Dog Skin Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, & Medications Over

Section 1: Fungal Infections

1. Causes

(1) Not drying the hair thoroughly is the primary cause.

(2) Malnutrition and weakened immune system.

(3) Skin abrasions, contact with sick dogs, and contaminated equipment.

(4) Vulnerable areas with existing wounds are more prone to infection.

Commonly affected areas: Top of the head, mouth, and limbs.

2. Symptoms

The affected areas typically present as elliptical or circular patches with distinct skin borders. The skin may have scabs that are easily peeled off, revealing smooth skin that does not thicken. Fine dandruff may also be produced.

3. Treatment Methods

Apply topically 34 times daily, inject with Piten. For severe fungal infections, oral Griseofulvin may be prescribed. Since oral medications can cause significant liver and kidney damage, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian before administering any drugs.

Section 2: Mites

1. Causes

Moisture, unsanitary conditions, or contact with infected dogs or pathogens.

Commonly affected areas: Eyes, ears, nose, trunk, and limbs.

2. Symptoms

The affected areas have irregular shapes with small bumps, and the borders with healthy skin are not distinct. The area is usually large and broad. The skin thickens, and there may be liquid secretion, itching, and the presence of dandruff or scabs.

3. Treatment Methods

Given the lifecycle of demodex mites is 1524 days, it is recommended to treat weekly for 8 weeks. Injections of ivermectin or doramectin can disrupt mite growth. Bathing and applying deltamethrin topically are also effective treatments. It is suggested to apply deltamethrin every 5 days for over 8 times. Due to its toxicity, a herbal bath may be recommended if dosages are not appropriate.

Section 3: Fleas

1. Causes

Unsanitary living conditions.

Commonly affected areas: All parts of the body.

2. Symptoms

Small black spots (faeces) and white spots (eggs) are found among the fur.

3. Treatment Methods

Use local spray or detergent: Flea spray for less than 30 fleas, tick and flea spray. For less than 10 fleas, options include Baytril, Dap, and Frontline.

Section 4: Pyoderma

1. Causes

Infestation by fur mites.

Commonly affected areas: Back, hind legs, and buttocks.

2. Symptoms

Pustules, small pustules, and pus secretion on the skin. Severe hair loss, odor, and pus discharge.

3. Treatment Methods

Bacteremia can be primary, but if it is secondary to mites or fungi, it will exacerbate these infections. Therefore, treatment for mites or fungi must be accompanied by pyoderma treatment to be effective.

Section 5: Seborrheic Dermatitis

1. Causes

Genetic factors, endocrine disorders, malnutrition, and skin infections.

2. Symptoms

Grey or silver dry scales scattered in the fur, difficult to remove. Glandular hyperplasia with a large amount of oil in the tail root hair or yellowish oil spots. Itching, increased dandruff, severe hair loss, and patches or sheets of affected areas. Commonly seen on the auricles, back, under the chest, and elbows. Dogs may chew at the itchy areas, worsening and expanding the lesions.

3. Treatment Methods

Use antiseborrheic shampoos (like Weike medicated bath) and skin soothers. The frequency of bathing should be controlled to 12 weeks, depending on the need. Severe cases may require corticosteroids.

Section 6: Eczema

1. Causes

Eczema has complex causes, often associated with allergic reactions and qualityrelated factors. External physical and chemical factors, such as mechanical pressure, friction, biting, scratching, insect bites, certain internal and external medications, unclean skin, dirt stimulation, dampness in the kennel, and other factors can stimulate the body, causing skin allergies and eczema. Ischemic diseases that lower skin resistance can also lead to eczema.

2. Symptoms

Acute eczema: Initially, the skin surface may have pinpoint or variously shaped red eczema. Dogs experience significant itching. The disease process may include the papule stage, vesicle stage, pustule stage, and desquamation stage.

Chronic eczema: Often develops from acute eczema. Dogs may have recurrent eczema, with symptoms such as thickened skin, desquamation, coarse fur, itching, and commonly seen on the back or limbs.

3. Treatment Methods

Use Saifukang externally, adjusting the frequency of use according to the situation. Gently massage the affected area to ensure the cream is fully absorbed. Avoid allowing the dog to lick the medication.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on dog skin diseases, click on "Selftreatment for Dog Skin Diseases" to learn more.