Friday, April 22, 2011

What are the Causes of Dry, Itchy and Flaky Skin in Dogs


It is very nice to look at the shiny coats of dogs. Sadly, not all dogs have nice coats and nice skin. Some dogs have skin problems which are often caused by parasites and allergies. Itchy, dry and flaky skin is very common in dogs. If this condition is not treated right away, your dog could end up losing hair and getting infected. Diagnosing problems like this can be a bit of a challenge but there are some easy measures which dog owners can do themselves to improve their dog’s condition. 

Causes of Dry, Flaky Skin in Dogs

Listed here are the common causes of dry, flaky skin. Some are easy to treat while others may require the attention of a veterinarian.

·         Fungal Infections. Yeats infection is an example of fungal infection. Ringworm is yet another culprit which can seriously affect the skin of your beloved dogs. Ringworms are small organisms which cannot be seen by the naked eye. This can easily spread on the dog’s entire body and if owners are not careful, this can also spread to them.  If your dog has fungal infections you will see redness, flaking, scaling and oozing. 

·         Allergies. The most common allergies which cause dry, flaky skin are food allergies and contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a skin irritation which can easily happen overnight. Harsh chemicals found in dog shampoos, household chemicals and laundry detergents can cause contact dermatitis on your dog’s skin. Food allergies are also very common. This happens when your dog has intolerance from a certain food. A food elimination diet might be necessary in order for you to tell what is causing the allergic reactions on your dog. 

·         Parasites. Fleas are the most common parasites which can cause skin problems. Parasites live in the hair follicle and they are not visible to the naked eye. If this is the cause of dry, itchy and flaky skin, it is best to go to the veterinarian. He or she might need to perform a skin scraping procedure.  Other common parasites on dogs are scabies, ear mites and cheyletiella mites.

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