Scratch the Itch: Understanding and Treating Skin Conditions in Dogs

A good, satisfying scratch here and there is more than normal for dogs. But when it becomes excessive, and your furry friend looks like they’re constantly itchy and irritated, it could indicate an underlying skin problem.

Our dog's skin is responsible for many jobs, from protecting internal organs from the external environment to regulating temperature. So it’s crucial that we pay close attention to the health of it.

Skin issues in dogs can occur for many reasons. Below, we look at some common skin conditions, give some tips on identifying and treating them, and look at how your dog's diet can impact the health of its skin.

What is dandruff?

Otherwise known as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff occurs in dogs when their sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. The excess oil can then cause an imbalance, leading to skin irritation and can be either oily or dry and flaky. 

Dandruff and dry, flaky skin can occur due to several underlying factors, including environmental and nutritional.

How to identify dandruff 

Dandruff in dogs is usually seen on the back, face and flanks. Dandruff often presents as white flakes of skin left behind where your pup has been sitting or lying. You may also notice your dog scratching more than usual.  

Walking dandruff, or cheyletiellosis, is caused by a mite called cheyletiella.  If your dog's dandruff looks like it is moving on the skin, it may indicate mites. In the event that your dog has cheyletiellosis, your vet will provide a parasiticide treatment.

How to treat dandruff 

Before treating your dog for dandruff, it's important to rule out any other possible conditions. If you're not confident your dog’s irritation is due to dandruff, visit your vet to make sure. 

With help from your vet, you can look at ways to improve the condition of your dog's skin barrier. Your vet may recommend treatment baths or a good shampoo and conditioner to help reduce epidermal water loss, skin dryness, and dandruff.

Treating your dog from the inside out is also important. Fish oils with EPAs and DHAs support a healthy skin barrier function.

What are skin allergies?

Many internal and external elements like food, insect bites, pollens and grasses can trigger dog allergies. The allergens can cause a dog’s immune response to kick into overdrive, resulting in an unpleasant skin reaction.

How to identify skin allergies

A symptom of a skin allergy can be excessive scratching, either in one spot or all over the body. Under your dog's fur, you may also notice red, irritated and inflamed skin, similar to how a human might react to an allergen.

How to treat skin allergies

Treatment for allergic reactions in dogs will depend on the cause of the allergy and how it affects your pup. We recommend taking your dog to the vet for a fast diagnosis and access to the correct treatment or medication. 

Often, pet parents will take their dogs to the vet after they have scratched themselves badly and have a resulting infection. First, the vet will address the infection and then focus on the allergy. Allergies are rarely cured, but a good management plan can help reduce vet visits in the future.

Can dogs get insect bites?

Pets are definitely at risk of getting bites from insects. And just like us, these bites can cause painful and itchy side effects or even be fatal. 

Mosquito bites, spider bites, flea bites and bee stings are common causes of skin reactions in dogs.

How to identify insect bites

It can be hard to determine if your dog has been bitten or stung by an insect unless you see it happen. Usually, an insect bite will result in a red or swollen spot, a raised bump, hives, or excessive itching or licking. 

In some cases, dogs can have a severe reaction like anaphylaxis.

How to treat insect bites or stings

If your dog has a mild reaction to an insect bite, you can use a cold compress to treat the swelling and itching. You can also apply a paste of baking soda and water to the site to provide some relief. 

If you think your dog has been bitten or stung by an insect and is experiencing a severe reaction like wheezing, panting, vomiting or weakness, take your pet to your vet as soon as possible.

What are parasites?

A parasite is a living organism that lives on or in a host and depends on that host for survival. Common parasites like fleas, mites, ticks and lice can all cause skin conditions in dogs. 

Mange is caused by microscopic mites that lead to severe irritation and can be highly contagious. 

Flea bites can lead to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or flea bite hypersensitivity. Fleas can also pass on other diseases and parasites, such as intestinal tapeworms. 

Ticks are a nasty parasite that can transmit diseases causing paralysis. The brown dog tick carries the new and emerging disease, ehrlichiosis, which can be fatal.

How to identify skin parasites

Signs your dog may have parasites can be itching, redness, raised bumps, bleeding or oozing lesions, hair loss and excessive scratching and licking. You may even see fleas, lice, and ticks on your dog if they have a severe infestation.

How to treat skin parasites

It is vital that if you think your dog has a parasite of any kind, you treat it immediately with the appropriate medication. These will depend on the type of parasite your dog is carrying. If you believe your dog has a parasite but are unsure, consult with your vet, and they will help you with the best course of action.

The best way to avoid a parasite infestation is prevention. Keep up to date with your puppy or dog’s parasite protection treatments.

What is ringworm?

Despite its name, ringworm isn't actually a worm. It's a fungal infection similar to athlete's foot and tinea. Ringworm is contagious, passed on by direct contact with an infected animal or person, or picked up from a contaminated surface. 

Ringworm is not fatal but can cause discomfort to your dog if not treated.

How to identify ringworm

The appearance of ringworm can vary but often causes circular patches of scaly skin and sometimes brittle hair and hair loss. The area can be red or dark in colour, be inflamed, appear itchy, and sometimes have lesions.

How to treat ringworm

If you think your dog has ringworm, take them to your vet as soon as possible so you can treat it and stop the infection from passing to other people and animals.

Ringworm is typically cured with either a topical treatment or an oral medicine. 

Because ringworm spores are very resilient, it’s important to keep your dog isolated until they are treated. You'll also need to clean your home thoroughly to eliminate contamination. Your vet can give you more guidance around cleaning protocols.

What are hot spots?

Hot spots are incredibly sore, itchy, inflamed areas caused by a superficial bacterial infection. They thrive in a moist environment, and because dogs lick, scratch and bite hot spots to try and relieve the discomfort, they get worse and struggle to heal.

How to identify hot spots

Hot spots are often seen around the hips, limbs and head but can also spread to other areas if left untreated. They may look red and swollen, there can be hair loss in the area, and they can ooze fluids. 

These painful sores can look like other skin conditions, so if you think your dog has one, it's best to see your vet immediately.

How to treat hot spots

You will usually need to visit your vet to get hot spots under control. Your vet will usually clip and clean the infected area, apply a treatment to the site and possibly send you home with a prescription for further management.

As the largest and one of the most vital organs your dog has, you must ensure your furry friend's skin is looked after. Through conscious choices regarding their nutrition, you can be sure your dog is getting everything they need from the inside and ensure they have healthy skin and fur. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Dog foods high in DHA and EPA are not only good for reducing dermatitis and improving coat health, but they also improve cognitive function, improve the cardiovascular system and slow cancer growth. 

Other beneficial nutrients to a dog's skin and coat to look out for are zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E and B-complex vitamins.

Hypoallergenic dog foods

Hypoallergenic dog foods are specially formulated to reduce the symptoms of food allergies and food intolerances in dogs.

If you think your dog has food allergies, speak to your veterinarian, who can recommend the right food.

We all hate to see our pets suffering, and the health of our dog's skin is critical to their overall well-being. By recognising the signs of common skin conditions, preventing issues and knowing when to seek professional advice, we can ensure our pet is as healthy, comfortable and happy as possible.

This article was written by Dr. Jane Miller