Skin Care

Bacterial skin infections left untreated cause red itchy skin, hair loss, and can be painful. If you suspect your dog has a skin infection it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment with your veterinarian to receive a prescription for antibiotics, as well as medication to stop the redness and itching.

Ringworm is actually not a worm at all, but a fungus that grows on the skin and causes hair loss and lesions. Ringworm is very contagious to other animals including people. Ringworm is diagnosed by the appearance of round, crusting lesions on the skin. A black light can also be used to detect ringworm as it causes the fungus to glow. Samples of the hair and skin can also be cultured and tested for the presence of this organism. If the tests come back positive for ringworm, it is advised to clip the hair around the lesions, bathe with an anti-fungal shampoo, and antibiotics may be prescribed.

The causes of allergic skin reactions are too numerous to count as an individual dog can be allergic to anything it comes into contact with in its environment. Common allergens are pollens, grass, dust, as well as ingredients in their food. Dogs with allergies often develop skin problems in the form of infection, itching, and hair-loss. Treatment is usually in the form of antibiotics to resolve any infection in the skin, a change in diet may be recommended, and medications to reduce any inflammation and itching may be prescribed.

Parasitic skin diseases are caused by parasites such as fleas, lice or other insects and arachnids. These parasites live on the animal and cause damage to the skin layer when they feed or reproduce. To treat the parasites they are first identified and the appropriate medication applied. This medication is usually something applied to the skin. Antibiotics may be needed if there is infection present, and medication to stop the itching and inflammation caused by the parasites. Sometimes, a shampoo is prescribed as well that can treat and provide relief to your dog.

If you suspect your dog has a hormonal imbalance, such as a problem with its thyroid gland, it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment with your veterinarian, so that the issue can be identified and treated.