Questions for Our Vet About Dog Skin Problems

Preguntas a nuestro veterinario sobre problemas en la piel de los perros

Questions and answers for our vet about dog skin problems

Caring for our dogs' skin is essential because it is the largest organ of their body and plays a key role in their overall well-being. Here are some main reasons for dog skin problems:
  1. Protective barrier: The skin acts as a protective barrier against the external environment, preventing the entry of pathogens, allergens, and other irritants that can cause infections or allergies.
  2. Temperature regulation: The skin helps regulate the dog's body temperature. Proper care ensures that their coat and skin can fulfill their insulating function in cold climates and cool them down in warm climates.
  3. Early detection of diseases: Changes in the skin, such as redness, rashes, scales, or hair loss, can be indicators of more serious health problems, such as allergies, infections, or even systemic diseases.
  4. Comfort and well-being: Maintaining healthy skin and coat reduces the risk of itching, irritation, and other dermatological problems that can cause discomfort or pain to the dog.
  5. Parasite prevention: Regular skin care, such as brushing and proper bathing, can help detect and prevent infestations of parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites, which can cause a range of health problems.
  6. Physical appearance and bond with owner: Coat care also keeps the dog looking healthier and more attractive, and activities like brushing can strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner.
In summary, caring for our dogs' skin not only improves their physical health but also their emotional well-being, preventing problems that can be painful or annoying for them.

Itching and excessive scratching

Why is my pet scratching so much? Is it normal for my dog/cat to scratch all the time? What can I do if my pet won't stop scratching?

Is it more localized or generalized, is it more common at a certain time of year or is it continuous? Does it affect their daily life? Do they stop normal activities to scratch? Do they stop eating or sleeping? If they don't stop scratching, it's best to take them to the dermatologist as soon as possible and not resort to home remedies. I recommend the SENSITIVE SKIN line. A complete treatment for dogs with sensitive skin. This shampoo therapy is indicated for the treatment of skin with allergic tendencies, irritations, and/or dermal intolerances.

Hair loss

Why is my pet losing so much hair? Is it normal for my dog/cat to have bald spots in their coat? How can I reduce the amount of hair my pet sheds at home?

Shedding in all species, including humans, is a physiological process of skin and hair regeneration, depending on how you look at it. However, excessive hair loss, whether acute or progressive, should be reviewed by a specialist to determine its origin. Good hygiene of their hair and skin, often with good products, greatly helps to maintain the coat correctly. For this reason, we recommend using our OZONE line for their regular washes. Depending on the severity of the problem, we will use the SOFT or HARD line, always with its SWEET conditioner.

Skin irritation and redness

My pet has red skin, what could it be? Why does my dog/cat have skin irritations? How can I treat red areas on my pet's skin?

In this case, it is about the presence of lesions already established on the skin, we are talking about primary lesions. In many cases, **it is necessary to act quickly and take them to the clinic.**

Allergies

Can my pet have skin allergies? How can I tell if my dog/cat is allergic to something? What should I do if my pet has skin allergies?

Allergies in dogs and cats are by definition environmental. They can be seasonal or generalized. **More than 80% of dermatology consultations are due to canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) or feline atopic syndrome (FAS).** There are patterns to determine whether or not we are dealing with CAD or FAS, **it is important to see a specialist** and start working on it. You can apply our Atopic Skin Foam to the affected areas to immediately relieve discomfort, then follow a routine with the OZONE line.

Dry or flaky skin problems

Why is my pet's skin so dry and flaky? How can I treat my dog/cat's dry skin? Do fatty acid supplements help improve dry skin?

Dry, flaky skin **can be physiological or the beginning of several skin pathologies** and sometimes serious systemic ones (leishmaniasis). In the case of physiological issues, proper hydration and regeneration of the dog's skin are fundamental, in addition to ruling out other more serious pathologies.

Dandruff

My dog/cat has dandruff, how can I treat it? Is it normal for my pet to have dandruff? Is dandruff in animals a sign of a bigger problem?

Dandruff, if accompanied by **pruritus (itching), is sometimes indicative of a dermatological pathology**, often parasitic. It's normal for some dandruff to appear depending on the time of year, but not an excess. **It shouldn't be a major problem as long as it's not accompanied by other symptoms.** If pruritus appears and your dog's skin is itchy, you can use our Antipruritic Treatment.

Contact or atopic dermatitis

What is atopic dermatitis in pets? How do I know if my dog/cat has contact dermatitis? What treatments are available for dermatitis on my pet's skin?

Canine atopic dermatitis **is a genetically based disease that involves a clear inflammatory pattern with the presence of primary lesions** that can lead to secondary ones if left to progress over time. **There are multiple typical and systemic treatments** aimed at controlling the main symptom, pruritus, and the most frequent secondary complications. To define all of this, **it is important to assess the different scenarios as soon as possible** and always act in an organized and correct manner. Not handling a clinical case like this often leads to incorrect management and causes them to become more complicated than necessary. We could use the OZONE line for washing our dog.
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