Dog Skin Diseases: Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Skin is the largest organ in your dog's body. And because it's on the outside, it's constantly exposed to the environment. Fortunately, dog skin diseases are usually more noticeable than other organ diseases. This is why skin checks are one of the most common reasons pet parents take their dogs to the veterinarian. But what should you look for, exactly, and what does dog skin disease treatment entail?

Here are seven of the more common skin issues in dogs, including their causes, diagnosis and treatment. Keeping this information under your hat can help you get your dog the care they need.

7 Dog Skin Diseases to Be Aware Of

1. Skin Parasites

Skin and hair parasites are common in dogs, and they typically lead to excessive scratching. Fleas, ticks, cuterebra larvae, biting flies, mosquitoes and skin mites are found on pets from coast to coast, though parasites vary by region. These bugs range in size from visible to the naked eye to microscopic, but they can all cause problems, including itching, red skin, hair loss and associated infectious diseases. Fortunately, your veterinarian can help you control and prevent most of these pests. Ask your vet about parasite risks in your area and the best preventive options for your dog.

2. Skin Infections

All dogs carry low levels of yeast and bacteria on their skin as part of their normal, healthy flora. Issues occur when something damages or irritates the skin, which can lead to bacterial or yeast (fungal) overgrowth, creating a skin infection. Bacterial skin infections are called pyoderma. Signs can include red skin, red bumps, flaky or oozing skin, itching and hair loss. Pyotraumatic dermatitis, also known as hot spots, is a severe local bacterial skin infection commonly caused by self-trauma due to excessive scratching, resulting in an open wound.

Yeast skin infections can cause skin odor, redness, hair loss and, in severe cases, thickened, black skin. Primary skin infections are rare in dogs. They're usually secondary to another condition, such as seasonal allergies or hormonal disorders.

3. Skin Abscesses

Abscesses result from a bacterial infection under the skin that creates a pocket of pus. Bite wounds often cause skin abscesses in dogs, but foreign bodies — such as grass, sticks or splinters — can also get stuck under the skin and lead to an abscess. Abscesses cause local pain, swelling, fever and lethargy, and they may rupture, causing an open wound. Your veterinarian can treat this skin concern with antibiotics.

4. Skin Hypersensitivities (Allergies)

Dogs of all shapes and sizes can have allergies. Allergies cause itching, skin redness, hair loss, secondary skin infections and recurrent ear infections. The most common skin allergies in dogs include flea allergy, atopy, food allergy and contact allergy. Your vet will diagnose an allergy by ruling out all other causes of skin problems first, which may include evaluating your dog's response to treatment. Depending on the allergy, treatments can include medication, medicated shampoo, supplements and immunotherapy. In most cases, allergies are managed, not cured.