Dogs Skin and Hair Conditions Articles

One of the first signs of vitamin deficiency in your dog is through are dog skin and hair conditions. If your dog is deficient in Vitamin B5, biotin, and Vitamin A, the skin and hair can be less than lackluster and even graying and hair loss can result. Get diet and vitamin supplement tips on how to keep your dog's coat as shiny and healthy as can be. Read about what external factors can affect your dog's skin, the types of conditions, symptoms to look out for and treatment. Prevention is key and the more you are familiar with what causes these conditions, the better you will be in preventing future issues.

• Zoonotic - Ringworm

  How to treat ringworms in cats and dogs and clean up around the house.

• Why Is My Dog Losing Fur?

  If your dog is losing fur, understand that this is a natural process of shedding, which happens typically in the spring and fall. However, if your dog is losing...

• Why Do Dogs Shed?

  All dogs shed their coats. It's a fact of life. Base on the breed of dog or the climate they are in, a dog may not shed as much or may shed year round.

• When a Dog Skin Disease Signals a Problem With Internal Organs

  Certain dog skin disease occurrences signify the possibility of internal organ disease. Some dogs simply have parasites or allergies, but others may have a serious health problem.

• What a Dry Dog Nose Might Indicate

  There are many things that can make a dog nose dry; the dryness is not necessarily necessarily an indication of an illness or infection. A dog's nose can regulalarly change between hot and cold or wet and dry.

• Using Clavamox for Dogs to Treat Skin Infections

  Clavamox for dogs is the brand name for a commonly used medication to prevent or kill certain bacteria found in wounds, bone, bladder and skin infections. There are some possible side effects with this medication but is generally safe for dogs.

• Understanding Dog Eczema

  Dog eczema is a skin condition which is common among all breeds and ages of dogs. The atopic dermatitis may look red, inflamed and itchy, dry and scaly or, in some cases, moist and oozing.

• Treating Malassezia Dermatitis in Dogs With Ketaconazole

  With Malassezia Dermatitis, dogs respond well to prescription medications like Ketaconazole. The troublesome yeast infection is usually located in the ears and causes extreme itching that resists many common medications.

• Treating Hot Spots on Dogs With Cortisone

  All dogs shed their coats. It's a fact of life. Base on the breed of dog or the climate they are in, a dog may not shed as much or may shed year round.

• Treating Flea Bites on Dogs With Hydrocortisone

  Hydrocortisone is a steroid with anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. It that can be used as a topical ointment or medication to treat flea bites.

• Treating Dogs With Dermatitis Using Corticosteroids

  Dermatitis occurs in dogs and cats and generally has numerous causes. In general, dermatitis simply covers any condition that causes red, itchy skin.

• Treating Dog Skin Infection With Over-the-Counter Products

  There are many types of dog skin infections and skin irritations that can be treated at home with over-the-counter products. Whether a fungal or yeast infection, hives or other types of skin irritation, there are a variety of products available to help alleviate the problem.

• Treating Dog Scratching With Fatty Acid Supplements

  All too frequently people look to the wrong solution when they see their dog scratching. Their immediate thoughts leap to fleas or dirt so their assumption is that the dog needs a bath.

• Treating Dog Fur Loss Caused by Parasites

  The dog fur reflects the health of the dog. A dog with poor nutrition will have a dull and dry coat.

• Treating Dog Eczema Hot Spots With Anti-Bacterial Ointments

  Canine eczema is a common problem for dogs and can lead to skin lesions. Hot weather can lead to summer sores or hot spots.

• Treating Democectic Mange With Rotenone

  Demodectic mange is a rare skin disease in cats caused by Demodex cati or Demodex gatoi. Also known as red mange or democidosis, demodectic...

• Treating Canine Skin Cancer Through Radiation Therapy

  Early detection is the best way to keep your dog safe from canine skin cancer. Examine him once a month for tumors or other skin lumps or bumps.

• Treating Canine Dry Skin and Dandruff

  When skin cells form, die and then flake at a fast rate, canine dry skin and dandruff persists. Treat your dog to an oatmeal bath or rub on a moisturizer to vanish his flaking skin. A higher level of grooming and better nutrition will result in healthier skin.

• Treating and Removing Matted Fur from Your Dog

  The best way to treat matted fur is actually to ensure that the fur never gets matted by regular grooming either by the owner or a professional groomer.

