Dog Skin Problems And Their Treatments

Finding the proper treatment for dog skin problems lies in finding the underlying reason for them. A trip to the vet will be the best course of action to take to determine what the cause is in order to find a resolution that is speedy and lasting. The vet will take a look at such factors as the season it is, the dog's diet, where the discomfort is located and the breed of the pet.

Some dogs have allergies to certain ingredients in their dog food, others can have seasonal allergies. If the dog is not too old the problem could be genetic. Take a look at the size and the shape of the irritation as well as how far it has spread and let the vet know what was discovered. If it is not widespread it could be a fungal or a bacterial problem in just that one spot.

A look at the coat will tell a lot, if the hair is dull this could mean a hormonal imbalance. Changes in the skin or the hair can indicate there is an abnormal growth, a tumor will show as a lump. Sometimes it could be that the dog is allergic to the bite of a flea and they will develop a very itchy rash.

Antibiotics are used when there is a bacterial infection. They are often caused by another condition such as an allergy or a hormonal problem. Testing will determine the type of infection that is present for an accurate treatment plan.

Antibiotics are usually administered for 3 to 12 weeks depending on the condition. An allergy reaction can cause itchy skin, allergy shots can be used in this case. Some dogs are allergic to pollen. Antihistamines may also be needed, but they can cause drowsiness.

Seborrhea is a condition that refers to the accumulation of keratin that blocks the sebaceous glands and causes the hair to become greasy and the skin to become dry. Certain breeds are prone to this disorder, but it could be due to allergies, parasites or hormonal problems. Treatment involves elimination of the underlying cause, natural remedies can boost the immune system and strengthen the coat and skin. The use of cleansing lotions can help.

Just as with people, fatty acids are an important supplement for healthy skin. Safflower oil, primrose oil and sunflower oil are all linoleic acids and can provide relief for itchiness. Another great oil to use is fish oil. If the problem is seasonal, glucocorticoid shots can be used to provide relief and last for a month or two. Homeopathic solutions also work well.

If the dog tests positive for a food allergy, they can be put on a hypoallergenic dog food diet. This should be tried for a couple of months. There are dog foods on the market that are specifically for this issue and it is an easy way to test your pet for allergies in their diet. Usually they contain fish as the protein and potatoes as the simple carb. There contain no artificial flavorings, colors or ingredients.