Understanding Dog Dermatology with Georgia Veterinary Associates
Dogs can suffer from a wide variety of skin conditions. Some are mild and easily treated, while others are more chronic and severe. Allergies and itchiness are by far the most common skin conditions seen in dogs. We can also see secondary infections and other types of skin rashes. Dogs can get a variety of lumps and bumps on their skin. Some are benign like skin tags, while others can be cancerous. If you notice your dog licking, chewing, or scratching excessively, they should be evaluated for allergies and skin infections. Skin infections can sometimes present as hair loss, rashes, crusty areas, or even hot spots. Any new lump or bump should always be checked out to rule out cancer. Many skin conditions can be treated by your regular veterinarian. If additional testing or treatment by a board-certified dermatologist is necessary, your veterinarian can help make the referral and coordinate with the specialist.
Do certain breeds have more skin issues?
Certain dog breeds have a higher rate of some types of skin conditions. Any dog with a dilute coat color, such as fawn, blue, or gray, has a much higher risk of developing skin allergies and chronic dermatitis. Some breeds, such as boxers and pit bull mixes, have a higher risk of developing certain types of skin cancers, such as mast cell tumors. Other types of skin conditions are genetic and only seen in certain breeds, such as zinc dermatosis in huskies. Healthy dogs with healthy skin should have smooth, shiny coats. Any dog with a dull coat, hair loss, rashes, or crusty lesions should be evaluated to rule out underlying disease.
What is mange?
Mange is the common term for infection with demodex mites or sarcoptic mites, also known as scabies. Typically, this is seen in young puppies who do not yet have a fully developed immune system. It's rare to see it in an otherwise healthy adult dog. Symptoms include severe itching and hair loss, typically around the face, ears, elbows, and hocks. Treatment includes bathing with medicated shampoo and a prescription medication used to kill the mites. Newer medications are much safer than high doses of ivermectin used in the past.
How can a dog's skin infection present itself?
A skin infection can present in a variety of ways, including hair loss, a red bumpy rash, crusty circular lesions, or even a red hot spot. A physical exam will help identify the infection, and your veterinarian may perform a cytology, which involves taking a small impression sample of the skin for evaluation under the microscope. This will help determine if the infection is bacterial or fungal, which is yeast.
What should you do if you notice a new skin lump on your dog?
Whenever any new skin lump is noticed on your dog, it should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if it's firm or growing quickly. Your veterinarian will likely take a small sample of the lump using a needle to evaluate it under the microscope and determine if the lump is cancerous or not.
What to do if you notice a seasonal pattern to your dog's itchy behavior?
If you notice a seasonal pattern to your dog's itchy behavior, environmental allergies may play a role. Food allergies are typically year-round and are often accompanied by soft stool and chronic ear infections. Diagnosis and treatment of allergies are best done with the support of your veterinarian. For dogs who are severely affected, allergy testing for environmental allergens is available. This can be done either with a blood test through your regular veterinarian or with skin testing through a veterinary dermatology specialist. Despite the recent rise in at-home food allergy testing kits, none of these kits have been shown to accurately diagnose food allergies. An elimination diet trial under the guidance of your veterinarian is still the only way to truly rule out food allergies.
Are over-the-counter antihistamines effective for dogs with allergies?
Unfortunately, most over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Zyrtec, are not effective in reducing the itch associated with allergies in dogs. This is because histamine, the molecule that's blocked by these medications, is primarily involved in respiratory symptoms such as itchy eyes and runny nose, and is not significantly involved in the itchy skin signaling pathway. Dogs with very mild allergies may benefit from having their paws and bellies wiped after being outside, but any dog with an itch level higher than a three or four out of 10 is likely going to need prescription medication to get relief from the itch. Any rash that is itchy, spreading, or lasts for more than a few hours should definitely be examined by a vet. A rash can be a sign of a skin infection, a contact reaction, or many other dermatologic conditions.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are common benign skin growths seen in many older dogs. Generally, they don't need to be removed unless they're growing rapidly, bothering the dog, or getting traumatized by routine care such as grooming. As with any skin lump, skin tags should be evaluated by your veterinarian to determine if removal is appropriate. If so, removal is typically easy and can often be combined with other routine procedures, such as a dental cleaning.
Are over-the-counter medications effective for dog skin allergies?
Most over-the-counter medications and treatments are not very effective in controlling itching associated with skin allergies in dogs. Sometimes moisturizing shampoo can be helpful in dogs with mild allergies or dry skin. However, any persistent rash or significant itch should be evaluated by your veterinarian for appropriate treatment.
What is the best resource for information on your dog's nutrition and skin care?
Your veterinarian is the best resource for nutritional and skin care information. Your dog's routine annual wellness visit is a great time to bring up these topics or at a visit dedicated to skin issues if your dog is having problems. Dry skin is a common problem in dogs, often worse in the winter, as with people. Many dogs benefit from routine bathing with a moisturizing oatmeal shampoo. Some dogs will also benefit from an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, such as fish oil. Vegetable-based omega-3s, such as coconut oil, are not absorbed effectively by most dogs. Any dry skin or persistent itchiness should be evaluated by your veterinarian to rule out other issues.
How do you remove a tick from your dog?
If you find a tick on your dog, it can be removed by using tweezers or a tick removal tool. Firmly grasp the tick at the base where it's attached and gently pull back, making sure to remove the entire head and mouthpiece. If it's firmly attached, holding a cotton ball soaked in alcohol over the tick for about 30 seconds can help loosen it up. Any persistent redness or swelling at the site of a removed tick should be evaluated right away. If you remove a tick from your dog, make sure to let your veterinarian know at their next wellness visit so they can be screened for common tick-borne diseases.
How does skin cancer present in dogs?
Skin cancer can present as any type of bump, lump, or sometimes even rash. Any new bump or lump should be checked out by your veterinarian. In-house cytology testing, taking a small needle sample of the mass to look at under the microscope, can often tell right away whether the lump is cancerous or not. Many types of skin cancer in dogs can be cured by surgical removal.
How often should you bathe your dog?
Bathing frequency depends on the type of skin condition and shampoo being used. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best skin care plan for your dog's individual needs. Normal dogs with healthy coats can be bathed up to every one to two weeks with a moisturizing oatmeal shampoo.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at 678-407-0700, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!