• Treating a Broken Dog Nail

  Treating a broken dog nail can be easy when ordered into a step-by-step process. If the nail is not broken, simply trim off the ragged edges with a nail file or a dog nail trimmer, depending on how far away the break is from the quick.

• The Owner’s Guide to Dog Hair Allergy Treatment

  You've discovered you have a dog hair allergy, but you still want to have a dog in your home. First thing to keep in mind is it's not the hair you're allergic to; it's the protein in the dander that causes your allergic reactions.

• The Myth of No Shed Dog Breeds

  There is no such thing as a dog that does not shed, it's a myth. All dogs will shed hair to some extent.

• The Essential Dog Skin Supplement Guide

  A dog skin supplement can help ensure that your dog's skin and coat stay shiny and healthy. All dogs can benefit from a dog skin supplement containing fatty acids.

• The Case Against Home Pet Hair Dye Jobs

  Pet hair dye has become a popular canine accessory for many dog owners. People dye their dogs to celebrate holidays, to dress them up, even to match the owner's clothing or car.

• Soothe Dog Skin Allergies with Homemade Remedies

  Conventional methods of treating dog skin allergies can be effective, but there are also many ways to soothe dog skin allergies with homemade remedies.

• Skin Problems in Dogs: Health Management Tips

  Skin problems in dogs may require medication, especially if they are due to bacterial or fungal infection. Many skin problems in dogs are related to allergies.

• Skin Disorders of Dogs

  Skin problems common in dogs.

• Skin Care for Hairless Dog Breeds

  Any dog that's hairless requires special skin care because they don't have the natural protection that hair provides. Because of their special circumstances, hairless breeds are prone to a variety of dog skin problems that can be avoided with some basic care.

• Skin - Epidermal Inclusion Cysts

  It is possible that your veterinarian meant to say that your dog had an epidermal inclusion cyst. These are common cystic lesions that are not cancerous. Many dogs that have these cysts will have more than one during their lifetime but that is due to a tendency to form them, rather than any one lesion actually spreading as occurs with cancer.

• Skin - Depigmentation or Pigmentation

  Some dogs have permanent depigmentation that occurs spontaneously and does not appear to be related to any underlying disease process. This is depigmentation of patches of skin, leading to patches of white hair in haired areas and to pale skin in other areas. This can affect the nasal planum.

• Shine Bright: Dog Coat Supplement Options

  Dog coat supplements give the cells of your dog's skin the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Many dogs need a dog coat supplement, as some breeds have higher-than-average nutrient needs.

• Selecting and Using A Dog Nail Trimmer

  Selecting a good dog nail trimmer is an important part of maintaining the proper length for your dog's nails. Each type of trimmer has its benefits and detractions and typically is most appropriate for a particular size of dog.

• Sarcoptic Mange, Scabies, Red Mange

  The human species of sarcoptic mange is contagious between people and is a problem in settings like nursing homes where it can spread pretty rapidly through the resident population in some cases. It is often referred to as scabies.

• Puppy Mange: An Overview

  What is Puppy Mange? Puppy mange is a term often used for a certain type of canine mange that is most common in young puppies-- also known as red mange, follicular mange, or demodectic mange.

• Preventing Hot Spots on Dogs

  Hot spots on dogs can be caused by a number of factors, including allergies, fleas or parasites and poor hygiene. Owners should act immediately once a hot spot is seen in order to stop the infection and ease the dog's discomfort.

• Preventative Dog Skin Care Basics

  Following a daily regimen of dog skin care can prevent dry skin, skin infections, matted coats and the discomfort these conditions cause. Following the proper brushing and bathing schedule for your dog's breed, feeding your dog a healthy diet and administering nutritional supplements are measures you can take to keep your dog's skin and coat in top condition.

• Photo Gallery - Skin Problems- Necrolytic Dermatitis

  Photographs of Superficial Necrolytic Dermatitis seen in a German Shepard dog.

• Photo Gallery - Skin Problems - Acute Moist Pyoderma

  This is often a chronic condition , secondary to other disorders such as immune deficiencies and various allergic conditions.

• Photo Gallery - Skin - Demodectic Mange

  The highly reddened skin has caused this to be called red mange. In localized conditions, loss of hair around the eyes may be all that is noticed.

• Photo Gallery - Cushings Disease

  Advanced Cushing's Disease in Dog.

• Pemphigus

  There are several related immune mediated skin disorders called pemphigus complex. These have a common mechanism of action in which the body produces antibodies against the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common of these diseases in the dog.

