Superficial bacterial folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, bumps, and scabs on the skin. These skin abnormalities are easier to see in short-haired dogs. In long-haired dogs the most obvious symptoms may be a dull coat and shedding with scaly skin underneath. Folliculitis often occurs in conjunction with other skin problems, such as mange, allergies, or injury. Treatment may include oral antibiotics and antibacterial ointments or shampoos.

A pet’s skin colour or coat texture change can be a warning sign of several common metabolic or hormonal problems. They can also result from an infection or other skin disorder. Usually, a simple blood test can identify the underlying cause. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about any significant changes to your dog’s coat.

Another type of bacterial infection, impetigo is most common in puppies. It causes pus-filled blisters that may break and crust over. The blisters usually develop on the hairless portion of the abdomen. Impetigo is rarely serious and can be treated with a topical solution. In a small number of cases, the infection may spread or persist.

Dry, flaky skin can be a red flag for a number of problems. It’s @ common symptom of allergies, mange, and other skin diseases. But most often, dry or flaky skin is nothing serious. Make sure you are feeding Fido high-quality food. Like people, some pets simply get dry skin in the winter.

Seborrhea causes a pet’s skin to become greasy and develop scales (dandruff). In some cases, it’s a genetic disease that begins when a pet is young and lasts a lifetime. But most pets with seborrhea develop the scaling as a complication of another medical problem, such as allergies or hormonal abnormalities. In these cases, it is vital to treat the underlying cause so that symptoms do not recur. Seborrhea itself can typically be treated with certain medicated shampoos.

Also called acral lick dermatitis, this is a frustrating skin condition caused by compulsive, relentless licking of a single area, most often on the front of the lower leg. The area is unable to heal, and the resulting pain and itching can lead the pets to keep licking the same spot. Treatment includes discouraging the dog from licking, either by using a bad-tasting topical solution or an Elizabethan collar. Also, ask your dog’s vet whether a medication like a topical or corticosteroid might help.

Another type of bacterial infection, impetigo is most common in puppies. It causes pus-filled blisters that may break and crust over. The blisters usually develop on the hairless portion of the abdomen. Impetigo is rarely serious and can be treated with a topical solution. In a small number of cases, the infection may spread or persist.

Dry, flaky skin can be a red flag for a number of problems. It’s @ common symptom of allergies, mange, and other skin diseases. But most often, dry or flaky skin is nothing serious. Make sure you are feeding Fido high-quality food. Like people, some pets simply get dry skin in the winter.

If you notice a hard lump on your dog’s skin, point it out to your vet as soon as possible. Dogs can develop cancerous tumours in their skin. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of cancer is to biopsy the tumour. If the lump is small enough, a veterinarian may recommend removing it entirely. This can yield a diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. For tumours that have not spread, this may be the only treatment needed.

Anyone who shares their home with pets knows that they shed. How much shedding is normal depends on the breed, time of year, and environment. But sometimes stress, poor nutrition, or illness can cause a pet to lose more hair than usual. if abnormal or excessive shedding persists for more than a week or you notice patches of missing fur, check with your veterinarian.

Hot spots, also called acute moist dermatitis, are small areas that appear red, iritated, and inflamed. They are most commonly found on a pet’s head, hips, or chest and often feel hot to the touch. Hot spots can result from a wide range of conditions, including infections, allergies, insect bites, and excessive licking and chewing. Treatment consists of cleansing the hot spot and addressing the underlying condition

Mange is a skin disorder caused by tiny parasites called mites. Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, spreads easily among dogs and can also be transmitted to people, but the parasites don’t survive on humans. The symptoms include intense itching, red skin, sores, and hair loss. A dog’s ears, face, and legs are most commonly affected. Demodectic mange can cause bald spots, scabbing, and sores, but it is not contagious between animals or people. Treatment depends on the type of mange.