The skin is subject to attack from without and from within. Injury can result from foreign objects, licking tongues, nibbling teeth, or scratching feet, ambush from external parasites, and assault from internal infections or auto-immune deficiencies.

Inhalant and contact allergies are common causes of skin irritation that can develop into more serious problems if Max digs and bites at his skin. Hot spots, hair loss, skin inflammation and crusty lesions can result from constant bothering of the skin. Irritations can easily flare up if you take your pet to an area you don’t normally frequent.

Allergies are the result of an overactive immune system that releases histamines in its effort to cleanse the body of foreign proteins from pollen, dust mites or other materials. Histamines cause the itching.

If your dog has a serious itch problem your vet may need to prescribe medication to break the itch cycle. In persistent cases a steroid drug is used to depress the immune system so that histamines are not produced. Steroids have several potentially serious side effects, so should be used sparingly and only under our supervision.

Some dogs develop lesions as a result of constant scratching. These lesions can become infected and require antibiotic treatment. If your dog is constantly scratching, don’t just assume he has fleas. There are many other reasons for your pet to gnaw and scratch at his skin and the cause should be investigated. Skin irritations cause your pet seriousdiscomfort. Have them checked.

Tips From Jane