Skin issues in dogs have lots of possible causes, but several skin issues comprise the great majority of skin conditions. By far, the most often seen skin conditions in dogs are a reacton to allergies of differing types. The commonest kinds of allergic responses are flea allergy, environmental allergy (atopy), and dietary allergy, in that exact order. Demodectic mange, a type of mite or parasitic problem, is also fairly often found in puppies.
Flea allergy is problematic to people because it only takes 1 or 2 fleas to lead to a severe problem for some dogs, and you won't always see the fleas in the house or on the dog. If your dog is seriously itchy, particularly round the rump and back end, it is probably best to call your vet and ask for a referral for a good flea product. Flea allergy can and will affect a dog any time of the year, but is the worst in the latter summer and fall.
Environmental allergy, or atopy, is another top underlying cause of skin problems in dogs. Just like humans, dogs have allergies to airborne allergenic substances in the air, including pollen, ragweed, and mold. But unlike people who usually develop watery eyes and a drippy nose, dogs react to the antigens in the form of itchy skin. Affected dogs can be itchy anywhere on their body, but the most typical areas are the feet and the belly. Any breed of dog can be influenced, but smaller dogs such as the West Highland white terrier and the Bichon Frise, as well as the English bulldog are over represented. Atopy is often seasonal, with the dog being affected in the spring, summer, and fall, but not in winter. Antihistamines and special shampoo therapy can be used to treat atopy.
A sensitivity to food is the 3rd most common cause of skin illness in dogs and it is also one of the more difficult skin problems to diagnose. Food sensitivity starts when a dog becomes allergic to a protein that’s present in the dog’s food (or treats, or table scraps). The 3 most common antigens that cause food allergy are beef, dairy, and wheat, though many other proteins can also be implicated. Dietary allergy can develop in a dog at any point, and often times the dog has been eating the same food for years without trouble before it suddenly develops a problem. Food allergy causes a dog to be itchy anywhere on its body and also often causes ear illnesses. If your vet suspects a dietary allergy, she'll doubtless have a conversation with you about performing a food trial for your dog, and recommend a special kind of hypoallergenic dog diet.
Demodectic mange is an issue very commonly seen in puppies, although not in adult dogs. The demodex mite infects the puppy when it is very young, and causes patchy alopecia and secondary infections. Demodectic mange is different from the allergic skin conditions because it is mostly does not itch, and a skin scraping at the vet is needed to diagnose it.
Cathy Doggins is a well-known, publisher, writer and editor focusing on dog health issues like canine skin conditions. She has a commitment to the care and kind-hearted treatment of animals and is a common contributor to the Dog Health Guide, one of the most visited online dog health resources on the Web.