Skin Allergies

The word furunculosis sounds ugly and gross, which perfectly describes this skin condition, which grows under your dog’s fur.

In my career, it has happened more times than I can count. I’m finishing up with a dog’s wellness exam and the pet parent asks, “By the way, my dog has dry skin. What do you think about it?”

Hot spots are localized areas of inflammation and infection of the skin. These raw, inflamed, and sometimes oozing lesions can appear suddenly and worsen quickly if left untreated.

Excessive self-licking and chewing can be caused by a medical issue (see “Canine Allergies: Most Common Causes, Best Tests, Effective Treatments,” WDJ, April 2011)....

If your dog suffers from skin allergies, choosing the right food can make a difference for your dog’s comfort and health. Allergies in dogs are a common concern from pet owners and can cause itchiness, red patches, hair loss, inflammation, and secondary skin infections.

Hives are a common skin reaction in dogs that causes raised, itchy bumps on their skin. Hives can appear suddenly and may range in...

Zyrtec is safe for dogs, when used appropriately. Zyrtec, or cetirizine, is an oral medication available as a tablet or a liquid. If your dog reacts to a bug bite or has allergies and itches, your veterinarian may recommend Zyrtec.

Symptoms of a superficial staph infection include hair loss and the presence of pustules. It can worsen into a deep staph infection with fever, pain, and crusting skin.

Poison ivy can affect our dogs, but luckily most dogs have enough hair that the sap usually does not get down to skin. However, any dogs with condition that leaves them with exposed bare skin are all susceptible to the rash.

A “cyst” is a capsule that usually has fluid in it, although it can have air as well. “Tumor” is a general term, basically a generic swelling or mass.

A dog who constantly scratches himself due to dermatitis may respond well to Apoquel.

Dogs can be allergic to a wide variety of environmental allergens including pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. This list of allergens includes cat dander.