Mary Allen
The dog’s skin is a chapter in itself. Skin infections and skin problems are significantly more common in dogs than in humans and can be due to several things.
Parasites
The most common is that parasites such as lice, mites, and scabies are behind skin problems. The insects irritate, the dog itches and soon bacteria and yeasts take root. The fur probably contributes to making the environment favorable for small lives.
External parasites can be lice, ticks, dandruff mites, and scabies causing skin problems. Fleas are not so common in Sweden, but you can detect lice with the naked eye. Standard lice comb for humans works well. The lice are located at the ears and neck. It is never wrong to try treatment with over-the-counter ticks and vermin.
Skin infections
Skin infections, as well as problems with the paws and ears, can also be caused by the dog being allergic. Because it is the skin that mainly affects a dog with allergies, regardless of what the dog is allergic to. If the skin problems recur, the underlying cause should be investigated by a veterinarian. However, if the problem is new, there are some things you can try at home before consulting a veterinarian.
You usually notice the skin problems by the dog scratching. It can also nibble or bite itself, rub its face into the carpet, lick itself or go sledding on the buttocks, and more. Dogs that show this behavior may suffer more than you think. And the problems do not go away on their own, so act before they grow bigger and the dog suffers even more.
Keep track of skin folds where bacteria and fungi can thrive. Light with a lamp and dry out the folds regularly. If there is a lot of folds, you can wipe them off with alcohol.
Pimples or crusts
If the dog has red “pimples” or crusts, it may be staphylococcal bacteria that are naturally present on the skin that for some reason have “gained a foothold”. You can try shampooing your dog with over-the-counter bactericidal dog shampoo with chlorhexidine. If the problems go away, everything is fine. If they return, the cause must be investigated by a veterinarian.
Hot spots
Hot spots, or moisture eczema, can appear from one day to the next as bacteria have grown at a record rate. Suddenly, a 10 x 10 centimeter moist, itchy eczema can flare up, especially where the coat is dense, such as on the cheeks. There is always a trigger for hot spots: lice, allergies, wounds but also prolonged moisture or moisture after bathing.
If the dog is not in pain, you can try shaving clean around eczema and washing with rubbing alcohol. But often it hurts so much that the dog must be taken to the vet for antibiotic treatment.
Anal sac inflammation
If the dog slides on the buttocks, it may have suffered from anal sac inflammation. The anal sacs sit on either side of the anus and store a foul-smelling secretion that is emptied when the dog poops or gets scared. But it can also be a matter of allergies – dogs have extra allergy cells in their ears, paws, and buttocks – or anal fistulas. A veterinarian should be contacted.
Fox scabies
Fox scabies is more common than you might think and causes skin problems. And affects city dogs, which are often infected by another dog. So no fox needs to be involved. There is no over-the-counter remedy for fox scabies. The dog must be taken to the vet.
Tubers
It is not possible to distinguish a normal lump of fat from a malignant tumor, so if you notice a lump or lump on your dog, ask for a cell sample from the vet. It goes fast and provides good information. And done when the dog is awake, it does not even need soothing.
