You don't want your furry friend to suffer. While dog skin conditions are common, they could be a sign of a more serious problem and require care as soon as possible. Our team at Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, your Brooklyn animal hospital, put together this guide to common dog skin conditions, so you can identify them and seek care as soon as possible.
Common Dog Skin Conditions and Their Symptoms
- Impetigo: Impetigo is a bacterial infection that causes blisters.
- Allergic Dermatitis: This rash occurs when your dog has a reaction to anything from its food to pollen and insect bites.
- Folliculitis: Folliculitis is an infection that normally shows up in the form of bumps, scabs, or sores.
- Yeast Infection: If your dog is scratching its ears or biting its toes, it’s likely due to a yeast infection.
- Seborrhea: If your dog has dandruff or a greasy coat, it could be a reaction to a medical condition like a hormonal imbalance.
- Acute Moist Dermatitis: Sometimes referred to as a hot spot, acute moist dermatitis is a condition in which you’ll notice red, inflamed, irritated areas on your dog’s chest, head, and hips. You might notice heat radiating from these spots.
- Mange: Mange, caused by mites, leads to hair loss, itching, sores, and more.
- Ringworm: This fungal infection presents in circular patterns and causes hair loss, inflammation, and scaly skin.
- Fleas and Ticks: Fleas are one of the most common and easily treatable of all dog skin conditions.
- Alopecia: Alopecia is the term used for excessive shedding and hair loss, which is usually due to poor overall health or an illness.
- Anal Sac Disease: This condition is typically the cause if you notice your dog scooting its behind across a surface or licking and biting it.
- Skin Tumors: Skin tumors typically show up as a lump on the skin that can easily be dismissed as something else. Be sure to point out any lumps to your veterinarian in Brooklyn to be safe.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Brooklyn Animal Hospital
If you suspect your dog has any of the conditions above or you notice any differences in its skin and coat, schedule an appointment with our team at Clinton Hill Animal Clinic. You can contact us at (718) 623-3999.