Itching is a companion of sick dogs
Dog skin and coat disorders can be caused by a wide range of infectious diseases such as viruses, bacteria, fungus; hormonal and metabolic disorders; physical and chemical injuries. In any case, the disease must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Therefore, if you find any lesions on your pet’s skin and coat, contact your doctor immediately.
However, every dog owner should have at least some idea of the most common skin and coat diseases. This will help you avoid making big mistakes and provide first aid for your pet.
Dermatitis caused by fleas
Dogs that have fleas have weak and brittle fur. The most common lesions are seen on the tail as this is where fleas normally breed. The main signs that your dog has fleas are: restlessness, frequent digging, which leaves scratches. hair tufts, thereby damaging the skin. Fleas are seasonal parasites that infest the coat of dogs during the summer-winter period. They suck blood and can infect with various viral diseases.
The dog should be shampooed with a shampoo containing insecticides. However, eradicating fleas on a dog’s skin is only half the job. Because only about 10% of the flea population lives permanently on the dog’s fur. Therefore, you need to disinfect the dog’s bed and all its toys, in a word, all the places where the dog likes to be.
Pyoderma
The disease is manifested by severe itching, usually in one place. The affected area may suddenly spread and become very painful. The cause of this disease is stress.
Veterinarians advise treating pyoderma with natural remedies, as these are more effective than medications. It is recommended to boil calendula and wash the affected areas of the dog’s skin with its decoction. And, of course, to strengthen his immune system with vitamins and minerals.
Demodecosis
DEmodicosis is an inflammatory disease of dogs caused by different types of Demodex mites. These are parasites that live even in the coat and sebaceous glands of healthy dogs. The cause of the disease is a weak immune system in young dogs. The disease is also thought to have a genetic inheritance.
Bacteria appear on the affected skin and cause itching. There are several signs of the disease: the affected skin thickens, becomes blue-grey in colour and covered with scales, or the affected skin develops light-red nodules which later darken. hair falls out, the skin wrinkles and becomes scaly. After a while, the nodes turn into pus and ooze a sticky fluid. Demodecosis can only be cured by a specialist.
Scabies
This disease is caused by scabies mites. A dog can become infected with these mites through contact with a sick dog. Scabies mites can also infect not only animals but also humans.
When a tick bites, small bumps are visible on the skin, which later turn into abscesses. It starts to stitchy skin. In the shaved areas, the hair first sticks together and then falls out.
Treatment is prescribed by your veterinarian. Medicines and therapeutic ointments for mange are used.
Trichophytia
This is a superficial skin infection caused by fungi that affects the skin of the body, fingers, toenails and feet. The affected skin peels off, but is not scratched.
Trichophytia can also infect humans, so treatment should be carried out under veterinary supervision. Home remedies such as iodine, calendula and echinacea infusions can be useful.
Dermatitis caused by stress
Dermatitis is most commonly seen in dogs with stress tolerance. When they have nothing to do, they start to “gnaw” themselves, literally. Therefore, the dog should be exercised as often as possible, play as much as possible, and have something to do. It is also necessary to strengthen the dog’s nervous system.
However, healthy dogs are no exception. They can also get one of the types of dermatitis. Therefore, you should examine your dog as often and carefully as possible. And if you notice any skin or coat pif you have any symptoms, contact your vet as soon as possible. After all, a shiny and dense coat is the best indicator that your dog is healthy.