The skin is the largest organ in the body and has many different functions, including regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration. It also acts as a barrier: it's your dog's first defence against disease, allergies, microorganisms or infection.
Dogs' skin is much thinner than humans' and is very sensitive. It is a living ecosystem, and when under 'attack', it can react in many different ways - such as becoming swollen, dry, itchy, inflamed, flaky, greasy or smelly. There are many reasons why your dog may have bad skin. In some cases, an underlying cause needs veterinary intervention to resolve;
in others, a simple change of diet or environment is called for. And in a few instances, it's down to a genetic or breed issue that can't be "fixed" but can be managed.
The potential causes of skin conditions in dogs:
- Allergies - dogs can develop allergies to various environmental factors, such as pollen, mould, dust mites, or certain foods.
- Intertrigo - also known as skin fold dermatitis, this is often seen in bulldogs in the skin folds on the face and tail pocket, dachshunds in the "armpits", and cocker spaniels in the lip folds.
- Parasites - fleas, mites and ticks can cause skin irritation and lead to infections. Mites can cause mange in dogs, and there are two main types of mange: sarcoptic, where the mite lives under the skin, and demodectic, where the mite lives in the hair follicle. Ringworm - is not a worm but a fungal disease and is highly contagious.
- Alopecia - there can be many causes and treatments for hair loss, depending on the breed of dog, the initial cause and ongoing management.
- Infections - bacteria or fungi often cause skin infections and can lead to a skin condition in the dermis or epidermis. These infections can cause inflammation, itching and hair loss, making the skin more vulnerable to other issues. Sometimes infections result from a dermatological disease, some result from a complex infection with multiple causes, and some result from a simple flea infestation.
Hot sports - or acute moist dermatitis - are inflammatory skin lesions caused by a localised bacterial infection and can worsen by scratching
An unbalanced diet that lacks essential nutrients can cause skin issues, including dryness, itching and inflammation. Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet will help improve their skin health, but it’s important to remember that all dogs have different, often individual, nutritional needs.
Hormonal imbalances - such as an underactive or overactive thyroid - can cause skin issues. Neutering your dog alters hormone levels and can cause coat changes in thickness or texture.
Stress or injury - due to the chemical reaction within the body due to stress or injury, there is often a change in the skin surface. Muscle pain can cause a reaction in the skin surface. Muscle pain can cause a reaction in the skin, the hair might be greasy and standing up more than normal, and prolonged stress often results in a thinning coat with a dull appearance.
Poor management - dirty skin folds, matted hair and poor hygiene, can create the ideal climate for skin issues
Harsh chemicals - we can unknowingly use products even ones supposedly formulated for dogs that contain harsh chemicals. The molecules designed to cut through grease and dirt or penetrate the skin’s surface can sometimes become lodged in the skin and are difficult to remove. That means these molecules will continue to repel grease - including the body’s natural oils - which are easily removed, resulting in damaged skin that is an open door for bacterial infection.
Our dogs are such individuals and what benefits one dog may not benefit another. It is important to look at the bigger picture: everything needs to be in balance, so if you treat dry skin with the perfect natural shampoos and balms but don’t address the cause of the problem, the issue will ultimately return.
Some issues must be treated by a vet and confirmed through various tests.
For some issues, you could speak with a nutritionist and do a process of elimination for a food allergy. Talking to a dog groomer with a good understanding of dermatology can help you learn a good management regime.
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The above article is reproduced with permission from one of our favourite partners Edition Dog, Issue 57, Author: Trisha Heath - find out how you can read more amazing canine content by subscribing to Edition Dog
