Common Skin and Coat Issues in Dogs

Your dog’s coat is a good indicator  of its overall health. A shiny, soft coat with clear, pliable skin is a sign of good nutrition, regular grooming, and a healthy lifestyle. However, if your dog’s skin is irritated, dry, or itchy, it could be a sign of underlying health issues like seasonal allergies, fungal infections, or other skin conditions. Regular grooming and using the right products can help keep your dog’s coat in top shape.

Common Skin Reactions in Dogs by coat type

Grooming is essential for all dogs, but different coat types have unique needs. Whether your dog has a long, short, curly, or wiry coat, understanding the grooming and skin challenges specific to each coat type can help you provide the best care.

1. Long coats

The long coat is one of the more demanding coat types since these coats not only tolerate, but welcome daily grooming. Long coats can be silky or coarse, but for each type it’s recommended that you use a shampoo that helps to detangle when bathing to prevent hurting your dog from pulling on their long hair. Long, coarse coated dogs have a soft undercoat that needs to be brushed using a pin brush and a smooth bristle brush. Use a shampoo and conditioner to replace any moisture lost from the hair and skin. This will also make your dog’s coat shinier and easier to brush in the future, preventing matting. If you’d like to go all out, use a blow dryer on your dog, and then brush out their coat once it’s dry.

While allergic dermatitis can affect dogs with all coat types, you may find it on dogs with long coats. If your dog has allergic dermatitis, they may be constantly scratching at a bad rash. You may need to look below your dog’s hair, especially if they have a thick coat, to see the rash on the skin. This condition can be most effectively treated by identifying the allergen and removing it or avoiding exposing your dog to it. The allergic reaction can be to products for grooming, food, seasonal allergies like pollens and molds, or insect bites.

2. Double Coats

Double-coated dogs,, like Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, have two layers of fur that work together to protect their skin and regulate temperature. The outer coat, which is longer and often silky or coarse, helps deflect dirt, water, and debris. The softer, shorter undercoat provides additional protection from environmental factors, like spiny plants and insects. Regular brushing is essential for double-coated dogs to prevent their undercoat from matting and tangling, ensuring their skin stays healthy and free from irritation.

One common skin issue affecting double-coated dogs is ringworm, a fungal infection that can appear anywhere on your dog’s skin. This infection is especially prominent in dogs with double coats, as the dense fur can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for fungi. Ringworm typically presents itself as red, itchy "rings" on the skin, with symptoms including inflammation, scaly patches, and hair loss around the infected areas.

It’s crucial to address ringworm promptly, as it’s highly contagious, not only to other pets but also to humans. If you suspect your dog has ringworm, consult your veterinarian, who will likely recommend oral medications, topical creams, or both to treat the infection.

Using a sensitive skin shampoo is beneficial for double-coated dogs, especially when dealing with skin issues like ringworm or irritation caused by constant brushing. Sensitive skin shampoos are formulated to be gentle on your dog's skin while removing dirt, oil, and debris without stripping their natural oils. This is particularly important for dogs with double coats, as their skin can easily become dry or irritated if exposed to harsh chemicals found in regular shampoos.

A gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo can help maintain the health of your dog’s skin, reducing the likelihood of infections, and supporting the healing process of irritated or inflamed skin.

3. Curly coats

Curly-haired dogs, such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Portuguese Water Dogs, and American Water Spaniels, have distinctive coats that require extra care. The tightness of their curls can vary depending on the breed and individual dog. While these curly-coated dogs are low shedders, their coats are prone to trapping dirt and debris. To maintain a clean and healthy coat, it’s important to regularly brush out the dirt and debris, as it can otherwise remain trapped in the curls, leading to potential skin irritation or infection.

One common condition that can affect curly-coated dogs is seborrhea, which results in greasy skin and the development of dandruff or flaky scales. Although seborrhea may sound concerning, it simply refers to an overproduction of oil on the skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation. In most cases, seborrhea is secondary to other underlying medical conditions, such as allergies or hormonal imbalances, rather than a genetic issue.

