Dog skin conditions are caused by many factors. One such problem is allergies. In dogs, allergies usually manifest as troubling skin problems, while in human beings they are expressed through respiratory problems. An allergy is a result of the system not recognising a specific substance. This is normally a protein which is a large molecule. A dog's immune system sees the allergen as dangerous and tries to dispel it. In dogs, allergies can occur from pollen, mold, food and fleas. Great discomfort from excessive itching and scratching follows.

Being exposed to pollen for the first time, a dog's immune system produces antibodies and becomes sensitised to the foreign protein. Inhalant allergies also known as atopic allergies are the most common form. Nutritional adjustments can help with pollen. If your dog is allergic to mold, keep their environment less humid to disable mold spores. Regarding food, your pet may be allergic to the protein percentage of grains such as wheat. Wheat gluten is often a source for itching. Also dog food with soy should not be ingested. Food allergies in pets account for roughly fifteen percent of cases. Flea bites can be more problematic, since the flea saliva can cause severe itching and not just at the location of the bite. Maintain your pet's preventative flea regimen, most notably during the warmer months.

Constant itching, especially with flea bites can cause secondary infections such as canine superficial pyoderma. This is a bacterial infection of the epidermis and hair follicle near the skin surface. The excessive scratching damages the skin and breaks down the animal's natural defences. Bacteria then penetrates the skin.

A dog hot spot is a warm, moist, swollen area of skin which smells awful. Often, pus is excreted. This condition is extremely painful. The dog further irritates the area through chewing. Unfortunately, dogs such as a white German Shepherd with thick fur, will be in terrible distress - sometimes ripping out pieces of fur. Specifically in canines with long coats, moisture gets trapped more easily adjacent to their skin. Then the developed bacteria attacks.

Another skin problem found in dogs is mange or canine scabies. Tiny microscopic mites attack the dog's body and reproduce on the skin surface. They feed on the nutrients of the dog's body. Mange can become one of the most serious dog skin conditions, requiring prompt medical attention from the rapid spread of mites.

When not presenting in the ears, a skin health issue known as a yeast infection is difficult to ascertain. Yeast is a single cell organism found on your dog, normally residing in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Yeast toxins affect the immune system negatively and cause many infections such as allergies and skin problems. When the immune system has been compromised yeast will grow, and more toxic activity will occur. Proper nutrition can keep yeast under control.

Approximately ninety percent of canine yeast infections occur in the ear. In dogs, the ear canal is also an extension of their skin. One can spot this infection when a pet is scratching their ear relentlessly. The ear is crusty. There is discharge and redness. Along with this comes a bad odour from an overproduction of sebum. Possibly, the dog may be off-balance. It's time to visit the doctor. They can determine if the yeast is the primary or secondary infection. Also, mange could mimic these symptoms.

Sometimes a dog may acquire a contact allergy such as ringworm (a fungal disease of the skin). Soil, animals and even people are the homestead for fungi. When contracted by your pet, the fungus resides in dead surface skin cells and expands in an outward ring. The skin becomes red and swollen then crusty. This condition will spread and patches of hair are lost.

Take preventative action for dog skin ailments such as good grooming. Simply brush your dog. Make sure their ears are clean. Dry your dog thoroughly after a bath or swim. Keep up with medications such as flea and tick pills for parasite prevention. Try a nutritional supplement to add to your dog food. Finally, have an annual wellness check after your pet has been through the puppy stage of development.

If your dog shows signs of skin problems and distress, seek veterinary advice. Delaying treatment can cause more complications and heartache. Dog skin conditions can be cured so your pet can thrive.

Dogs are loyal and eager to please despite suffering from health problems. Determine the cause of dog skin conditions and end their distress. Keep your pet happy and healthy.