A dogs coat is the most significant health indicator. Even if your dog is not looking weak, you can tell it has some health issues if the fur starts to lose its luster. Unfortunately, dog coat issues still make up 40% of all veterinarian cases despite peoples best effort to take care of their furry friends.
Here are the 5 most common skin issues that affect the appearance of a dog’s coat:
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Hot spots
Hot spots are a bacterial infection that mostly affects dogs that are dirty or those that have a naturally thick coat. Breeds such as German shepherds, golden retriever, and cocker spaniels are very prone to getting hotspots, especially when it’s hot. This condition, also known as, pyrotraumatic dermatitis is characterized by a lot of scratching, hair falling off, and awful smelling pus from the infected bites.
Solution; you can solve this problem by shaving the dog regularly and keeping it clean. Mobile dog groomers can help to keep your dog clean and shorten the hair.
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Allergies
One of the most common skin issues dogs experience is itching. You have probably seen a dog rubbing its body against a wall, a tree or fiercely scratching itself. Itching can be caused by allergies from factors such as mice dander, pollen, and foods. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites, while others cannot stand the products you are using to clean them.
Solution; Take the dog for a checkup. A vet is better placed to know why your dog is itching.
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Dandruff
Yes, dogs get dandruff too. It’s a condition called seborrhea that is characterized by white flaky skin and itching just like in humans. Dog dandruff can be caused by many factors, including allergies, yeast, poor nutrition, parasites, and temperature.
Solution; there are a couple of things you can do to treat dandruff. For starters, improving their nutrition, hydrate, groom more often and see a vet. If an underlying infection is causing dandruff, a round of antibiotics will be helpful. Washing the dog with apple cider vinegar or lime juice helps, and of course, some coconut oil will be useful.
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Bald spots
While shedding is normal for all dogs, you should be worried when your dog starts to bald. Excess shedding is a sign of serious issues like thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, and bacterial infection.
Solution; a physical examination by a vet is the only way to know what is causing balding.
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Dull coat
As said earlier, a dogs coat should be smooth to touch and shiny. If you notice brittle fur and a dull-looking coat, your dog is suffering from malnutrition. A dog’s diet should be full of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that make the skin strong, healthy, and shiny.
Solution: a lot of protein, fish oil, real fish, and omega 3 and 6 supplements can help to remedy this situation.
Owning a dog is more than just feeding them Top Dog and taking them for walks. You have to be very intentional on what they are eating, how often they are groomed and regular visits to the veterinarian even when the dog is not sick.
