Skin Conditions – Flea Allergy Dermatitis, Hot Spots, & Ringworm
The most common allergic skin disease in the dog develops when certain dogs become hypersensitive to flea bites. The allergic agent is contained in the saliva or mouth parts of the flea and is injected into the dog when the flea feeds. The disease usually occurs during the warm months and is commonly called “summer eczema”.
The disease begins near the tail-head of the rump of the dog. The animal will scratch or rub this area intensely, causing the hair to fall out and often ulcerating the skin. In severe cases the hair loss can become more generalized and involve large areas of the body.
Although the disease occurs more commonly in the summer months, many dogs will show signs constantly throughout the year. The flea can complete its life cycle in the home environment and thus can cause constant irritation to hypersensitive dogs.
Therapy is aimed at flea control on the dog, on other pets, and in the dog’s environment. In addition, specific therapy can be instituted to control the signs and affected dogs. Cortisone-type drugs will relieve the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Injections of flea allergy extracts have also been useful in helping certain dogs with their flea allergy.
Hot Spots
Hot spots, known medically as “Acute Moist Dermatitis”, is a troublesome skin condition in certain longhair breeds of dogs including Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Malamutes, Collies, and German Shepherds. Many types of skin irritation can cause the dog to inflict self trauma to the skin. A cycle of itch/scratch, itch/scratch, itch/scratch develops.
Round, moist ulcerated areas are created in the skin by the dog’s licking, chewing, or scratching. Flea bites, flea allergy, and burs in the coat are common causes of hot spots. In certain cases, the underlying cause can never be found.
Therapy is directed at removing the underlying cause, breaking the itch/scratch, itch/scratch cycle, and effectively drying up the ulcerated area. Small hots pots may be treated at home with preparations that are drying and soothing to the skin. Products which contain camphor or menthol have these effects. Vinegar is a mild astringent which also will dry the affected areas. Large areas, however, are best to be treated by your veterinarian.
Ringworm
Ringworm, medically referred to as “Dermatomycosis”, is a fungus infection of the skin, most commonly found in young animals. Circular or irregular areas of hair loss occur on the face, body, and legs. The skin in affected areas is usually dry and scaly. This disease can be transmitted from animal to animal, from soil to animal, and from animal to man.
Definitive diagnosis is best achieved through culture and identification of the fungal agent. Many chronic diseases that do not readily respond to treatment are mistakenly diagnosed as fungal infections. These mistakes can be avoided by the use of fungal cultures. Therapy is specific and will result in complete remission of the disease. Topical and systemic drugs are used.
November 24, 2008 under 
Dog Allergy
Tags: dog allergies, Dog Allergy, dog care, dog flea allergy, dog health, Dog Health Care, dog health problems, dog skin conditions
Dog allergies caused by different substances generally produce symptoms that affect the skin and affecting your dogs health. If our dog suffer from any allergies, you must do something to reduce the chances of having it. Protect your dog health always.
You can check our site at Dog Health to know the good and effective way of medications for dog allergies.
[...] Dog Allergy Skin Conditions – Flea Allergy Dogs can become hypersensitive to flea bites. The most common allergic skin disease in the dog develops when certain dogsallergic agent is contained in the saliva or mouth parts of the flea and is injected into the dog when the flea feeds. [...]
As pointed out in the article its important to remove fleas from your pets environment. Of the 6 stages of a fleas lifecycle, 5 of them occur in the pets environment rather than on the dog itself.
hi
this is a different and nice article with have a nice them.
Thanks for the great article! It’s always best to refer to your vet when these problems arise, as they’ll only get more expensive down the road.
Thanks for sharing – great article. Can a dog’s diet also play into skin conditions? I know that’s the case for me.
@Lisa. Yes, the diet does also play into skin conditions. A great source for a better skin for your dog would be sun flower oil. There are many brands available who have it included in their dog food.
Great article. I also totally agree with your comment. A healthy, well exercised dog who is eating a good quality diet will avoid skin problems much more than a sedentary dog with a poor diet.