Pet Skin Doctor
Pet Skin Information
Archive for the ‘Dog Atopy’ Category
Many cases of dog skin problems exist in this country and most pet owner’s don’t realize the signs at all or not until it is at it’s worst. Some breeds of dogs seem to be more likely to have dog skin problems.
Though they may not have the same underlying cause for the dog skin problems, breeds like Scottish Terriors tend to have drier skin in general, which often leads to dog atopy, hair loss and/or hot spots. English Bulldogs may experience hair loss and skin discoloration, which may start out seasonally, but often becomes worse quickly.
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If you have been researching what breed of dog will best suit your family situation, you have probably been looking at personality and ease of training, but have you looked into potential problems in certain breeds? Depending on the type of dog – small, medium or large – that you have researched, you may have noticed a very common factor throughout many breeds. This unfortunate, common problem is known as Hip Dysplasia – a condition which is cause by a problem in the structure of the hip joint. The head of the thigh bone no longer fits firmly in the “cup” provided by the hip socket. Though it is seen mainly in larger dogs, it is the main cause of rear lameness in many dogs.
Though you won’t read as much about it, another common problem throughout pure breeds, designer breeds and mixed breeds of all sizes and ages alike is known as dog atopy. Dog atopy is defined as a predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following exposure to substances that are usually harmless, but have triggered an allergic response. Two of the most common offenders are dust mites and pollen, which are incredibly difficult for pets to avoid, since dust mites are virtually everywhere and pollen permeates the air outdoors.
Generally, the Lhasa Apso is a very healthy breed of dog. Often mistaken for a Shitzu to the untrained eye, these little dogs are perfect apartment living pets. Unfortunately these lovable indoor companions are prone to dog skin conditions, especially if special care isn’t taken when it comes to their coat.
It is very important to keep this particular breed’s skin and coat free of parasites. Some advice when it comes to grooming: No trimming or stripping is needed, although when in full coat, they need to be brushed about once a day to keep their coats from matting. Some owners opt to cut the coats short for easier or less grooming. Dry shampoo as necessary. Check the feet for matting and for foreign matter stuck there. Clean the eyes and ears meticulously, for they tend to tear. A Lhasa Apso is an average shedder and is hypoallergenic, so they make great pets for people with sensitivity to pet odor.
First thing to understand is what Atopic Dermatitis (or AD) is. Canine AD was recently defined as ”a genetically-predisposed inflammatory and pruritic (itchy) allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features that is associated most commonly with IgE antibodies to environmental allergens.” In other words, Atopic dermatitis in dogs (also refferred to as allergic dermatitis or canine atopy) is often an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following repeated exposure to some otherwise harmless substance, an “allergen,” such as dust mites or pollen.
Due to the hereditary nature of the disease, several breeds, including golden retrievers, most terriers (especially West Highland white terriers), Irish setters, Lhasa apsos, Dalmatians, bulldogs and Old English sheep dogs are more commonly atopic, but many dogs, including mixed breed dogs can have atopic dermatitis.
Many pet owner’s will learn the hard way, especially first-time dog owner’s, that the animal’s skin and coat will be your first and possibly only sign of a potential health issue. Proper nutrition, grooming, exercise, preventative care and quality of life all play important roles in dog skin care.
However, dog skin problems such as atopy, hot spots, skin allergies and even dry skin are not always preventable no matter how caring or loving a pet owner that you are. These ailments are typically the symptoms of deeper causes and can be very expensive to diagnose and treat. Often times even a proper diagnosis cannot lead to a cure. Many breeds of dogs are predisposed to certain types of skin disorders. Others may develop problems at any time, such as allergies to their pet food or a flea bite.
Since many breeds of dogs (and even cats) are prone to sensitive skin or certain types of skin infections, you must first rule this out as a cause for your pet’s dry skin. Dry, flaky skin, with or without other symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem with your pet. It may be a simple diagnosis and fix, such as poor nutrition, or a more complicated issue, such as allergies.
It’s important that the cause of pet dry skin is properly diagnosed prior to treatment. However, because diagnosis may take some time, there are two recommendations made for immediate action. First, do the best you can to prevent your pet access to the area of dry skin – no licking, chewing or scratching it. Secondly, you may apply a skin therapy lotion to help prevent infection and possibly even temporarily heal the area.
If your dog is plagued with itchy skin, causing him to scratch persistently and he doesn’t have fleas, then dermatitis may be the culprit. The questions to be answered; what is the cause for his dermatitis and what can you as a loving pet owner do about it?
The most common reasons behind dog dermatitis are food related, such as sensitivities to their pet food or an ingredient or by-product, nutritional deficiencies, or allergies. Consider irritating substances or reactions to toxins or drugs, or an infection caused by fungi, bacteria, yeast or parasites (one flea bite or a single tick may cause a reaction in your dog). Also note that certain breeds are predisposed to certain skin infections.
Even though the symptoms of atopic dermatitis show up on the skin, it is most often caused by airborne allergens. The basic definition of this common skin problem is a predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following exposure to substances that are usually harmless, but have triggered an allergic response. Two of the most common offenders are dust mites and pollen, which are incredibly difficult for pets to avoid, since dust mites are virtually everywhere and pollen permeates the air outdoors.
The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs include itching, excessive scratching, rubbing on the carpet, hair loss, greasy or flaky skin with a foul odor, excessive chewing on the paws and areas such as the groin and armpits. Over time, the skin that is scratched can develop hot spots – raw, inflamed areas – that may become infected. Unfortunately, once dogs develop dog atopy they usually suffer more and more each year because their skin becomes more sensitive over time. What may start out as canine atopic dermatitis only in the spring and fall can become a year-round problem as your dog ages and his skin becomes increasingly sensitive.
If you’ve noticed your dog is constantly scratching and you’ve already ruled out fleas, then it’s time to get serious about figuring out what the cause is for the dog itchy skin.
First things first, begin checking over your dog’s skin and coat often, at least daily. Is constant scratching his only symptom? Or does he have patchy, red skin? Hot Spots? Loss of hair, as well? Dog itchy skin may just be caused by the dog’s natural oils being stripped, therefore causing dry, sensitive skin or it can be a much more serious health problem. This is especially true if your dog has any combination of the above mentioned symptoms.
Taking preventative measures is usually the best care for your pet, but what if that’s not good enough? What if you only notice here and there that your dog is scratching here and you don’t realize it might be a lager problem - until it is?
Dog atopy involves excessive itching. The first signs will often be excessive scratching in paws, face, ears, armpits and groin areas. Your dog may chew his feet or rub his face on walls, carpet or furniture. Watch for your dog licking, chewing and grooming for extensive periods of time. Your dog’s ears may also be very red and hot to the touch. If your pet is between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, they will be more likely to show signs of atopic dermatitis.