How do dog skin diseases occur?

Dog skin diseases are mainly caused by infections of fungi, bacteria, parasites, and allergies. If dogs are not bathed regularly, parasites are not controlled, or the dog's fur is not dried properly after bathing, they are more likely to contract skin diseases. Additionally, if dogs spend long periods in damp environments, live in dirty and messy conditions, have an imbalanced diet, or frequently play with stray dogs when going outside, they are also prone to skin diseases. Therefore, if a dog shows symptoms such as extensive hair loss, skin redness and swelling, papules, scabs, or frequent scratching, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

When a dog has a skin disease, blind use of medication is not allowed. It is essential to analyze the specific cause of the dog's skin disease and then choose targeted drugs for treatment.

Fungal infection

When a dog is infected with fungi, it usually exhibits symptoms such as hair loss, itching, scabs, dandruff, papules, pustules, scabs, or frequent scratching. Treatment mainly involves using anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal drugs containing terbinafine, as well as supplementing vitamins B and exposing the dog to sunlight to help it recover faster.

Generally, treating mild skin diseases takes about 14 days, and the duration of treatment may be longer for severe cases. During treatment, dogs must take medication on time to prevent the development of drug resistance.

Bacterial infection

Bacterial infections usually cause red, swollen, hot, and painful areas on the dog's body, and in severe cases, patchy hair loss. The skin in the bald areas will also be red and hot, sometimes forming a red circle. When these symptoms are noticed, it is essential to take the dog to a pet hospital for examination and treatment, and then determine the specific bacteria causing the infection before implementing targeted treatment.

Parasite infection

When a dog is infected with parasites, the main clinical symptoms include itching, skin redness and swelling, sebum secretion, hair loss, increased dandruff, and in severe cases, generalized hair loss and physical weakness due to anemia. Additionally, parasites absorb the dog's nutrients, causing weight loss or dehydration. In this case, in addition to taking medication, dogs can receive nutrition shots to supplement their nutrients and strengthen their immunity.

Allergy-induced

Dog allergies can cause generalized itching, red bumps, and patchy red-brown scabs, accompanied by itching and hair loss. When a dog has an allergic reaction, it is necessary to take it to a pet hospital for an anti-allergy injection, and then treat the symptoms accordingly. Additionally, owners should note what substances the dog is allergic to to prevent future reactions. Feeding the dog low-allergen prescription food can also help alleviate symptoms and is recommended for long-term use without interruption.

Note: Dogs with skin diseases should not be allowed to lick their wounds, as this can spread the disease faster. There are also many bacteria in a dog's mouth, which can exacerbate the dog's condition and delay recovery. Therefore, it is recommended to put a cone on the dog to prevent it from licking its skin. Additionally, regular deworming and using special shampoos to bathe, groom, and maintain cleanliness are essential for preventing skin diseases in dogs.