For curly-coated dogs, using a targeted shampoo designed for itchy and dry skin can be especially beneficial. Curly coats are more prone to trapping moisture and oils, which can exacerbate dryness and lead to skin irritations. A shampoo formulated for sensitive or dry skin helps remove excess oil, hydrate the skin, and provide relief from itchiness and discomfort. It also ensures the coat remains clean and manageable without stripping natural oils or irritating the skin further.

4. Wire coats

Wire-coated dogs, such as Terriers, Schnauzers, and Fox Terriers, have a unique coat of coarse, bristly hair that’s more protective than the finer-haired coats found in other breeds. This distinctive coat type is a result of selective breeding, as it helps shield the dog from harsh weather conditions and other environmental elements. One key benefit of wire coats is that these dogs do not shed as much, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. However, wire-coated dogs require regular grooming to prevent their hair from matting.

To maintain the health of a wire coat, regular brushing is essential. Without it, old, dead hair can become tangled with newly growing hair, creating painful knots and snarls that are time-consuming and difficult to remove. It’s important to brush from the skin out to ensure that the hair closest to the skin doesn’t become severely matted.

One common skin issue that can affect wire-coated dogs is folliculitis, or superficial bacterial folliculitis. This condition occurs when the hair follicles become infected, leading to the formation of blisters, bumps, and scabs. Dogs with wire coats are also more prone to experiencing a dull coat, shedding, and dry, scaly skin due to this infection. If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your vet, who may recommend oral antibiotics, antibiotic ointments, or specialized shampoos to treat the condition.

Using both a shampoo and conditioner can be extremely beneficial for wire-coated dogs. A high-quality dog shampoo effectively cleanses the coat and skin by removing dirt, debris, and excess oils, all while preserving the skin's natural protective layers. The conditioner works to hydrate both the skin and coat, preventing dryness, flakiness, and brittleness. This combination not only maintains the healthy texture of a wire coat but also ensures it remains shiny, manageable, and resilient. Regular use of both shampoo and conditioner helps promote overall skin health and coat quality, making grooming easier and more effective.

5. Smooth/short coats

If you have a dog with a smooth or short coat, you’ve probably been asked what kind of pet you have at home due to pet hair on your clothes. Even with regular use of a lint roller, dog hair from smooth, short coats can be stubborn because of its fine texture and greasiness. Despite the hair challenges, there are many benefits to a smooth, short coat, including the fact that it requires the least amount of grooming.

However, if your dog seems excessively itchy, particularly around the ears, or is constantly chewing on their nails, they may have a yeast infection. Yeast infections are common in smooth-coated dogs and can cause red, irritated skin and discoloration. Paws and ears are prime areas for yeast to thrive, leading to these infections. The good news is that yeast infections are easy to diagnose and treat. Regular bathing with a shampoo tailored for itchy and dry skin, along with the use of a hydrating balm, can help prevent and treat these common skin irritations, keeping your smooth-coated dog comfortable and healthy.

6. Merle Coats

Merle refers to a genetic pattern in dogs. Dogs with merle-patterned coats carry the dominant merle allele or gene, which “dilutes” the color in random parts of their coat, resulting in the striking, multi-colored appearance known as merle. While merle coats are beautiful, the merle gene can also contribute to certain health issues. Merle dogs may be prone to skin problems, such as sensitivity to the sun and more serious skin conditions. If your merle dog suffers from frequent sunburns, a topical balm can help soothe and protect their skin from further damage.

This sun sensitivity is due in part to the lack of pigment, specifically melanin, in the skin. Melanin is what helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays. If you have a merle dog, congratulations! They are rare and highly sought after because of their unique appearance. Merle dogs are also known for being highly intelligent. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your dog’s skin is more vulnerable to sun damage. To protect your merle dog from sunburn, try to keep them out of direct sunlight and opt for walks during the cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening, when UV rays are less intense.

Understanding your dog's coat type and the potential skin issues that come with it is key to ensuring their health and well-being. Whether your dog has a long, short, curly, or wiry coat, regular grooming and using the right products tailored to their skin needs can prevent discomfort and skin conditions. By paying attention to signs of pup feeling happy and healthy. If you're ever unsure about your dog’s skin condition, don't hesitate to consult with a vet to ensure the best care for your furry friend.