The skin is the largest organ of the entire body. Its function is to protect organs, muscles and bones, and it also provides a barrier against bacteria and parasites. It is what enables a dog or cat’s body to maintain the right temperature – regardless of the thermal conditions outside.
The skin consists of three layers:
- the epidermis – epidermis,
- the dermis – dermis,
- subcutaneous tissue – hypodermis.
Skin inflammation can be caused by very mundane factors to which we may not have initially paid attention. Both the lack of proper hygiene of the pet and exaggerated care for the cleanliness of its coat can cause an allergy or the appearance of skin lesions. Over-cleaning shampoo, as well as too frequent bathing, can strip the skin of its natural protective layer, with the result that the pet scratches and even starts to lose its coat. Other causes can include:
- contact of the pet’s skin with detergent,
- sunburn,
- contact with a plant to which the dog or cat may be allergic,
- mechanical damage to the skin.
The most common diseases associated with external parasites are:
- fleas,
- localised nausea,
- generalised pestilence,
- feline erosion,
- canine scabies,
- feline scabies,
- cheilitis – migratory dandruff,
- ear mites,
- ticks,
- lice,
- head lice,
- dermatitis after being bitten by flies.
Skin diseases – causes
Ringworm
Ringworm can be transmitted between dogs or cats and even humans, which is why it is important to recognise the first symptoms and start treatment quickly. It gives easily noticeable but non-specific changes on the skin of the dog or cat and is therefore often undiagnosed or incorrectly treated. The disease can affect various parts of the quadruped body, such as the ears or back, but also internal organs, such as the liver or stomach.
There are two types of ringworm that can affect our pets. The first is called superficial – these are skin lesions that appear on the body of the dog or cat. This includes, for example, ringworm of the claws, back or ears. Any skin lesions, or so-called dermatophytes, are more common. The second type of condition, deep ringworm, occurs in the internal organs and is difficult to diagnose as any symptoms are invisible to the naked eye, as with superficial ringworm. Deep ringworm is less common, but thus more difficult to diagnose. Often the dog will not show any worrying behaviour or lack of appetite, so only a visit to a specialist can help identify ringworm.
Allergies
Various skin lesions are increasingly common in dogs, reacting with allergies to various allergens contained in food, shampoo, toys or flea saliva. Allergies are among the most difficult skin diseases to diagnose because the number of allergenic substances is constantly increasing and it is difficult to define the one responsible. Allergic symptoms are usually concentrated on the head, ears, forelimbs and front legs and abdomen. The animal suffers from severe itching and often has seborrhoea or recurrent purulent dermatitis and urticaria. Scratching, picking and licking of the itchy areas results in alopecia and wounds.
Treatment of cutaneous symptoms of food allergies consists of a temporary administration of an anti-itch agent, followed by an elimination diet, i.e. food containing only one source of protein – usually meat, which the dog’s body is not yet familiar with. In the case of allergies to grooming products, toys or textiles, it is advisable to buy organic accessories: mild soap instead of chemical shampoo, and natural chews. For bedding and blankets, you can go for fabrics made of bi-cotton or other organic fibres.
Worming in dogs
Like ringworm, peste des petits tinea versicolor is caused by the overgrowth of fungi living on the skin, it also occurs as a result of excessive proliferation of parasites – in this case, mites, naturally occurring on the skin of healthy dogs. Canine ringworm (Demodex canis) measures about a quarter of a millimetre in size and causes two types of skin disease – localised and generalised. The localised form is characterised by fewer lesions, while in the generalised form, there are more lesions and they affect the whole body. The complaints of the localised variety are erythema and exfoliation mainly around the muzzle, head and also around eyes. Finger-worming – is visible redness on and between the fingers, occurring mainly in very large dogs such as St. Bernard. Diagnosis involves an examination of skin scrapings after a quick and painless sampling. Treatment, however, is already arduous and long-lasting: in addition to the use of mite repellents and baths, the most important thing is to permanently improve the efficiency of the dog’s immune system. Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems most often contract demodecosis – it is a typical disease of neglected pets.
