Advice On Dry Skin In Dogs

Advice On Dry Skin In Dogs

By:


A regular cause of dry skin in dogs is atopic dermatitis

Human eczema is very similar to canine atopic dermatitis.

Dry flakes in the coat is a sign of dry skin in dogs. White flakes will scratch off the dogs' skin if you scratch at it with your nail. This can look like "dandruff".

Water loss from the skin is what causes dry skin in dogs. Many canine skin problems are due to a faulty skin barrier. The similarities with human eczema are found here.

There is a barrier on the surface of the skin. Ceramide is like mortar between bricks of a house. The ceramide barrier is a complex structure containing proteins and lipids.

Sphingosine is a key component missing from the ceramide of a faulty skin barrier. The faulty ceramide barrier is crumbling and porous like old mortar in an ancient building. The outer skin layer normally prevents water loss through the skin. Water escapes through the skin barrier causing dry skin in dogs.

Atopy is common in many dog breeds. Dry skin in dogs develops in canine atopy. Breeds commonlay affected are all the terriers, bulldogs, boxers, labradores, retrievers, shepherds and many of the asian breeds such as the shar pei.

The first symptoms of the skin problems to come with atopic dermatitis is dry skin in dogs. You may notice dry flakey skin in the first year of your dogs' life. This is the beginning of the "allergy march". Dry skin in dogs is usually the beginning of a lifetime of canine skin problems.

Many of these dogs will go on to develop skin problems. Where the dog is hairless, you may see an itchy red rash develop. These areas are likely to be in the groin, abdomen, arm pit and on the feet and on the inside of the ears.

Atopic dermatitis can be recognised by dry skin in dogs. Allergens and bacteria can penetrate the faulty barrier whilst water escapes. This leads to dry skin and the development of dog allergies. Allergens like dust mite and pollens cross the skin barrier and sensitise the immune system and an allergy develops. A rash that is itchy and very inflamed develops following sensitisation to allergens that cross the skin.

The itchy rash may not develop until the dog is between year one and two. This is because it takes time for the immune system to be sensitised.

Atopic dermatitis often develops between the ages of one and two years of age. If your dog did not have skin problems before this age and suddenly developed an itchy rash, there is a high index of suspicion for atopy. The "allergy march" often begins with dry skin in dogs.

To prevent a lifetime of canine skin problems, aggressive early barrier treatment is essential.

About the Author:
Dry skin in dogs must be treated immediately to prevent a lifetime of
skin problems. You can save money on drugs and vet fees by following our
action plan to prevent your dog itching and scratching
http://www.itchydogvet.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , , , , , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Pets Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.