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Causes of Skin Conditions in Dogs

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Causes of Skin Conditions in DogsWhat is a skin condition and what causes it?
A “skin condition” is a general term for very common but nonetheless distressing disorders which damage or irritate your pet’s skin.

There can be a variety of reasons for your pet’s itchy, scratchy skin condition, including environmental allergies or food sensitivities. In dogs, more than 50% of allergies are caused by the world around them.

The most common symptom of an allergy is skin irritation – itching, scratching and licking. Some skin conditions can be cleared up quickly, while others need lifelong management. The good news is, soothing the itch can be as simple as feeding your pet the right type of food.

Common causes include:

  • Environmental allergies are common: Your dog may be allergic to grass, pollen, dust mites or mould spores. These allergens are often seasonal and can start early in a pet’s life. The dog’s skin is a crucial barrier to allergens, making proper skin care a priority.
  • Parasites: Fleas, lice and mites can be a constant nuisance to many pets. Some pets are particularly sensitive, and even a single fleabite can cause a skin irritation! Rigourous tick and flea treatment for your pet and environment is essential to break the cycle.
  • Adverse reactions to food: Certain ingredients in a pet’s food, such as beef, milk products, fish or wheat, can also be the cause of allergies.
  • Infection: Bacterial and fungal infections can cause skin problems.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Pets with too much or too little of certain hormones are prone to skin issues.
  • Breed disposition: Certain breeds of pets can be predisposed to skin conditions too such as bulldogs, labradors and bull terriers.

More about environmental allergies in dogs:

  1. How do I know if my dog has an environmental allergy?
    • Skin conditions present with similar signs but two ways you can often spot an environmental allergy is that it usually appears before the pet is a year and flare ups are linked to spring and summer. There are numerous potential reasons that may cause your dog to itch and unfortunately, they don’t all present as typical cases; if you notice your dog chewing any part of its’ body more than normal, take him to your vet for a thorough examination as the vet is the best person to differentiate between the different causes of itchiness.
  2. How can I help my dog?
    • Environmental allergies are most often chronic, which means they demand lifelong management and often require a multi-modal approach. You won’t be aiming for a cure but rather to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of flare ups. However, a simple change in food can make a significant difference.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Vitiligo – How and why?

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Vitiligo

Vitiligo – How and why?

While we Choose to mostly focus on topics that our special breeds are prone to and educate our fellow bulldog lovers to help them keep their bullies happy and healthy, I thought Vitiligo would be an interesting condition to include in this month’s letter. While this condition is uncommon in dogs altogether, it is appearing more frequently now.

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that can affect not only animals but Humans too. This gradual skin condition leads to the benign lightening of the skin in dogs and other animals. Dogs that are affected exhibit distinct patches of depigmented or white/pink skin, typically on their face and muzzle.

Fortunately, vitiligo is primarily a cosmetic concern, causing no harm or damage to the affected dogs, although it may pose a source of confusion for their owners. This condition tends to be more prevalent in young adult dogs, with most cases diagnosed in dogs under the age of 3.

As per PetMD, the majority of vitiligo cases in pets have a hereditary basis, with specific dog breeds having an elevated genetic susceptibility. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the loss of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. In dogs, the exact cause of vitiligo remains elusive, but it is believed to have both genetic and environmental factors. Certain breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, seem to be more predisposed to developing vitiligo, however a number of French bulldogs have also been diagnosed with the condition. Genetic factors play a crucial role, as some dogs may inherit a genetic predisposition for autoimmune including vitiligo. Additionally, environmental factors like  stress, trauma, and hormonal imbalances might trigger the onset of vitiligo in genetically susceptible dogs. The primary symptom of vitiligo in dogs is the development of depigmented (white) patches on the skin, nose, lips, and even the coat.

These patches typically appear slowly over time and can vary in size and shape. While vitiligo is not painful or itchy for the dog, the drastic cosmetic changes may concern some pet owners.

One distinctive feature of vitiligo in dogs is that the depigmentation is often symmetrical, meaning it occurs on both sides of the body. The loss of pigment can also extend to the inside of the mouth, the footpads, and the genital area.

Diagnosing vitiligo in dogs involves a thorough examination by a veterinarian. The vet may perform skin biopsies to rule out other potential causes of depigmentation, such as fungal infections or autoimmune skin diseases like lupus.

Differentiating Vitiligo from other skin conditions is vital, as treatment approaches may vary. Accurate diagnosis ensures that the dog receives appropriate care tailored to its specific condition.

While there is no cure for vitiligo, several treatment options can help manage the condition and reduce its impact on a dog’s appearance. Treatment goals often focus on controlling the progression of depigmentation and addressing potential underlying causes.

Topical Therapies: Topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus may be prescribed to help re-pigment affected areas. These medications aim to modulate the immune response and promote melanocyte regeneration.

Dietary Supplements: Antioxidant-rich supplements, such as vitamins E and C, may be recommended to support overall skin health and potentially slow the progression of vitiligo.

Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and minimizing potential triggers, such as stress, is crucial. Stress reduction techniques, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to managing the condition.

Vitiligo in dogs, while uncommon, is a manageable condition that primarily affects the skin’s pigmentation. Pet owners should consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. While there is no cure, ongoing research may lead to advancements in understanding and managing vitiligo in dogs, offering hope for affected pets and their owners.

However, while many may find the colouring distressing, and be put off by it, I can’t help but ask – aren’t they beautiful?

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue SA – October 2024 Newsletter

Hot Spots – How to Care for Your Dog’s Painful Inflamed Skin Sores…

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hot

Hot Spots – How to Care for Your Dog’s Painful Inflamed Skin Sores…

What are Hot Spots?

Canine acute moist dermatitis is a form of canine pyoderma also known as “hot spots.” Hot spots are red, moist, irritated patches of skin often caused by an initial irritation and then exacerbated by bacterial infection. The irritated patch can double in size within hours and can become very painful. Common sites of lesions are the head, neck, hips and limbs. Matting of fur, hair loss, scabbing and oozing are often seen. Hot spots seem to be common in long-haired dog breeds and are more prevalent during summer months in times of high temperature and humidity. Hot spots are the result of a bacterial infection. Your dog’s skin becomes irritated and the dog starts itching, licking, or both, eventually causing a red, ugly, oozing sore. Technically hot spots are referred to as acute moist dermatitis or superficial canine pyoderma, usually localized to a specific area. The sore can only be treated by focusing on the underlying infection.

Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs

Symptoms of a hot spot may include one or more of the following:

  • Itchy, painful patch of skin
  • Continual chewing or licking at site
  • Abnormal aggression (associated with painfulness of site)
  • Possible depression (associated with painfulness of site)
  • Inflammation, redness, and swelling in a localized patch of skin
  • Crusted scabs or oozing sores
  • Dry scaly skin Hair loss
  • Moist, matted fur
  • Foul odor from lesion

Causes of Hot Spots in Dogs

Possible causes of initial irritation can be any one of the following:

  • Flea allergies
  • Cuts or abrasions
  • Ear infection/anal gland infection
  • Foreign objects (splinters/thorns)
  • Food allergies
  • Matted fur
  • Insect bites
  • Chewing or licking due to stress or boredom​

Process

 
  • Hot spots on dogs are the result of an imbalance in the normal bacteria (Staphylococcus intermedius) on the skin.
  • The bacterial imbalance is most often brought about by some initial irritation that the pet bites or scratches at repeatedly.
  • Biting and chewing can introduce bacteria from the mouth and nose to disrupted hair follicles at the site of irritation.
  • Moisture and heat from matted hair, summer warmth and humidity or open scrapes or cuts can further exacerbate bacterial growth
  • Bacterial growth cause the body immune response to react, resulting in more itching, heat, redness, inflammation and pain.
Diagnosis of Hot Spots in Dogs

If you notice your pet is showing symptoms of a hot spot, you may try an over the counter medication to clean and treat at home. Since hot spots are painful and can worsen within a matter of hours, it is advisable to schedule a visit to a clinic to receive proper treatment.

The veterinarian will take a thorough history and conduct a physical exam to determine the initial irritant. It is important to let your veterinarian know when the onset of symptoms began and any unusual circumstances that may have led to the irritation so the doctor can identify possible allergens or stressors and address them in treatment.

The area will likely be shaved and cleaned to determine severity and size. Shaving and cleaning is also necessary to properly clean and air the lesion. In cases where other forms of pyoderma are suspected, the veterinarian may examine bacterial samples under the microscope or culture a sample for diagnosis.

Treatment of Hot Spots in Dogs

Cleaning

The lesion must be cleaned thoroughly. Matted fur should be shaved off and away from the affected area. Because this can be quite painful, it is a good idea to bring the pet to the veterinarian where nurses can clean and shave the area. Some level of sedation may be necessary. A topical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine can then be used to clean the lesion.

Treating Bacterial Infection

Topical and/or oral antibiotics will often be administered. Antibiotic treatment may last 4 weeks or longer.

Treating Initial Irritation

Some cases of hot spots are idiopathic (the cause is unidentifiable). More commonly, allergies to fleas, pollen or food are identified with a history and examination. Monthly flea treatments or hypoallergenic diets can address allergies. Regular grooming or keeping fur cut short can prevent matting, a common cause of skin irritation. Anxiety-induced chewing and licking can be lessened by introducing toys or chews and exercise and play.

Medications for Pain and Inflammation

Antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce itchiness and irritation. NSAIDS can be prescribed to reduce inflammation. A short acting corticosteroid may be administered one time to make the patient more comfortable and promote healing. Gentamicin/Betamethasone sprays are often prescribed to spray on the lesion daily.

Dietary supplements

Essential fatty acids may be suggested for pets prone to skin conditions.