Taking care of our skin is important, especially when living in Arizona. For many of us, using sunscreen and moisturizing lotions, along with other skincare products, is part of our daily routine. Did you know dog skin care is just as important?
Your dog’s skin is important to their overall health. That’s why pet owners need to be aware of common skin conditions, understand how to prevent them, and recognize when there’s a problem.
At Acoma Animal Clinic, we’re here to help keep your furry loved one healthy and happy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some common skin ailments and steps you can take.
What Are Some Common Skin Problems?
Living in Arizona means dealing with a hot, dry climate and intense sun exposure. Your dog still needs to go outside to go to the bathroom, get some exercise, and maybe join you as you run errands around town.
Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to the heat and searing sun can impact your dog’s skin. Here are some concerns:
Dry skin: This is a common dog skin care concern, resulting in symptoms like flaking, itchiness, hair loss, and inflammation. Environmental conditions, such as low humidity, as well as allergies, parasites, and more serious health conditions, can be associated with dry skin.
Hot spots: Moist dermatitis, more commonly known as hot spots, can be especially problematic for dogs with thick or long coats during warmer, summer months. Hot spots are usually a red, inflamed area on your dog’s skin. External parasites like fleas and allergens are often the main causes. Ear infections can also result in hot spots under the ears.
Sunburn: Yes, dogs can get a sunburn, too. Dogs that have shorter hair and areas with thin fur, like the belly, ears, groin, and nose, can be especially susceptible to sunburn.
Allergies: Some dogs are more susceptible to environmental allergens, which can cause symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, rashes, inflamed skin, and excessive licking. Allergens can be found in dander, plants, insects, and pollen, among other places.
Know These Dog Skin Care Tips
You can’t always prevent your dog from developing a skin condition, especially if it’s associated with a more serious health issue. That said, there are some preventative measures you can take to keep Fido as healthy and comfortable as possible. Here are some dog skin care tips to keep in mind:
Parasite prevention: Consider using vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives to keep those pesky pests away from your dog. Parasitic bites can pose a lot of health risks.
Sunburn protection: Help protect your dog’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays by not trimming their coat too short. Yes, you want them to be comfortable during the hot summer months, but their coats also help protect their skin. Talk with your groomer to determine what’s best for your dog.
Protect paws: It’s a good practice to wipe off your dog’s paws when they’re coming indoors from outside. Also, help protect paws from the hot pavement by walking them on cooler surfaces, such as grass, or consider using booties.
Check for hot spots: Do you see signs of inflammation, such as redness or swelling, or patches with no fur? It could be an early indicator of a possible hot spot brewing, if not addressed. Check your dog regularly and contact your veterinarian if you notice any warning signs. If your dog swims often, be sure to rinse them with clean water afterward and thoroughly dry the fur.
Regular checkups: Keeping up with regular veterinary checkups and grooming visits can help keep your dog happy and healthy. Vets can diagnose and treat any skin conditions your dog may have. Grooming visits are important, as they help remove allergens, dirt, and loose fur.
When Should Your Pet See the Vet?
Proper dog skin care isn’t just about prevention; it’s also about acting fast if you notice something amiss. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should consider scheduling a visit with the vet:
- Watery eyes
- Rashes
- Sneezing
- Flaking
- Scaling
- Excessive grooming
- Inflamed skin
- Raised bumps or pimples
- Foul odor
- Hair loss
- Scabs
- Excessive oiliness
- Swelling near the eyes
- Restlessness
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Frequent head shaking (could be a hot spot near their ear)
- Signs of infection (e.g., heat, swelling, oozing, not healing, worsening redness)
If you’re concerned about your dog’s skin health, we’re here to help. The team at Acoma Animal Clinic understands that your dog’s skin is important to their overall well-being. Contact us today to schedule your visit!
