
- Itching and scratching
- Dry appearing patches of skin
- Red and inflamed areas on skin
- Crustiness and scaling around areas of inflammation
- Papules (red and swollen areas on skin) which may be hot to the touch and crusty
- Pustules (blister-like lesions on skin)
- Hair loss
- Darkening of skin
- Pain
- Infectious - This includes bacterial and fungal organisms
- Parasitic - This can include mites, fleas, ticks, lice
- Allergic - This can include food allergies, reactions to shampoos, household cleaning products
- Underlying systemic diseases like hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, hepatocutaneous syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus or other endocrine disorders
- Hereditary, congenital or breed specific
- Bacterial - The most common skin disorder in canines is pyoderma which is caused by staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which has acquired a methicillin resistance, making it more challenging for veterinary treatment; other bacterial organisms can cause skin infections as the canine species seems predisposed to these infections due to some structural elements of their skin
- Hormonal abnormalities or imbalances - These can include adrenal, pituitary and sex hormone imbalances which are known to cause hair loss or alopecia X
- Other underlying systemic diseases and endocrine disorders or imbalances - These include hypothyroidism, hepatocutaneous syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus
- Parasitic infestation - These types of skin infections can include a variety of species of mites, fleas, ticks and, less commonly, lice which can burrow into the skin and wreak havoc with itching, scratching, inflammation and the abrasive results of these activities
- Allergic reactions - This includes to foods, household cleaners and grooming products can also cause itching and scratching, leading to the above mentioned abrasive results
- Hereditary and congenital DNA abnormalities - These types of hair follicle disease and disorders are passed down from parents to offspring and tend to be breed specific oftentimes and without cures
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

