Swaggy Tails' Guide to Crusty Dog Skin Conditions

Some dog health conditions are easier to identify than others. If your dog is whining and holding up one paw, you can examine their nails and paw pads to see if there is an injury. A dog that is vomiting likely has a digestive issue, and excessive sneezing typically points to an allergy. 

Other symptoms and health conditions in dogs are more of a mystery. When your dog shows signs of skin trouble, pinpointing the exact cause of their discomfort is difficult. Many crusty dog skin conditions are hard to tell apart at first glance. 

This is Swaggy Tails’ guide to crusty dog skin conditions. Discover everything you need to know about the different crusty dog skin conditions that canines can suffer from and learn to identify specific symptoms and tips like when to visit the vet or try supplements for dogs from Swaggy Tails. 

Allergies

One of the most common skin problems in dogs is allergies. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, like itching and irritation. They can also cause crusty dog skin conditions to develop. Here are some of the most common allergies that can result in crusty dog skin conditions:

• Food — Food allergies are an unfortunate occurrence that can affect humans and dogs. Some of the most common food allergens in dogs are chicken, beef, eggs and wheat. These are all ingredients that are commonly used in dog treats and kibbles. Food allergies can cause symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea, as well as itching and crusty dog skin conditions. Allergen testing can be performed by a vet to determine which foods are causing problems and should be removed from your dog’s diet.
• Environmental — Environmental allergies are another health issue that can afflict both people and dogs. Common environmental allergens include mold, pollen, grass and other outdoor plants. These allergens can cause uncomfortable symptoms if inhaled or if they come into contact with your dog’s skin. If your dog is a fan of rolling around outside or enjoys walking through plants when exploring the yard, they can run into issues if an allergen touches their skin. Environmental allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms in the skin, ranging from itching to redness, scratching and hair loss. These can easily lead to the development of crusty dog skin conditions. 
• Contact Dermatitis — Contact dermatitis occurs in dogs when an allergic reaction or irritation occurs due to something touching the skin. Some dogs have more sensitive skin than others and may be more likely to exhibit contact dermatitis. Many substances can cause contact dermatitis and crusty dog skin conditions to develop. Chemicals used in the garden, shampoo, soap and lotion, medications and cleaners used around the house are all potential causes of contact dermatitis that can result in crusty dog skin conditions. If you notice that your dog has scaly, red, itchy skin and has ulcers, lesions or sores, consult your vet to verify this diagnosis. 

Parasites

If you notice that your dog has itchy and irritated skin, allergies are not the only possible cause. There are also a variety of parasites that can cause similar symptoms and lead to crusty dog skin conditions. Determining which parasite your dog is suffering from can help narrow down treatment options and help relieve your dog’s symptoms. Here are some of the most common parasites that can cause crusty dog skin conditions:

• Fleas — Fleas are one of the most prevalent parasitic infections that dog owners worry about. Check for flea bites, which show up in the form of tiny dots that are often red and raised. Several symptoms come along with flea bites in dogs, including excessive itching, biting, and scratching directed at the affected skin. Flea bites can also lead to hair loss and scabs, so they can easily cause crusty dog skin conditions. To soothe symptoms, it’s crucial to get rid of the fleas so your dog’s skin can heal. 
• Lice — Lice aren’t just a problem in kindergarten classrooms. They can also cause severe infestations in dogs. The lice themselves are typically easy to see in your dog’s fur, especially if it is brown or black because they move slowly and are light in color. They also leave eggs behind that can look like dandruff in your pet’s fur. A lice infestation can cause serious itching and scratching, leading to crusty dog skin conditions. Treatment usually consists of bathing the dog and applying medications to kill the lice. 
• Mange — Another parasitic infection that can cause crusty dog skin conditions is mange. The symptoms of mange are more severe and painful than other common parasitic infections and usually show up in stray dogs that have dealt with abuse or neglect. Mites cause mange in dogs, and associated symptoms include rash, severe itching, hair loss, infections and yellow crusty dog skin conditions. Treating mange can involve several steps, including shaving a dog’s fur, regular baths with prescription shampoo and medications to get rid of the mites. 

Health Conditions

Allergies and parasitic infections are known to cause itching in dogs, so it’s no surprise that they can lead to the development of skin issues for your pup. Here are several health conditions that can result in crusty dog skin conditions: 

• Lupus — Lupus is a health condition that occurs when the immune system turns against itself by attacking healthy tissue. Some of the signs of lupus in dogs include lack of energy and decreased appetite, as well as fever and muscle pain. Lupus can also affect the skin, leading to redness, hair loss and uncomfortable ulcers resulting in crusty dog skin conditions. 
• Diabetes — Diabetes shows up in dogs when the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use what little insulin it is making in the right way. Left untreated, diabetes can negatively impact a wide range of body systems, from the heart to kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. It can also affect the skin, especially in older dogs. Diabetes can cause tissue in the skin to die, which causes redness, oozing and crusty dog skin conditions. 
• Hormone Problems — Hormonal imbalances are another type of health condition that can cause crusty dog skin conditions. When hormones are not at the ideal levels in the body, many processes and systems cannot function properly. Some conditions that result from hormonal imbalances that can affect the skin include hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism and sex-hormone dermatotis. These disorders can lead to thinner, oilier, or dryer skin than usual.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from any health conditions, contact your veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and find the proper treatment for your pet. 

Improve Skin Health with Supplements for Dogs

While many health conditions can be prevented or made less likely by maintaining your dog’s health and hygiene, some skin conditions can develop no matter how healthy your dog is. The best way to prevent your dog from dealing with genuinely severe and uncomfortable symptoms is to make sure that their skin is healthy in the first place. When you’re looking to give your dog’s skin and coat health a boost, supplements for dogs are a great option. 

Supplements for dogs from Swaggy Tails are an excellent addition to your dog’s dietary routine. Omega Skin & Coat from Swaggy Tails is a supplement for dogs specifically designed to support the best possible skin and coat health. These supplements for dogs include Omega-3, Omega-6 and biotin, which are vital for supporting skin health. Whether you are hoping to give your pet’s skin and coat a preventative boost or would like to help with soothing and recovery from crusty dog skin conditions, the Omega Skin & Coat supplement for dogs from Swaggy Tails can help.

Try the Omega Skin & Coat from Swaggy Tails to improve your dog’s overall skin and coat health!