Skin and Coat: Dog Skin Disorders Overview

Dog Skin Rash

Dog skin rash is a symptom of other underlying dog skin disorders.  Possible causes include allergy or parasites (fleas, mites, lice).  Follow this link for photos of dog skin rashes and information on their diagnosis and treatment.

Dog Skin Lesions

Dog skin lesions is a general term that refers to dog skin disorders that involve accumulation of dead skin tissue.  Lesions can be caused by any of the problems described on this page such as injury/trauma, parasites or infection.  Chronic canine skin lesions are filled with puss and require that they be drained as part of treatment.

Treatment of Dog Skin Disease by Type

Dog Skin Infection Treatment

Treatment for dog skin infection varies by the types of dog skin disorders:

Bacterial Skin Infection as cause of Dog Skin Disorders:Like most infections, antibiotics are used when a bacterial problem is diagnosed. Bacterial infections are often caused by another condition (secondary infection) such as allergy, an immune mediated skin reaction or a hormonal problem (endocrine issue). There are different types of bacteria that can lead to a bacterial skin infection in dog. Testing will determine the specific type of canine bacterial skin problem to be treated. Antibiotic therapy usually lasts for 3 to 12 weeks depending on the severity of the condition.

Canine Fungal Skin Infection as cause of Dog Skin Disorders:A dog fungal skin infection is diagnosed with a device called a "woods lamp" which is used to check skin appearance under the light. Skin scraping tests will confirm any diagnosis that is made. A class of medications called antimycotic agents are prescribed to treat canine fungal skin infection. These include Griseofulvin (administered with meal) and Ketoconazole (tablets). Side effects of treatment can include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea depending on the medication selected.

Tests will be conducted 2 and 4 weeks after testing to confirm that all of the dog skin disorders have been properly treated.

Allergy Canine Skin and Itchy Dog Skin

One reason for itchy dog skin is an allergic reaction. Like allergy shots in humans, this approach has been researched for dogs. In studies, reducing the sensitivity to specific allergens such as pollen was successful 45% to 60% of the time for 1 year or longer. Shots are required for 1 year or longer. Results can be seen between 4 weeks to 12 months with the average dog improving in 4 to 6 months.

Even with allergy shots, many dogs will require other supportive therapies for canine allergy skin such as the use of antihistamines. 

Canine Seborrhea

Possible causes of canine seborrhea include congenital or inherited (certain breeds are predisposed), allergy, parasites or an endocrine system problem (hormonal). Treatment for seborrhea in dogs involves the elimination of the underlying cause, cleansing lotions and natural remedies that boost immune system strength and skin and coat condition such as Skin and Coat Tonic and Immunity and Liver Support .

Treating Dog Skin Itch

Antihistamines:In addition to allergy therapy, antihistamines could help a dog suffering from dog skin disorders such as skin itch. Common antihistamines for itchy dog skin include Dexchlorpheniramine, Chlorpheniramine and Cyproheptadine, all three in tablet form. This type of therapy has few side effects with the exception of making a dog feel drowsy. This side effect will have less of an impact as a dog undergoes treatment.

Treatment is required 2 to 3 times a day. Another issue is that this approach is only successful in 5% to 30% of the time. That said, if a specific dog responds to treatment, then it is a safe approach to treating itchy dog skin.

Fatty Acids:These are know as essential fatty acids are are a common supplement for helping as a convenient home remedy for dog itchy skin and dog skin disorders. Acids such as linoleic (sunflower, safflower, primrose oil) and eicosapentanoic acid ( fish oil ) all help with skin inflammation. There is a low success rate with this approach, however, for dogs that respond, it could be effective. Do not expect improvement for several weeks. When provided in conjunction with conventional approaches such as steroids, it could help to reduce the dose of the steroid.

Glucocorticoids:This approach is a common conventional approach to treating dog itchy skin. There is a high success rate with this approach at a low dose (prednisolone). Treatment lasts for 1 to 2 month with dosages administered every other day. Side effects includes excessive thirst, urination and eating. Another side effect is that it could trigger a urinary infection, skin infection or infection in the lungs. Treatment may only be needed during the seasons where your dog is reacting to a specific allergen.

Homeopathic Remedies: There are several herbs that have properties associated with helping dog's with itch.  itch is caused by a slight weakening of the protective outer skin layer.  Once weakened, the nerve endings become inflamed causing itch.  The thought behind homeopathic products such as PetAlive Allergy Itch Ease , is that the skin can benefit from an added level of support.

Dog Skin Allergies From Food

If you suspect a food allergy, the best approach is to try a hypoallergenic test diet where the number of ingredients in a dog's diet is minimized. Do not provide treats or other food during the test period. A diet needs to be tested for 10 weeks to see if there is any improvement. One new diet worth considering is Purina HA Hypoallergenic that makes proteins in the diet non allergenic. This could be a convenient way to see if proteins are the cause of the problem.  Usually a sensitive skin dog food contains one simple protein such as fish and a simple carbohydrate such as potatoes, with no artificial ingredients, flavors or coloring.

Parasites

There are several types of parasites that can cause dog skin disorders such as dog flea dermatitis, canine scabies, canine lice and dog chiggers. The following table lists the active ingredient and typical products, when available over the counter, for each condition.

Specific Recommendations by Dog Skin Parasite:

Fleas in Dogs:There are many types of products to help with fleas in dogs. Treatment usually lasts from 4 to 6 weeks. If a dog is sensitive to a flea bite (flea-bite hypersensitivity) then usually a insect growth regulator (interrupts the flea lifecycle) and a product that kills fleas (adulticide) are recommended. Common ingredients for IGR's are Fenoxycarb, Lufenuron and Methoprene/Pyriproxifen, and for Adulticides are Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, pyrethrin, permethrin and selamectin. Products come in a spot-on topical or spray form.

Specifically, consider a monthly prevention product for dog skin disorders such as Program, Sentinal or Frontline Plus.

Dog Mange and Canine Scabies:Sarcoptic and demodectic (demodex) mange is caused by mites that burrow into a dog's skin causing itch. Dog's that scratch could cause a secondary infection. Mange can spread throughout a dog's skin. A safe effective option for treating mange is a lime sulfur dip such as Naturasil . It mixes with a dog's shampoo to help with familiarity for the dog being treated. Amitraz and Paramite dips are only available with prescription for demodex. For Cheyletiellosis mites (rabbit mites), the prescription Ivermectin is used or the over the counter lime sulfur products.

Symptoms of mange include bald spots anywhere on the body including the face, neck, legs, eyes and head. Dog's may avoid eating or have reduced energy levels. With treatment, mange treatments will need to continue for 1 to 6 months.

Over the counter lime sulfur dips are just as effective as prescription products with fewer side effects.

Canine Dry Skin : Dry dog skin has many causes including nutrition issues, bathing and grooming (particularly in long hair dogs), infection and parasites. If environmental factors are thought to the be the cause, then treatment usually starts with a cleansing shampoo that has the sudsing and cleaning action to deep clean a dogs coat and skin. Medicated canine shampoos as indicated above can be of help in specific instances. Other topicals are available from a veterinarian. Homeopathic remedies such as PetAlive Skin and Coat Tonic for Healthy Skin and a Glossy Coat and a multi-vitamin made for dogs may also help provide added skin support.