Does a dog need to shave its fur if it has skin disease

When we discover that a dog's originally smooth and shiny fur has become disorganized, and symptoms such as redness, itching, and hair loss appear on the skin, a heart wrenching feeling instantly surges in our hearts. As the closest companions of dogs, we are eager to find solutions to help them overcome the troubles of skin diseases. Among various treatment measures, whether to shave dogs has become a dilemma for many owners. This decision is not only related to the treatment effect of dog skin diseases, but also closely related to the physical and mental health of dogs, requiring us to carefully consider with professional knowledge and deep care.

Dogs have more fragile skin compared to humans, and their hair is dense, which makes them susceptible to various skin diseases. Common skin diseases in dogs include fungal infections, bacterial infections, mite infections, eczema, and skin inflammation caused by allergies. Different types of skin diseases have different symptoms. Fungal infections typically manifest as round or oval depilation spots, with easily broken hair and possibly accompanied by dandruff and erythema on the skin surface. Bacterial infection may cause pustules and scabs on the skin, and in severe cases, may emit an unpleasant odor. Mite infection can cause severe itching, redness, and hair loss in dogs' skin, especially in the ears, elbows, abdomen, and other areas. Eczema is often manifested as redness and swelling of the skin, exudation of fluid, and frequent scratching and licking of the affected area by dogs. Skin diseases caused by allergies may be accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose, in addition to skin symptoms.

Shaving has become a method considered by many owners and veterinarians when treating dog skin diseases. Shaving does have a certain positive effect on the treatment of certain skin diseases. When dogs suffer from severe infectious skin diseases, such as widespread bacterial or fungal infections, their hair can hinder the direct application of drugs to the skin surface, affecting the effectiveness of treatment. After shaving, the skin can be fully exposed, and drugs can penetrate the affected area more directly and effectively, improving the targeting and effectiveness of treatment. For example, for dogs with extensive fungal infections, shaving can allow antifungal drugs to better contact the skin, inhibit fungal growth and reproduction, and accelerate the improvement of the condition.

Shaving also facilitates our observation and cleansing of the skin. Skin diseases often lead to excessive secretion of secretions from the skin, which can be absorbed by hair, forming dirt, breeding more bacteria, and exacerbating infections. After shaving, we can clearly see the extent and severity of skin lesions, detect new symptoms in a timely manner, and provide accurate basis for treatment. At the same time, cleaning the skin has become easier. We can use mild cleaning agents and physiological saline to thoroughly clean the dirt and secretions on the surface of the skin, reduce the chance of bacterial growth, and promote skin recovery.

However, shaving is not suitable for all dogs with skin diseases, and it also has certain drawbacks. Dog hair is not only a symbol of beauty, but also a natural protective barrier for the skin. Hair can block the damage of external dust, bacteria, ultraviolet rays, etc. to the skin, and maintain the temperature and humidity balance of the skin. After shaving, the skin is directly exposed to the external environment, losing the protection of hair and being more susceptible to irritation and infection. Especially in cold seasons, shaving may cause the dog's body temperature to dissipate too quickly, leading to illnesses such as colds; In the hot summer, the skin is easily sunburned by ultraviolet rays, exacerbating the symptoms of skin diseases.

In addition, the shaving process itself may have an impact on the psychology of dogs. Some dogs are very sensitive to shaving and may feel scared and uneasy. During the shaving process, they may struggle, resist, and even experience stress reactions. This negative emotion not only affects the mental health of dogs, but may also have adverse effects on their physical recovery. Moreover, after shaving, dogs may develop a sense of inferiority and become unwilling to interact with humans or other dogs due to changes in their own image.

When dogs suffer from skin diseases, whether to shave or not needs to be determined by a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. If the symptoms of a dog's skin disease are mild and the scope of the lesion is small, it can be treated through local medication, medicinal baths, and other methods, without necessarily requiring shaving. But if the skin disease is more severe, such as large-scale infection, excessive exudate, etc., shaving may be a necessary treatment method. Before deciding to shave, it is best to consult with a veterinarian, who will provide professional advice based on the type, severity, and physical condition of the dog's skin disease.

During the shaving process, it is important to choose a professional pet groomer or under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure a safe and smooth shaving process. When shaving, be careful to avoid damaging the skin, use sharp and clean shaving tools, and move gently. After shaving, it is necessary to take good care of the dog, keep the skin clean and dry, avoid scratching and licking the skin, and prevent the infection from worsening. You can put an Elizabeth ring on your dog to restrict its behavior. At the same time, it is important to keep the dog warm or sun protected, and provide suitable living conditions for the dog according to seasonal and environmental changes.

Watching our dog suffer greatly from skin disease, our hearts are filled with heartache. In the process of treating dog skin diseases, we need to be cautious when making decisions about whether to shave or not. We should take professional knowledge as a guide, care for dogs with love and patience, choose the most suitable treatment method for dogs, help them get rid of the troubles of skin diseases as soon as possible, regain a healthy and happy life, and continue to write a beautiful chapter of companionship between humans and pets.