The complete Guide to Skin Diseases in Pets
There are many skin diseases that may affect your dog or cat causing many hair and coat problems.
Dogs and cats can be exposed to allergies and infections that lead to skin diseases.
Skin disorders in pet animals are one of the most common conditions treated by veterinarians.
Dogs and cats can be infected with many parasites such as fleas, mites, fungi, etc., which lead to skin diseases.
Many times animals scratch and rub the irritated skin, which leads to secondary bacterial infections.
Here, the most important causes of skin diseases in dogs and cats will be explained, along with methods of treating them:
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1- Parasitic Skin Disorder :
The most common cause of skin diseases in dogs and cats is parasites, and fleas are the major cause of skin diseases in them , as there are other parasites such as mites, lice and ticks that cause dogs to have many skin diseases such as (scabies).
Since the presence of these parasites in the dog's or cat's coat, it makes him irritated, so he scratches the affected area (With parasites) which leads to the development and the occurrence of skin diseases.
** Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs and cats resulting from the presence of parasites :
If the dog or cat has mites in his ears, severe irritation will appear in his ears
You will notice that the dog is scratching the back of his ear.
Mites and other parasites such as lice, ticks, and fleas feed on blood, This causes your pet to itch, and this leads to irritation and itchiness suddenly, and there is no apparent reason.
In the case of sarcoptic mange, you will notice itching, hair loss and ulceration in the skin.
The skin becomes tight on the ears, front legs, chest and abdomen of the dog.
In the case of demodectic mange, you will notice itching, and the skin will become red and scaly
You will also notice round spots around the skin due to hair loss that appear to be (fungi)
Most of the time the front legs are affected by this disease.
*** Treatment of parasitic skin diseases ;
Treatment of skin diseases in dogs resulting from the presence of parasites
- The vet can clean the dog's ear after calming him down.
- There will be two stages of treatment that the vet will perform , giving ointments
and find a way to kill the mites.
- He may also prescribe some parasite-killing sprays and powders for home treatment
- And the vet may give you a shampoo designed to get rid of ticks, lice and fleas.
- To treat scabies, The vet might need to cut the affected area and give an antiseptic wash
and it is preferred to use the anti-mite two or three times a week, and you will need to plug ears of your pet .
- Protect dogs' eyes from mineral oil before dipping when using antivenom.
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2 - Allergic Skin Disorders
- Dogs can experience allergies as a reaction to allergens
- Flea saliva is also the most common cause of skin diseases caused by allergies.
Likewise, a single flea bite can lead to severe allergic reactions.
In addition, skin diseases in pets animals may be due to one of these factors ..
' House dust, chemicals in soaps and candles, as well as insect bites and stings
to skin diseases in dogs ' .
** Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs caused by allergies :
- Itching and red spots on the skin, these spots are known as hot spots .
- You will notice the dog's constant licking and itching of the affected area.
- Also, the sensitivity caused by fleas usually appears on the dog's back and tail, while the sensitivity caused by dust appears in the chest, feet and abdomen.
*** Treatment of skin diseases caused by parasites
- Your vet might administer antihistamines and corticosteroids.
- To prevent itching .. Immunotherapy may also help control allergy in dogs.
Consult your vet first .....
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3 - Bacterial Skin Disorder :
The main cause of bacterial skin disease is Staphylococci.
Staph is a common dermatological bacterium that is found in all dogs.
These bacteria cause opportunistic infections, when there is an opening in the body due to an injury of the skin.
** Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs caused by bacteria :
- Yellow and itchy blisters in addition to the dog's skin becoming sore and red , and with the progression of the disease the affected areas will be dry and scaly with hair loss.
- The most affected areas are the chin, which is known as chin acne, and also the vulva, face, and lip area may be affected
- Also, puppies can catch these skin diseases between the toes.
*** Treatment of skin diseases caused by bacteria " Bacterial Skin Diseases In Dogs and Cats "
First if you have any skin disease in your pet skin consult your veterinarian ....
- The vet shaves the hair around the affected area, in addition to bathing the dog with a special shampoo
- He also gives him antibiotics orally for a period of 3-4 weeks
- In addition to prescribing antibiotic ointment and pills to get rid of the disease.
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4- Fungal Skin Disorders
The main cause of this type of disease is the Microsporum.
This infection is usually known as (fungi).
** Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs caused by fungi :
Circular patches, dry skin.
Also, the most affected areas are the legs and head, and it can spread to other parts of the body.
*** Treatment of skin diseases caused by bacteria :
Shave the hair around the affected area in addition to using a shampoo designed against fungi for at least 20 days .
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5- Hormonal Skin Disorders
The main causes of hormonal skin diseases are disorders in the hormonal secretions of the gland
The adrenal gland, the thyroid gland, and the pituitary gland.
Also, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia leads to many skin disorders that cause changes in the coat
Hair and skin.
Treatment is by hormonal monitoring ....
