Itchy Skin, Allergies & Parasites with Dr. Jim : Top Reasons Dogs Visit the Vet

Skin issues are the #1 reason dogs visit the vet! Your dog’s skin and coat may be the first indicator of health problems. A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not brittle or coarse, and healthy skin should be supple and clear, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy. Although nutrition and overall health influence the shine and texture of your dog’s coat from the inside, regular grooming and skincare on the outside will also help keep your dog's coat clean and mat-free.

There are many different skin conditions from which dogs may suffer. Hormone imbalances, digestive disturbances, and parasites, both internal and external, may affect your pup’s skin and coat. Even arthritis and obesity can cause skin problems if the dog is unable to groom itself properly! Allergies and seborrhea (aka dandruff) cause itching and changes in the normal production of skin oils, resulting in a dull coat and excessive shedding.

Skin allergies, called allergic dermatitis, are the most common type of allergic reactions in dogs. There are three main causes:

• Flea allergy dermatitis - Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites and/or flea saliva. Your pup may become extremely itchy, especially at the base of the tail, and their skin may become red, inflamed, and scabbed.

• Environmental allergens - Dust, pollen, and mold, can cause atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so you may only notice your dog itching during certain times of the year. As with food allergies, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears.

• Food allergies - Food allergies and sensitivities can cause itchy skin, most commonly on ears and paws. This may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms. Food allergies are less common than you’d think – what most people mean when they say that their dog has a food allergy is that their dog has a food sensitivity, also known as a food intolerance.

True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from skin conditions, gastrointestinal signs, or a combination of both. In some rare cases, a severe reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can occur.

All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites and licks his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infection.

Perhaps the most shocking of all the types of allergies is an acute allergic reaction. While rare, some allergens, like bee stings and vaccine reactions, may cause an anaphylactic response in some dogs. Your pup may also develop hives or facial swelling in response to an allergen. Swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyelids, or earflaps may look serious, but is rarely fatal, and can be easily treated with antihistamines.

All dogs benefit from regular grooming to remove loose hairs and dead skin cells, keep the coat free of dirt, debris, and external parasites, and distribute natural skin oils. Dogs with long, silky, or curly coats require routine brushing to keep their hair from becoming matted. Dogs with short hair coats may require less frequent brushing; however, regular brushing of any dog will cut down on the amount of loose hair and dander floating around your house. Regardless of the type of hair, you should regularly check your pup’s coat and skin for unusual lumps and bumps, parasites such as fleas and ticks, or areas of sensitivity on your dog's body.

Keeping your dog clean can help minimize bacteria or fungus on their skin, reduce irritation and inflammation, and provide relief from itching. How often your pup needs to be bathed will vary slightly based on individual factors, including age, lifestyle, type of coat, and underlying health status. For example, an unruly puppy, a dog that loves swimming, or a pup with skin allergies may require more frequent baths.

Scenthound’s Monthly Clean Club makes it easy to stay on top of your dog’s basic grooming needs. We offer two membership plans to meet the needs of your furry family – one “Escentials” package per month or unlimited. You can choose the membership that works for your budget and schedule to keep your dog’s health on track. A healthy dog is a happy dog!

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Dr. Jim MacLean
Chief Veterinarian, Scenthound

Dr. MacLean’s first job was working as a grooming assistant when he was 15 years old. Since then, he has worked in every aspect of small animal veterinary hospitals, has practiced in small animal medicine and surgery for 26 years, and has owned and started multi-doctor veterinary hospitals.

With a mind for both medicine and business, Jim received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from VMRCVM at Virginia Tech in 1994 and his MBA from Georgetown University in 2011.

Coming full circle, he joined the Scenthound pack to bring his expertise and experience to the grooming world. As chief veterinarian, Dr. MacLean guides Scenthound from a health and medicine perspective and helps achieve our mission to improve overall pet health on a broader scale.