• Pemphigus

  There are several related immune mediated skin disorders called pemphigus complex. These have a common mechanism of action in which the body produces antibodies against the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis).

• Parasites - Ringworm

  I don't think of ringworm as highly contagious but it definitely is contagious. It will sometimes infect family members. It is most commonly picked up from the environment. Cats can be carriers of ringworm and show no clinical signs so they have to be considered as a source if you also have cats and this does turn out to be ringworm.

• Odor Problems and Treatments

  Most dogs that have skin odors have either bacterial or yeast skin infections. There is a good commercial product for removal of skunk odor, Skunk-Off (tm). It has the advantage of being formulated in a furniture and rug friendly manner.

• Non Shedding Dogs for Allergic Owners

  Owners with allergies to pet dander will likely have a less irritating experience taking care of non shedding dogs. If you sneeze and have watery eyes when you get close to certain breeds of dogs, you should consider owning a "non-shedding" breed.

• Natural Treatments for Dog Skin Problems

  Dog skin problems manifest as dry, flaky or itchy skin, a dull coat and odor. There may be underlying health problems: dogs who suffer from yeast overgrowth or malnutrition can have skin problems.

• Mitaban Toxicity: Evaluating Effectiveness vs Risks

  Mitaban is used for treating dog's with skin parasites that lead to demodex mange and to control ticks.

• Mitaban Dip Treatments for Demodectic Mange

  Mitaban dip is currently the most effective treatment for demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be hard to treat, because the mites live on your dog's skin normally, and only become a problem if your dog's immune system becomes compromised.

• Mange Mites - Demodex Treatment

  There are three treatments for demodectic mange that work for most dogs. The first is the use of amitraz pour on (Mitaban Rx) every other week for 6 to 8 applications or until 2 consecutive skin scrapings are negative, which probably cures demodectic mange in about 80% of dogs when application directions are followed,

• Mange Mites - Demodex

  In this situation it is important to try to look for an underlying cause for the demodecosis. Most dogs with immune system disorders that allow demodecosis to occur develop it at a younger age, usually less than one year of age. In dogs in which demodecosis occurs later, there is often something causing significant compromise of the immune system.

• Malassezia (yeast) dermatitis in Dogs

  For Malassezia (yeast) dermatitis in dogs, ketaconazole usually has to be given for at least 30 days. If it doesn't work, itraconazole (Sporonax Rx) may be helpful, given for the same length of time. It is also important to use topical therapy. Using a shampoo that can help remove the greasiness, such as a tar and sulfur shampoo or other anti-seborrheic shampoo can be helpful.

• Lumps, Bumps, cysts, tags and odd skin growths in Dogs

  It sounds like you are describing a skin tag, also sometimes called fibropapillomas, skin polyps, fibrin tags or achrochordons. These are benign growths that are not cancerous. They can be confused with some forms of cancer, most notably keratoacanthomas (benign) and melanomas (often malignant).

• Lipoma and Sebaceous cysts

  I usually do not surgically remove either lipomas (the fatty cell tumor your first vet suspected) or sebaceous cysts. However, under some circumstances we do recommend removal of these lumps. The other concern here is whether or not this is really just a lipoma or sebaceous cyst.

• Lipoma

  Lipomas are fatty cell tumors that are quite common in dogs.

• Leishmaniasis

  Leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan in the Leishmania species.

• Itching Problems - Causes and Treatments

  Insulinomas, the tumor of the pancreas that leads to low blood sugar and high insulin production, will commonly metastasize (some people say this tumor always metastasizes) and recurrences of the tumor after removal do occur in most patients.

• Itch Control

  Cold water will usually reduce itching and produce temporary relief. It doesn't really matter how the water is applied, but it must be at least cool. This effect doesn't last long, usually less than one-half hour. Adding Episoothe Oatmeal Shampoo, Episoothe Oatmeal Creme Rinse, Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal, Relief Shampoo or Domeboro's solution helps to prolong the effect.

• Is There a Dog Dye That’s Medically Safe to Apply?

  Dog dye has become a trendy accessory for some dog owners, causing a rush to have the latest pink or blue coloring added to their dog's natural color. There are dog dyes out there with "non-toxic" and "hypoallergenic" on their labels, yet if you read further down the label to the warnings, they carry extensive language about how the dye may cause skin irritation, pain and itching.

• Is Canine Alopecia More Common in Certain Breeds?

