Changes in my dog’s skin: when should I be concerned ?

15 May 2023

When should you worry about your dog’s skin changing ? It’s not always clear…

For example, the question “my dog has a crust, is it serious doctor ?”, can receive a Norman answer: “maybe so, maybe not”.

The answer is usually “no” if the crust is covering a scratch or scrape, as this is part of the normal healing process and should not be touched.

The answer is “maybe” if your dog licks or tears off the scab, or if the wound was caused by a dirty or rusty object, because then the injured skin can become infected, both on the surface and deep inside.

The answer is “yes” if there is not a crust, but a myriad of crusts covering large areas of your dog’s skin and if other clinical signs are present, even if they have nothing to do with the skin.

As you can see, it’s all about context.

To help guide you, here are some common lesions that you should be aware of.

Be aware that the causes listed in this article are not exhaustive, and only your vet can make a diagnosis.

Rashes are common with flea and other insect bites, but may also suggest an allergy if associated with reddening and itching.
Dandruff is often associated with excessive scaling and oily skin (kerato-seborrhoeic condition) or may be caused by a bacterial overgrowth in the skin (superficial pyoderma).
Pustules and boils are characterised by the presence of nodules containing blood and pus, sometimes accompanied by a bad smell. They can be complicated by a deep development in the dermis: this is deep pyoderma. Different strains of bacteria are responsible for these skin infections, but factors such as poor hygiene, parasites, allergies, diseases (metabolic, endocrine, cancerous) or inappropriate treatment with corticosteroids or antibiotics, can promote this type of lesion.
Hair loss and spotting can be a sign of fungal damage or have an infectious or parasitic cause if accompanied by itching and irritation. Hormonal disturbances also cause hair loss and spotting in large areas of the body.
Swellings, blisters, ulcers can be caused by trauma, burns, abscesses or even metabolic, endocrine or cancerous disease.
Thickening and cracking occur on the pads when the dog walks on hard or hot surfaces, or appear on the nose in some predisposed breeds when the environment is very dry. Excessive production of horny cells on the nose and pads may be caused by pathological conditions (autoimmune diseases, zinc deficiency, etc.).
Calluses that form on the elbows and hips of heavy breeds or older dogs are mainly located at points of support that are subject to repeated pressure. These calluses can be painful for your dog if they become irritated.

In short, keep in mind that the skin has a natural ability to regenerate itself if the environmental conditions are healthy and the animal is in good health. If this is not the case, you should not be afraid to consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and treat it appropriately.

Bibliography :

DermaVet – Dermatologie Vétérinaire : This site specialises in veterinary dermatology and provides reliable and in-depth information on common skin conditions in dogs and cats.

Topical therapy in veterinary dermatology : This article reviews the topical treatments recommended for the management of the various dermatoses that dogs and cats can suffer from.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.