Staphylococcus in the dog
As with some fungi or mites, staphylococcus bacteria are also part of the skin and mucosal microflora. All of the known species isolated from animals are potentially pathogenic. Staphylococci – or staphylococci (Latin: Staphylococcus) – are relative anaerobes, so they live under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Staphylococci are also present in the animal’s environment: in the soil, air, water or on objects, and they do very well there, being one of the more resistant microorganisms to desiccation and disinfection. Low pathogenic staphylococci can – permanently or temporarily – colonise the intact epithelium of healthy dogs without causing any lesions. However, when the epithelium is weakened, they can invade the organism, which can occur as a result of mechanical trauma, skin infections with other micro-organisms or hormonal disorders. Staphylococcal dermatitis in dogs attacks the hair follicles and occurs most commonly on the paws, abdomen or thighs. In the first stage, hairy papules appear, which over time turn into pustules and eventually into scabs.
External parasites
Parasites that are particularly troublesome for dogs include mites, fleas, ticks and lice. The symptoms of parasite infestation are mainly acute itching and various skin lesions such as erythema, pustules, papules, blisters or scabs. Affected dogs or cats nervously scratch, sparkle, lick, nip or rub against objects. The parasites themselves can be distinguished with the naked eye. Acute itching also occurs with fleas and lice. Ticks do not cause itching, but they can transmit dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, so it is necessary to regularly inspect the fur and remove the parasites that are stuck in the skin.
Hormonal disorders
Problems with internal organs or the endocrine system can also be the cause of changes in the coat structure or the reason for hair loss in dogs or cats. The earliest causes of changes to the dog’s skin and coat are disorders of the digestive system and thyroid gland. In Hashimoto’s disease, an inflammation of the thyroid gland, dermatological changes such as discolouration of the coat and its matting, discolouration of the skin of the nasal mirror, anal area, scrotum or limbs often appear. In Cushing’s syndrome, a disease of the adrenal glands, there is, among other things, hair loss, frequent skin infections or dark discolouration. The skin also often becomes thin and translucent like parchment. Autoimmune disorders are often the cause of dermatological changes.
Skin diseases – how do we deal with them?
Apart from visiting the vet, what can we do to help treat our four-legged friend’s skin diseases? If we are dealing with an allergy, avoiding the irritant plays a very important role in the resolution of symptoms. This, in turn, can be found in many of the places we deal with. For a start, it is worth keeping an eye on your pet – paying attention to what they sniff (allergies can also be triggered by contact with other dogs’ or cats’ faeces) and, in addition, what plants are in their environment. Sometimes it can be helpful to change the route of your daily excursions. Unfortunately, in most cases, the trigger for dermatitis in your dog or cat is the food, and very often it is the change in food that has a positive effect on the skin and coat of your dog or cat. But what should you do when choosing food? Choose the right food to support your dog, like Dolina Noteci Specialised Veterinary Diet which offers wet and air-dried options for dogs with allergies and skin conditions.
Prevention and treatment of skin diseases in dogs and cats
Treatment of skin diseases is a very individual matter. It is necessary in the first instance to see a veterinarian who will assess your pet’s condition. Each type of dermatosis requires a different way of dealing with it. Among others, in the case of ringworm, these are usually antifungal medicines and those supporting immunity, and in the case of allergies, avoiding food that causes harm or lack of exposure to the stimulus that triggers the allergy.
However, it is possible to prevent the onset of skin problems in your pet by, among other things, a suitable diet. Above all, your dog’s food should be rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for immunity. Care should also be taken to ensure that the diet is balanced and contains the right ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is also worth remembering to keep your pet hydrated, as this helps to maintain the correct water and electrolyte balance. If you see that your cuddly friend rarely approaches the drinking bowl, opt for wet dog food, which contains much more water in it than its dry substitutes.