  Bald spots appear on the dog's skin because so much fur falls out. This poses a problem because a dog's fur protects it from the cold air and the sun.

• Is a Dry Puppy Nose a Problem?

  A dry nose in a puppy (or an adult dog) is generally nothing to worry about. Several factors can account for a warm, dry nose such as sitting in the summer heat, air conditioning, central heating, dehydration or spending a lot of time in a room with poor circulation

• Improving the Smell of Your Dog

  A healthy dog smell should not be offensive or foul. Fortunately, improving the smell of your dog is a simple process.

• Immunoregulin and Your Dog

  To the best of my knowledge, propionibacterium acnes (Immunoregulin Rx) injection is only approved as an adjunct therapy for use in controlling resistant skin infections in dogs. It is considered to be an immune stimulant and is therefore used experimentally for many conditions in which immune stimulation seems like a good idea.

• Identifying Dog Skin Conditions When Brushing

  Brushing your dog with the proper tools can help you spot a variety of dog skin conditions early so they may be successfully treated. Left ungroomed, your dog's coat can mask signs of external parasitic infection, bacterial infection, allergic reactions and underlying health conditions.

• How to Stop Dog Wound Licking

  Looking after a dog wound can be problematic, because dogs tend to lick their wounds to relieve pain and remove any irritants.

• How to Stop Dog Shedding

  Oftentimes people want to know how to stop dog shedding. Unfortunately, the answer to that is that you can't.

• How Dog Bald Spots Develop

  Dog bald spots are different than shedding. A variety of diseases and conditions lead to dog hair loss. While some are quite normal, others are indicative of a more serious problem.

• Hot Spots or Acute Moist Pyoderma

• Hot Spots

  A hot spot starts because something irritates the dog's skin. The body's response is to either itch or create an inflammatory response at the site. In cases of itching, the dog then rubs, licks or chews the site and adds to the problem.

• Home Treatments for Dog Rash

  Under the guidance of your vet, you can augment or substitute clinical treatments for a dog rash with home and over-the-counter remedies that do not require a prescription.

• Home Remedies for Dog Hot Spot Treatment

  Following a dog hot spot treatment right in your own home can save you a trip to the vet. Administering a home remedy such as apple cider vinegar...

• Hemangiosarcoma, Hemangiopericytomas and Hemangiomas

  There are two prognostic factors that seem to matter a lot when it comes to hemangiosarcoma tumors of the skin. The first is the exact location of the tumor. The prognosis for hemangiosarcomas confined to the skin itself (intradermal) is good with surgical removal alone and may be improved some by either doxrubricin chemotherapy (Ogilvie, et al. 1996) or radiation therapy (anecdotal).

• Healthy Dog Coats Through Dietary Formulas

  Glossy and healthy dog coats can be easily achieved with the right meal plan. If your dog's coat is not as shiny and ideal as it could be, here are a few tips and tricks that will make show-quality coats.

• Handling Ticks on Long Haired Dogs

  Long haired dogs can have a higher possibility of tick bites, and resulting problems of loss of blood and lyme disease, because their long hair makes the ticks more difficult to see. It's important for owners to take the time to carefully look through their dog's long hair to find and remove ticks.

• Haircoat Problems in Dogs

  Hairloss that occurs on the top of the dog and forms a triangle of hairloss, with the widest part of the triangle at the base of the tail and the point somewhere between the base of the tail and the shoulder blades, is usually due to flea bite or mosquito bite hypersensitivity.

• Hair Loss Problems in Dogs

  This condition usually is seasonal and occurs in some dogs during the colder months and other dogs during the warmer months. It should clear up at least part of the year. There is hairloss on the flanks and the skin does get darker. We have seen this condition in a couple of boxers in our practice

• Five Common Causes of Dog Hair Loss

  Dog hair loss can have a number of causes, ranging from disease or infection to a psychiatric disorder. Some cases of dog alopecia are hereditary, while others are the result of medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

• Early Detection of Skin Cancer in Dogs

  Pet owners should regularly check their dogs for signs of skin cancer. Dogs die from this preventable disease every year, but early detection can save a pet’s life.

• Dogs With Skin Problems: Recommended Foods

  Dogs with skin problems benefit from a restricted diet that excludes certain highly allergenic foods. Canine skin problems are common in many breeds and they are often the result of a food allergy.

• Dogs That Do Not Shed—Or Shed Less

  Dogs that do not shed also do not exist. All dogs shed to some extreme. However, certain breeds do shed very little (just as all people with hair shed at least a little), making them perfect companions to those with allergies to pet dander.

