The epidermal layer of dog skin only has 3 to 5 layers, which is much thinner than human epidermis, so dog skin is relatively fragile. In summer, when skin problems are most likely to occur, people can apply several layers of skin care products to their skin, but dogs can only rely on the skin's own barrier and the protection of their coat to stop the invasion. In summer, you need to be alert to the problem of itchy skin in dogs. Let’s take a look at the following treatment options.

Why is summer the season when dog skin diseases are most common?

1. The hot and humid weather in summer is not only suitable for the reproduction of fleas, but also increases the metabolic burden on the dog’s skin. 2. Ultraviolet rays brought by the scorching sun can easily damage your dog’s skin. 3. In summer, owners take their dogs out more often, and the complex external environment will increase the chance of skin invasion, such as extremely active fleas in the grass. 4. If a dog is injured while playing, if the parents do not handle it properly, the wound infection will be a very difficult problem.

The symptoms of various skin diseases are also diverse. The most common symptoms include hair loss, itching, rash or erythema, skin color change (reddening or blackening), etc. Here, I would like to introduce to you several dog skin diseases that are relatively common in clinical practice but are rarely understood by parents.

1. Hereditary allergies:

Introduction and causes: Also called atopic dermatitis, it is a hereditary skin disease. The causes of allergic dermatitis are endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous factors include hereditary, hormonal abnormalities and allergies, and exogenous factors include Seasonal and non-seasonal environmental factors, such as inhalation of pollen, dust, wool, etc.; ingestion of horse meat, ham, milk and other foods; in addition, injection drugs, mosquito bites, internal and external parasites and pathogen infections, and physical and chemical factors can also cause Cause exogenous allergies. The first symptoms often appear when dogs are 1 to 3 years old, and affected dogs will experience itching and other allergic reactions.

The initial onset of clinical symptoms is around the eyes, between the toes, armpits, groin and perineum. Allergic dermatitis caused by flea bites can easily occur in the lower back. The main symptoms of sick dogs are severe itching, erythema and swelling, and some have papules, scales and hair loss. In the long course of the disease, pigmentation, skin thickening, and the formation of lichen and wrinkles may occur.

Diagnostic testing of atopic dermatitis can be based on medical history and clinical symptoms, while excluding adverse reactions to food and scabies for differential diagnosis.

Treatment regimens that avoid allergens are often difficult or even impossible; therefore, intradermal or serological testing with specific immunoglobulins to identify allergens is essential, as effective immunotherapy is based on the Accurate knowledge of allergens. Immunotherapy is currently the only effective treatment for atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats, which can be controlled by pre-vaccination or anti-itching, or both. However, it takes several months to see good results. At present, immunotherapy is still in its infancy and the course of treatment is very long. If immunotherapy cannot be used, symptomatic therapy can be chosen.

2. Flea allergy dermatitis

Introduction and Causes Flea allergy dermatitis results from an adverse immune response to flea saliva and is an extremely itchy dermatitis that results from exposure to fleas. It most commonly occurs in dogs and cats between 6 months and 5 years old. In North America, onset is usually seasonal, from May to the first freeze, but can occur year-round in warmer areas.

Clinical symptoms include moderate to severe itching at the bite site, papules (small red bumps), redness, and self-injury caused by biting and scratching. In dogs, the most commonly affected areas are the base of the tail, back, dorsal thighs, and front legs. Hair loss, skin scratching, skin pigmentation (darkening), and scaling (dander) are common. In cats, itching of the head and neck may be seen, and the abdomen may be very red and have small, crusted bumps.

Diagnostic Testing Diagnosis is usually based on indirect evidence such as suspicious medical history and physical examination findings, especially the distribution of lesions, response to flea control, and the presence of fleas and flea droppings (especially when flea combs are used). Flea droppings appear as black dots that look like dirt, but when a drop of water is added, they turn into a blood-like liquid.

Treatment options 1. Topical preparations include medicated shampoos and sprays. It is important to note that some products for dogs cannot be used on cats.

2. Oral preparations can kill fleas immediately or help reduce their reproduction.

Environmental flea control is also extremely important, and your veterinarian may choose from the following: 1. Adulticides to kill adult fleas. These products belong to the pyrethroid family and are fast-killing. They (especially synthetic pyrethroids) can cause cat poisoning as long as the concentration exceeds 0.5%. Stable for indoor and outdoor use, it is available from veterinarians, pet stores and home supply stores. 2. Fleas like moist, organic matter-rich environments. It's important to clean these areas in your yard (like under your porch or deck).

3. Ringworm:

Introduction and causes of fungal infection, commonly known as ringworm, the main pathogens are Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypsum. This disease is a contact infection and is transmitted to humans and animals. The most typical symptoms are hair loss and round scaly spots. Frequent areas include round tinea spots on the face, trunk, tail, limbs, etc., covered with gray scales, and the hair in the tinea spots is broken or fallen off. Young, aging, thin, and immunocompromised dogs are more susceptible to infection.

Clinical symptoms mainly include round bald spots with broken hair on the skin of the head, neck and limbs, covered with gray scales. In severe cases, many ringworm spots are connected together. The course of the disease is longer.

Diagnostic testing For typical cases, the diagnosis can be confirmed based on clinical symptoms. Mild cases with no obvious symptoms, it is necessary to collect the diseased materials, that is, use a surgical knife or tweezers to scrape some hair roots and scales from the junction of the diseased and healthy areas for microscopic examination.

Treatment Plan: 1. Keep your dog’s skin clean and hygienic, and check the coat frequently for ringworm spots and scales.

2. Strengthen the management of dogs and avoid contact with sick dogs.

3. If a sick dog is found, it should be isolated and treated in time. While using systemic therapy, clipping the hair of the affected area and applying nystatin or polyaldehyde nystatin sodium ointment can make the dog recover within 2 to 4 weeks.