Is your dog scratching so much its catching?Dog skin problems and what to look for

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Is Your Dog Scratching So Much its Catching?

Everyone knows that dogs like a good scratch. Unlike cats,

they don’t wash their own fur so when he does lift his hind

leg and sets about the hair around its neck, more often

than not, he’s probably just suffering with a bit of loose

fur. However, if it gets to the point when your pet is

scratching so much, it actually makes you want to do the

same thing you could have any number of dog skin

problems on your hands.

Humans have it a little easier than dogs when it comes to

our skin. If we get a problem you can see it. You might

notice a slight patch of dry skin or some redness that just

doesn’t look right.

For dogs, the main issue is they can’t actually tell you they want to scratch the skin off their backs

because the itch is so bad and, they also have fur coats which generally masks the problem from us.

This is why dog skin problems are probably more common than you think.

The Signs to Look Out For

Of course, scratching is one

thing to look out for but don’t

be too overly worried if it’s just

now and then. If you keep up a

good hygiene routine (and yes,

that does mean bathing him

weekly), the chances are if he

only scratches on the odd

occasion he’s just loosening up

some dead skin.

However, if you notice this

happening way more than it

used to, make sure you have a

look through his fur. Other

signs to look out for are if your

dog’s general mood changes.

Does he seem a little down in

the dumps? Has is appetite

diminished? The latter point is a sure sign your pet may need treatment for some type of dog mite.

You should also keep an eye on the state of his coat. If it becomes less shiny than usual or even

worse, he starts to form bald patches its time for the vets (regardless of if he likes it or not)!

What Can Be Done?

Generally dog skin problems are incredibly easy to treat. Your

vet may even be able to tell what’s going on just by looking at

your furry friend. In some cases, there are bugs that will need

a blood test so they can be identified. Either way, if you’re

vigilant about keeping an eye on your pet’s general health and

the way his coat looks, there isn’t much he can catch that’s

life threatening.

In a lot of these cases a topical treatment will do the trick or,

your vet may want to give your pet a course of antibiotics. In

most cases, your dog will more than likely be given a specially

formulated shampoo as well to help bring his skin back to

normal health.

There are some skin problems that may need long-term care

but with careful handling from you and in conjunction with

the help of your vet, your dog will soon be back to his old self

and you can stop mimicking him every-time he lifts that hind

leg for a scratch.

It’s not always easy to tell if your dog is suffering with some

sort of problem like this. Just make sure you keep a regular

hygiene routine and if you’re at all worried, see a vet.

Contact Details:

Perfect Pet Skin 90 West Drive Highfields Caldecote Cambridge CB23 7NY Tel: 01223 967 117 Email: neville@perfectpetskin.co.uk Web: www.perfectpetskin.co.uk