• Dog Sore Care and Treatment Tips

  A dog sore has many causes and treating one depends on the type, location and cause. If left untreated, a dog sore can become very painful and infected.

• Dog Skin Treatment Through Dietary Supplements

  Dog skin treatment including dietary supplements may be necessary to prevent, as well as fight, a variety of skin diseases, from mild to severe. The condition of both the skin and coat indicates whether your dog is healthy or sick.

• Dog Skin Problems: Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases

  Dog skin problems are common in dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds. Dog skin problems are a cause for everything from anxiety to frequent trips to the vet and they are normally characterized as autoimmune or immune mediated skin diseases.

• Dog Skin Problems Caused by External Parasites

• Dog Skin Care Tips From Veterinarians

  Dog skin care tips from veterinarians can help you understand your dog's skin. There are many things that can affect your dog's skin, which is one of the most sensitive parts of your dog.

• Dog Hair Dye Products Examined

  Dog hair dye is a hot trend in pet grooming that continues to grow in popularity. Whether you're dying your dog or a groomer is completing the dye job, it is important to know the options available and what precautions must be used.

• Dog Hair Care: The Essential Guide

  Just as there are different types of hair for people, there are many types of dog hair as well. Some dog have very short hair that is easy to groom and keep clean.

• Dog Fur and Dog Hair—What’s the Difference?

  Is knowing whether your pet has dog hair or dog fur important to you? Many believe that determining whether a dog has fur or hair tells them whether the dog will cause allergic reactions.

• Dog Fleas: Signs, Symptoms, Dangers and Prevention

  Dog fleas are one of the most irritating aspects of dog ownership. Dog fleas not only annoy your pet, but can cause health problems. Fleas feed on your dogs blood and can cause skin irritation, allergies, anemia and even death. Fleas also carry tapeworms and diseases such as Lyme Disease.

• Dog Eczema Treatment Options

  Dog eczema is a broad term used for a number of skin problems in dogs. Eczema is an irritation of the skin that is typically red and itchy.

• Dog Dandruff:  Yes, Dogs do get Dandruff Too!

  Dog dandruff can be caused by allergies, dry skin, or parasitical infection. There are some simple things you can do to manage dog dandruff.

• Dog Alopecia: Identifying the Symptoms

  Dog alopecia may have its roots in immunological disorder, infectious disease or parasites, or could simply be a result of old age.

• Dog Acne Home Remedies

  Acne in a dog is a benign but bothersome skin condition, found most often in short-coated dogs. The onset of canine acne occurs during puberty, when your dog is about five to eight months of age.

• Dog Abscess Treatment With Clindamycin

  A dog abscess can develop quickly and cause your dog a lot of discomfort, but with clindamycin, the infection could clear up in less than two weeks.

• Dog Abscess Home Care and Prevention

  A dog abscess can develop very quickly and, if left, could cause your dog major health problems. Therefore it is important to check your dog regularly for signs of abscesses or other health issues.

• Distinguishing Between Canine Skin Allergies and Parasites

  Canine skin allergies can result in dermatitis, a condition with symptoms including intense pruritis (itching), redness, pimples, hives, crusting, bleeding or oozing lesions or hair loss. You may observe your dog scratching, licking or biting affected areas to find relief.

• Disinfecting and Bandaging a Dog Scratch

  Any wound, even a small dog scratch, can become infected. Scratches occur when your dog is self-injured due to severe itching, spars with another animal or encounters sharp objects. Appropriate treatment for lacerations to the skin includes cleaning, disinfecting and bandaging the site.

• Diagnosing and Treating Dog Hives and Allergies

  Dog hives can result from eating a specific food or inhaling an air borne allergen. Overall, the hives should disappear within 24 hours.

• Diagnosing and Treating Dog Hives and Allergies

  Dog hives are itchy bumps or welts that appear on your dogs skin, lips or tongue. Hives occur immediately due to an allergic reaction of substances either inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

• Developing a Flea Treatment For Dogs

  Developing a flea treatment for dogs can be achieved through simple trial and error. Like most remedies and treatments, one product may work for some dogs, while a combination of several products and methods will work best for others.

• Determining if Dog Skin Rash is an Allergic Symptom

  The most common cause of a dog skin rash is an allergic reaction. Allergies develop in dogs between 1 and 3 years of age.

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