{"id":363,"date":"2019-04-03T16:55:09","date_gmt":"2019-04-03T21:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/?p=363"},"modified":"2022-12-12T16:27:38","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T21:27:38","slug":"the-mangy-mutt-and-other-dog-skin-conditions-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.volvethosp.com\/blog\/the-mangy-mutt-and-other-dog-skin-conditions-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mangy Mutt and Other Dog Skin Conditions You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Perhaps one of the most common reasons that dogs visit us at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital<\/a> is skin trouble. From fleas to allergies<\/a> to bacterial infections and everything in between, dogs and dermatological issues go together whether we like it or not. Some dog skin conditions are more common than others, though. It is important for pet owners to have a read on the types of issues that occur and why it\u2019s important that we see your pet when skin trouble erupts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Common Culprits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are entire textbooks devoted to doggy dermatology \u2013 not surprising as there are so many skin conditions<\/a> that can and do occur. Some dog skin conditions are more common than others, though. A few of the more common problems we diagnose include:
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Atopic dermatitis \u2014 <\/strong>Some dogs have an abnormal skin barrier, resulting in the development of allergies to multiple environmental allergens such as pollens, grasses, and dust. Management can be difficult, but we have many tools in our arsenal to keep these guys happy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact dermatitis \u2014 <\/strong>Local irritation to the skin can occur, especially on sensitive areas like the underbelly and armpits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Endocrine problems \u2014 <\/strong>Systemic conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing\u2019s syndrome can affect your dog\u2019s skin and coat quality dramatically.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flea allergy dermatitis \u2014 <\/strong>Fleas can be annoying<\/a> on their own, but some pets are actually allergic to the flea saliva, resulting in an itchy condition that needs more than a flea treatment to solve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food allergy \u2014 <\/strong>Pets who have allergies to a food (usually a protein like chicken, beef, fish, or soy) often have skin problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mange \u2014 <\/strong>Mange is a generic name for mites that live on or in the hair follicles. Demodectic mange is generally not contagious but can cause hair loss in affected pets, while sarcoptic mange (scabies) can be quite contagious and very itchy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ringworm \u2014 <\/strong>Ringworm is not actually a worm at all, but rather a fungal organism that can cause hair loss and scaling. It can be contagious to people and other pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondary skin infections \u2014 <\/strong>Bacterial and yeast skin and ear infections are very common, especially when another skin condition has caused inflammation and irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battling Dog Skin Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a pet has a skin problem, identifying exactly what it is can be extremely important. When you bring your dog in for a dermatologic issue, we will try to gather information through things like:
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