Read About Canine Skin Disorders

Canine Skin Disorders - Facts

1. Problem Definition:

   Dogs are very prone to disorders of the skin caused due to fleas, household dust, molds, pollens and even genetic conditions. Some dogs are allergic to relatively safe objects such as soaps, shampoos, dog collars and leashes and even wax.

2. Symptoms:

   Disorders do not affect the entire skin of the dog, but in some vulnerable spots known as hot spots. These hot spots may become red and swollen. Dogs will start scratching these places. Sometimes bacteria may infest this region, causing pus. In severe cases, skin disorders can also cause high fevers in dogs.

3. Duration of Problem:

   Disorders can last for a very long time. The symptoms are often neglected which may increase the problem. A treatment for allergies could cure it within seven days, but there is no guarantee it wouldn't recur.

4. Exposure:

   Disorders in dogs are caused when they are exposed to substances to which they are sensitive. Some of these are fleas, dust, soaps, shampoos and waxes. A dog that has allergic rashes on its skin is generally non-contagious and cannot affect other dogs.

Canine Skin Disorders - Prevention & Treatment

1. The Treatment:

   There are two basic treatment methods for disorders. In the first and more conventionally-used methods, dogs are given medicines to reduce their itching. These medicines are antihistamines and corticosteroids. These antibiotics will stop the severe scratching and protect the dog from damaging its own skin.Immunization therapy is also used in treatment; though this is a widely criticized method. In this method, the chemical substance that is actually causing the allergy is injected into the dog in large doses. This causes the dog to be numb towards that particular affected place.

2. Prevention:

   The allergy-causing substance must be found and the dog should be kept away from it. If fleas are the cause, then the dog must be properly treated for fleas. This would prevent further allergic outbursts.

3. Precautions:

   Once you know that your dog is allergic to a particular agent, then you must always take care to keep your dog away from it. Keeping your house absolutely clean, washing dog collars regularly and checking the dog regularly for fleas and other parasites will help to reduce allergic reactions.

4. Helpful Supplies:

   You must provide the dog with perfectly clean surroundings and other items once you know that it is prone to disorders.

Canine Skin Disorders - Concerns

1. Level of Seriousness:

   Disorders are a condition that a dog has to live with throughout its life. These conditions will not be persistent, but they will surface from time to time. It is an individual problem, as dogs cannot propagate their disorders into other pets or humans. It is not a very serious condition.

2. Lasting Consequences:

   Disorders last throughout a lifetime. There is no permanent cure for disorders. Even after one allergic outburst is treated, there is absolutely no guarantee that it won't occur again.

3. Genetics:

   The role of genetics in skin disorders is still being studied.

4. Lifestyle Accommodations:

   Cleanliness is the most important thing required for an allergic dog. There shouldn't be a trace of dust within the house.

5. Expense:

   The treatment expense for disorders depends on what kind of treatment is prescribed.