subject: What is the Cause behind Dog Skin Problems? [print this page] What is the Cause behind Dog Skin Problems?
Trying to deduce just what may be the reason behind dog skin problems can be confusing and cause a number of headaches. Dog skin problems can range from dog fleas to skin lesions to hot spots to hair loss, all of them often not having a known root cause. If your pet is experiencing dog skin problems, here are some of the leading reasons why they are occurring:
Dog Skin Allergies
The leading reason behind dog skin problems are dog skin allergies. You will notice that your dog will scratch or chew the same area on their body, which eventually will result in hair loss, red skin, and it may turn into a "hot spot".
The cause behind your dog's skin allergies will be more about you removing and then adding items to your dog's diet or environment and monitoring your dog's reaction to these items. To try and aid your dog's skin allergies, you can try to add a probiotic to your dog's diet and include more Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to her diet.
Parasites
Your dog is outside a lot and has a whole lot of hair for little pesky parasites to hitch a ride on. Fleas, ticks and mites are the three most common parasites that are the cause behind dog skin problems. Fleas can be particularly troublesome, as if they are left untreated, your dog may end up with tapeworms and anemia
NOTE: Did you know that the female flea can consume her weight in blood fifteen times over?
The best way to treat parasites is to make sure that your dog is taking regular medication (particularly during the flea season, which is April to September) so as to kill off and prevent any fleas, ticks and mites.
Seasonal Allergens
Just as with humans, some pets will experience dog skin problems only during certain times of the year. Dogs that are allergic to pollen, for example, will display no signs of allergy or issue in the dead of winter, but as soon as spring roles around, she will be gnawing and biting at her hair. Other main season offenders include ragweed and mold.
You can try to treat these dog skin problems by using anti-inflammatory agents and shampoos. Make sure that when you do shampoo your dog, you use cool water to help soothe the skin rather than use warm or hot water which will only exacerbate the issue.
