Skin Infection In Dogs – An Important Yet Neglected Condition

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Skin Infection In Dogs An Important Yet
Neglected Condition
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Most Common Bacterial Infections in Dogs
Dogs have been known for centuries for their
innumerable abilities and contributions. Studies
have shown that bringing home a dog can change
ones life for the better. There is no better
natural antidepressant remedy than a dog. Yes, it
is true that dogs are a great addition in
anyones life but there are rules and guidelines
that should be implemented especially for the
well being of the dog. From healthcare to food,
dogs have a different need than us humans. It is
not simply possible to feed them anything we eat
or treat them as we treat ourselves. For eg. dogs
cannot eat cakes and chocolates nor can regular
bath soap and shampoo we use can be used on them.
There are many types of dog health issues. One of
the most important health concerns many pet
owners face is Skin infection in dogs. Sadly
enough in may cases, owners only detect the issue
when the situation is in a much worse condition
than one would have anticipated.
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What can cause skin infection in dogs?
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Like humans dogs also suffer from numerous kinds
of dermatological issues that are caused due to
multiple reasons. The most common etiological
factors that can cause skin infection in dogs
include-

• Allergic reaction to pollens and environmental
  allergens
• Certain types of food
• Change in the weather conditions
• Humidity
• Microbial Infection caused by viruses, bacteria,
  and fungus
• Ticks, mites, and fleas
• Hormonal conditions
• Underlying systemic condition like renal and
  hepatic disorders
• Nutritional deficiency
• Autoimmune condition

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What are the various kinds of skin infections
that can occur in dogs?
Some of the most common skin conditions that are
often left unseen or are neglected as simple skin
itching includes
a. Atopic or Allergic Dermatitis This is one
of the most common allergic reactions seen in a
dog. Caused due to allergic reaction to pollens,
dust, and mites, the signs and symptoms include
severe reddish patches caused by constant
scratching around the eyes, muzzles, ears, and
feet.
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b. Alabama Rot or CRGV This is one of the most
fatal conditions with a morbidity rate of over
25 due to renal failure. Caused due to E. Coli
Bacteria, the initial symptoms include red color
lesion and patches all over the limbs, chest, and
abdomen area. However many times these lesions
are mistaken as simple skin rash and no further
treatment is carried out causing death.
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c. Folliculitis A very common yet hidden skin,
Folliculitis presents itself in the form of scabs
and sores on the skin. Folliculitis is often seen
with Mange, Allergic reactions, and injuries.
Though easy to detect in short hair breeds, it
often goes unseen in long or double coat breeds.
They are painful and repeat scratching on the
scabs can result in microbial infections.
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d. Lick granuloma or Acral granuloma is caused
due to constant licking of a specific area. A
psychological issue caused due to certain
underlying cause, Lick granuloma presents itself
as fiery red ulcerated patches around the
limbs. e. Dry skin and hypopigmentation
Generally caused due to deficiency of vitamin and
minerals, this condition presents itself as flaky
and cracked skin. Reduced skin keratinization
causes these cracks and skin shedding. If left
untreated these areas become the primary area for
microbial breeding.
f. Seborrhea A common condition caused due to
hormonal changes or any other underlying
situation, it presents itself as dandruff and
greasy skin condition. If left untreated it can
cause a multitude of other issues.
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g. Ringworm Contrary to its name, the disease
is not caused due to any worm. Highly contagious
in nature this fungal infection presents itself
as small patches of alopecia or hair loss with
inflammation or scabs and rash-like conditions.
It is commonly seen in and around the paws, ears,
muzzle, abdomen, and back.
h. Sarcoptic Mange Also known as canine
scabies, it is caused due to parasitic mites.
Severe itching, red sores, scabs, and severe hair
loss are some of the main signs of this skin
condition. Numerous balding patches can also be
seen in severe conditions which are another type
of mange called Demodectic Mange.
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i. Fleas and Ticks related skin condition
These are external parasitic insects that live on
the surface of the host to suck the blood for
nutrition. Severe itching, scabs wounds, lesions,
and anemia are the initial symptoms of the
disease. Intense licking and weight loss are the
predominant signs of Flea and tick infection. j.
Dermal Changes Change in the skin texture to
rough and dry flaky condition or color changes
around the limbic joint area can be caused due to
metabolic discrepancy. Dogs are known to scavenge
through any kind of food. There are many
dangerous foods for dogs that can cause severe
hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders in a
dog which leads to dermal changes.
How should skin infections in dogs be treated?
Most skin conditionals and dermal ailments in
dogs are treatable once the underlying cause is
detected. Some of the most common treatment
methods used for treatment include

• Antibacterial treatment systemic and topical
• Antifungal treatment- systemic and topical
• Hormonal therapy
• Nutritional Supplementation
• Anthelmintic treatment
• Topical application of medicinal oils, ointments,
  and gels
• Chlorhexidine bath
• Dietary modification

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Preventive measures to keep Canine skin
infections at bay
Skin infection in dogs can be prevented. Simple
rules, when implemented strictly, can prevent the
rise of this kind of issue in dogs.
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Along with maintaining a very hygienic and clean
environment, dogs should be fed a well-balanced
diet. Make sure their diet doesnt contain any
allergic food ingredients to them. This improves
its internal immunity to a great deal and
promotes a better overall systemic development.

• Optimal humidity prevents drying of skin while
  well-ventilated living space prevents the
  proliferation and growth of unwanted microbial
  elements.
• Regular bath and cleaning of the limbs with
  antibacterial dog products keep fleas and mites
  at bay.
• Supplementing their regular diet with additional
  vitamins and mineral capsules helps in boosting
  their immunity further.

It is important to know that these voiceless
innocent beings cannot tell us their problems or
issues when we do feed or do something wrong.
Thats why it is important to always be very
attentive towards even the smallest change in
their mannerism and habits to know if anything is
troubling them. Remember that a happy and
healthy dog will always be active and boisterous
while a sick one will prefer whining, sleeping,
or just being distant.