3 Common Dog Skin Issues

If you find that your dog is licking or scratching certain areas of his or her skin on a consistent basis, he or she may have a skin issue. Many times, these skin issues are the same exact problems that can befall a human, while other times, they are issues that are exclusive to dogs. Read on and discover just a few common dog skin issues and whether or not they should constitute a trip to the veterinarian's office.

Allergic Dermatitis

Certain products or items that come into contact with your dog's skin can cause them to break out in somewhat painful rashes that will cause them to itch their skin. Even items such as certain food products can cause allergic dermatitis, but more often than not it is something to which they are regularly subjected to in their environment, like pollen or insect bites. The best way to go about dealing with this issue is to simply identify what is causing the allergic reaction and avoiding that item altogether. If your dog has issues avoiding the cause of allergic dermatitis, then your veterinarian will most likely prescribe a corticosteroid.

Anal Sac Disease

If you find that your dog is constantly gnawing at his or her anus, as well as scooting around on the ground in an attempt to alleviate an itch on his or her anus, they might very well be suffering from anal sac disease. An anal sac disease is an issue in which the skin around the anus does not allow your dog to properly and completely empty the contents of their bowels, which also can create a foul smell. A veterinarian can treat the issue by massaging the anal sacs so that they allow the bowels to empty, but in some cases, the anal sacs must be surgically removed.

Yeast Infection

Yeast infections usually affect the ears of dogs, so if you find that your dog is often times placing his or head against the ground in an attempt to scratch their ears, it could be the case that a yeast infection has made its way into your pooch's ears. The most common sign of a yeast infection – which can also affect your dog's paws, as well – is red, irritated skin. If you suspect your dog is suffering from a yeast infection, make an appointment with your local veterinarian's office as soon as possible. Yeast infections tend to be treated with a combination of orally ingested prescription drugs and topical creams.