.

Prevention of Skin Problems

Since in most cases, prevention is better than cure, you can reduce the risks of your dog getting a skin problem by providing them with:

• Hypoallergenic shampoos

• Regular brushing

• Healthy diet

• Clean home

• Optimal living conditions

To read more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com