What are the common skin diseases in dogs

When your beloved furry friend starts scratching and biting yourself frequently, or when you notice abnormalities on their skin while stroking, only true dog lovers can experience that heart wrenching feeling. The skin problems of dogs may seem superficial, but they are actually a barometer of overall health, which can be caused by external factors or external manifestations of internal imbalances. As responsible pet owners, understanding the characteristics and causes of these common skin diseases can not only help us detect problems in a timely manner, but also prevent unnecessary pain for those who cannot speak.

Allergic skin diseases are one of the most common clinical problems. Just as humans are allergic to pollen or food, dogs can also experience various allergic reactions, manifested as severe itching, skin redness, and repeated licking. Atopic dermatitis is usually caused by environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollen, or mold. Common symptoms include ear inflammation, frequent paw licking, and redness and swelling in the groin area. Food allergies are more complex and may be caused by common ingredients such as beef, chicken, dairy products, or grains. Typical features include ear infections and itching around the anus. Flea allergic dermatitis is particularly headache inducing, and even if bitten by just one flea, dogs with sensitive constitutions can trigger severe reactions throughout the body, commonly found in the tail root, back, and inner hind legs. These allergy problems often require long-term management rather than simple cure, just like chronic diseases in humans that require patience and attention to detail.

Parasitic skin diseases, although uncomfortable, are relatively easy to solve problems. Flea infestation not only causes itching, but may also spread tapeworms, which these little vampires like to hide in their dogs' necks, groin, and tail roots. Even more covert is mite infection - scabies mites can dig holes in the skin, causing severe itching and characteristic "edge effects" (ear and elbow lesions); Demodex mites prefer puppies and individuals with weakened immunity, leading to local hair loss and skin thickening; Ear mites specialize in the ear canal and produce large amounts of black debris. Although these parasites are difficult to see with the naked eye, they can cause a sharp decline in the quality of life of dogs, and timely detection and treatment are crucial.

Bacterial and fungal infections often take advantage of the situation, and when the skin barrier is damaged for other reasons, these microorganisms will proliferate massively. Sepsis is the most common bacterial infection, characterized by papules, pustules, and yellow scabs, often accompanied by unpleasant body odor. Varieties such as Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever are particularly susceptible. Yeast infections prefer warm and humid areas such as ears, between toes, and skin folds, producing brown oily secretions and a characteristic "corn flakes" odor. It is worrying that in recent years, the number of cases of drug-resistant bacterial infections has gradually increased, making correct diagnosis and standardized treatment more important.

Endocrine skin diseases are like a silent alarm, reminding us to pay attention to the balance in dogs' bodies. Hypothyroidism can lead to symmetrical hair loss, thickening of the skin, and pigmentation on both sides of the trunk, commonly seen in middle-aged to elderly dogs. Cushing's disease (hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex) is characterized by thinning of the abdominal skin, symmetrical depilation, and calcium deposition. These dogs often experience a significant increase in water intake and abdominal distension. Unlike other skin diseases, skin changes caused by endocrine problems are usually not itchy, but reflect internal imbalances that require timely intervention.

Autoimmune skin diseases, although relatively rare, can cause serious consequences. Pemphigus like diseases can cause painful blisters and ulcers, often starting in the mouth and nose bridge; Discoid lupus erythematosus attacks the nose, causing depigmentation and scabbing. These diseases are like the body attacking itself, requiring professional diagnosis and long-term immune regulation treatment. Watching their beloved dog endure such pain, the owner's heart also tightens, but modern veterinary medicine can effectively control the manifestations of most autoimmune diseases.

Nutritional and metabolic skin issues remind us that 'whatever you eat is what you eat' also applies to dogs. Zinc deficiency is more common in Nordic dog breeds, causing scabs on the nose, elbows, and pressure points; Insufficient essential fatty acids can lead to dry fur, increased dandruff, and chronic otitis. The beauty of these issues lies in the fact that significant improvements can often be seen through adjusting diet and supplementing nutrition, which makes us once again realize the importance of a balanced diet.

Psychological skin disease is one of the most heartbreaking types. Just as humans may pull out their hair under stress, dogs may also excessively lick a certain area (usually the forelimbs) due to anxiety, boredom, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, forming what is known as "licking granuloma". These stubborn wounds are difficult to heal because their root lies in the psyche rather than the skin itself. Treating such problems requires us to deal with both skin trauma and underlying behavioral issues, sometimes requiring changes to the owner's lifestyle and interaction patterns.

Age related skin changes are natural imprints of the life course. The skin of elderly dogs becomes thinner and less elastic, making them more prone to senile warts and benign tumors. Decreased sebum secretion leads to dryness and itching. Although most of these changes are inevitable, with appropriate care and nutritional support, we can still help elderly dogs maintain a comfortable skin condition, making their golden old age less uncomfortable and more dignified.

Faced with skin problems in dogs, we often feel helpless and anxious, but please remember that modern veterinary medicine can diagnose and treat the vast majority of skin diseases. The key is to seek professional help in a timely manner to avoid the possible deterioration caused by self medication. The furry child who warms our lives with unconditional love deserves the same care and patience from us. Every touch check, every carefully prepared meal, and every timely medication are concrete expressions of love. When healthy skin regrows shiny fur, when the pain of itching is replaced by comfort, what we gain is not only a healthy partner, but also a precious memory of overcoming difficulties together.