Having a cute and lovable dog is one of the things that make dogs well appreciated. As an owner we will have to do our part to help keep the dog cute and lovable. We should learn how to take care of it’s hygiene to prevent it from suffering skin complications.

When your dog suffers from skin complications it will become harder to look at and be very pitiful. If you have seen the world’s ugliest dog Sam, you will have a whole lot of pity for it. To prevent your dog from having any skin complications that could deform it, here are some of those common complications and their preventive measures.

• Atopy or Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis: as a result of microscopic particles in the air that lands in the dog’s skin, the skin becomes very itchy. The diagnosis of this skin condition is based from the clinical presentation and absence of other causes like the ectoparasites. Treating this problem will include dietary supplements, steroids and antihistamines, and most likely long term. In some cases where the condition gets out of control, skin allergen testing and hypo sensitization helps. Rinsing and shampooing the pet also helps.

• Ectoparasites or external parasites: mites, fleas, ticks. These parasites are able to break the external barrier of the skin, making the bacterial infections possible or allergic reactions. You or the vet can diagnose this condition by carefully observing the skin through gross observation or microscopic examinations of skin scrapes. The treatment depends on the parasites found. The common treatment though is anti-parasitic shampoos and drugs and rinsing the dog.

• Fungal Infections: Dermal Coccidioidomycosis, Malassezia and Dermatophytosis. Diagnosis is based on the organisms found on the fecal samples that are fresh and cooled, microscopic exams of skin scrapings and blood tests that will identify the antibodies to Coccidioides immitis. The treatment are systematic antifungal drugs and shampoos that will include rinses and topical.

• Food Allergies: giving the wrong food that dogs have allergic reactions to will manifest themselves in their skin. Diagnosing food allergic reactions is usually done by ruling out other allergic reactions first. Treating this will be giving the dog a hypoallergenic diet for a minimum of six weeks.

• Irritant contact dermatitis: diagnosis is based from the history of clinical contact allergies or presentations. Treating this will only require you washing the irritated area and are given steroids for a short period. Remember to prevent re-exposure.

• Autoimmune Skin Disease: there are lots of diseases of this kind and surgical biopsy is done to diagnose it. The treatment includes either. Steroids, immune modulation drugs or dietary supplements.

These are the most common skin disease that you should observe on your dog when your dog has been acting weird in a way. Your dog may already be suffering from among these skin conditions that could eventually worsen. Immediately seek help when initial outbreaks are present.