Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a wide range of skin conditions. When this happens, they may be uncomfortable and may even face health problems because of the breaks in their skin. To keep them healthy, here's what you need to know about animal skin care and the common problems dogs face.

Animal Skin Care Concerns

1. Allergies

When a dog has an allergic reaction, they may experience severe itching and hives. If you notice your dog scratching frequently, take them to a vet or a pet dermatologist for testing. They can help you identify the dog's pet allergy to help you minimize exposure and treat itching-inflicted scratches or scrapes.

2. Parasites

Fleas are the classic source of itchiness in dogs and their owners, but they aren't the only culprit. Your dog might also be infected with skin mites which cause mange. In addition to itching and irritation, this condition also causes hair loss, so prompt animal skin care is needed to resolve the infestation.

3. Bacterial Infection

If your dog has an injury, even a minor one, it may become infected, causing swelling, soreness, or a hot spot on the skin. Bacterial infection is more common in dogs with loose, folded skin because bacteria can be trapped in the folds.

4. Hair Loss

Some hair loss in dogs can be caused by mange, but there are also other potential causes, including underlying health conditions like adrenal disorders. If you notice bald spots on your pet, you need a trip to the vet to find the cause before you can treat it.

5. Dry Skin & Hair

Like humans, a dog's skin naturally secretes oils to moisturize the skin and keep it healthy. The wrong dog shampoo can strip these oils away and leave your dog with dry, itchy, flaky skin and dandruff. If you see these signs, try washing less often or switching to a shampoo designed for animal skin care.

If you aren't sure what's causing your dog's skin irritation, bring them to Veterinary Dermatology Services in Cincinnati, OH. This specialized animal skin care center serves Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southern Indiana, providing pet owners direct access to the expertise of Dr. Patrick T. Breen, board-certified dermatologist. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 489-4644, and learn more about the practice online.