Mary Allen
Skin problems are often tough for dogs and may need to be investigated. But there are some things you can try for yourself before seeking help. Here are veterinarian Susanne Ahman’s best tips.
Skin infections are significantly more common in dogs than in humans. Perhaps it is the fur that is the culprit in the drama, the moisture is retained and the environment becomes favorable for bacteria and yeasts. It is also the skin that mainly affects a dog with allergies, regardless of what the dog is allergic to. At the top, we have all parasites such as lice, mites, and scabies, which are the most common cause of various skin problems.
In other words, skin diseases are quite common, every fifth dog in Sweden suffers at some point during their life. The causes can be several and often need to be investigated by a veterinarian.
Therefore, it is a bit strange that there are only six clinically active veterinarians with specialist expertise in dermatology, the study of the skin and its diseases, in the whole country. One of them is Susanne Ahman at Djurakuten in Stockholm. Susanne, who both lectures on the subject and further educates veterinarians and has written the book The Dog’s Skin at the request of pet owners who thought that all dog books at most devoted a few pages to skin problems.
Here we address twelve common diseases, or symptoms, and what you can do about them. Itching is most common.
– Yes, the most common question I get is: “Help, the dog itches. What should I do?”
By “scratching” is not meant just ragging the hind legs. The dog can nibble or bite itself, rub the face in the carpet, lick itself or go canoeing on the buttocks, and more.
Dogs that show this behavior may suffer more than you think. If the problems are recurring, it is extra important to investigate the underlying cause.
– Trivializing ear infections are very common. The dog is treated and temporarily gets better and then you think it was “just the ears”. But many dogs go and feel bad and in pain. There is always a reason for the problems to return. Make it a habit to go through your dog once a week, feel it, and look between the toes and in the armpits so that small problems do not grow big or become chronic.