Throughout their lives, dogs can experience various skin problems. Dogs with skin conditions may itch and scratch frequently, but many issues can be resolved with an appointment with a pet dermatologist. Here are some of the most common causes of skin problems in dogs.

3 Reasons for Skin Problems in Canines

1. Food Allergies

Some dogs become allergic to ingredients in food, such as beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and dairy. Dogs with food allergies may experience itchy skin on their feet or around the anus, ear inflammation, and diarrhea. To diagnose a food allergy, a pet dermatologist will test for reactions to various ingredients.

2. Mange

Caused by several types of mites, mange leads to excessive itchiness, rash and hair loss in canines. Mites can quickly move from animal to animal, so this skin disease is highly contagious. If your dog has mange, a pet dermatologist may prescribe a scabicidal shampoo to kill all the mites. Your dog may need to be dipped every week for several weeks to eliminate the mites.

3. Dandruff

Dogs can develop dandruff for a variety of different reasons, including low humidity levels, a poor diet, or improper grooming. The dry and flaky skin from this condition can make them feel uncomfortable. Before you can successfully treat dandruff in your dog, you have to figure out what’s causing it. For example, if dry winter temperatures are responsible for your dog’s dandruff, you may want to put a humidifier in your home.

If your dog has a skin problem, turn to the professionals at Veterinary Dermatology Services in Cincinnati, OH. Led by pet dermatologist Patrick T. Breen, DVM, ACVD, the center focuses primarily on treating various skin conditions in pets. They provide everything from comprehensive allergy testing to laser surgery for benign and malignant growths and are devoted to the well-being of pet throughout Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. Call (513)-489-4644 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.