Introduction
Hey, looking at the snow-white, soulful, like a little cloud-like Maltese bouncing around the house, who can resist not feeling compassionate? They are like carefully sculpted dolls, with that unique elegance and loved ones character, easily captured the hearts of countless pooper scoopers. But you know what? This body let them “fairy” iconic long hair and the layer of particularly delicate skin, but also quietly buried some small worries - tear stains climbed on the cheeks, the skin inexplicably red and itchy, not moving on the sensitive temper tantrums.
Maltese Skin Problems: Treating Tear Stains, Redness & Sensitivity
These not only affect the “face value” of the little ones, but also make them feel really uncomfortable and even affect their daily life. Which owner wouldn't be heartbroken to see their little ones scratching or having watery eyes? Today, let's put down the jargon and talk about how to protect the delicate skin health of Maltese babies in the most practical way, so that they are comfortable and beautiful from the inside out.
1. Annoying “ Angel Tears” - Tear Stain Causes and Skillful Responses
Tear stains are probably the most stubborn “face value killer” faced by Maltese parents. The reddish-brown traces coiled in the snow-white fur, as if the angel tears left behind the mark, really upsetting. This “tears” behind, often hides a few mischievous reasons:
The “family stunts” a little annoying: some Maltese born “tearful eyes” (tear gland secretion is too strong), this is really written in the genes of the “small trouble”, and the acquired care It has very little to do with care.
"They love to sniff and explore, and if they're not careful, they can get dust, fallen eyelashes, or even their own fluff in their eyes. This is not good! When such a sensitive part of the eye is irritated, it will drop “golden peas”, won't it?
Eating the wrong food also “tears”: you think they are moving for food? It could be an allergy! Additives in certain dog foods, artificial colors, or common gluten (like corn, wheat, and soy), or even minerals in the water supply, can quietly trigger a sensitivity reaction, which can show up in tears.
“Sewer” blockage! Think of a drain in your home. If your dog's tear ducts (the little tubes that drain tears) are not clear (they may be narrow from birth, or they may be clogged with inflammation), and the tears can't drain properly, won't they all build up around the eye sockets? As time passes, minerals and pigments are deposited, and tear stains take root.
Tips to keep tears away
Once you know the cause, you can target your efforts, but the key is to be “diligent” and “accurate”:
Daily cleaning is basic: don't be a pain in the ass! Don't bother! Wash your face morning and night, just like we do. Prepare a soft wipe (or special pet eye wipes), moisten it with warm water or mild sterile saline (tip: squeeze it onto a clean cotton ball or cotton pad for better handling), and gently wipe from the inner corner of the eye outwards. Never go in the wrong direction! This is to prevent wiping dirt back into the tear ducts again. Be as gentle as a cloud.
It's important to keep an eye on the “inlet”: “Clean eating clears up the tear ducts”. Try switching to a high-quality dog food with a simple ingredient list and no artificial additives (look for ingredients that don't include common allergens). Don't be sloppy about drinking water, try switching directly to filtered or distilled water. Less “hard” minerals in the water will have a weaker effect on the tear stains.
Nature's little helper: apple cider vinegar (be sure to dilute it heavily and put only a drop or two in your dog's water bowl each time!) It's said to help regulate the pH balance in the body a bit, making tears less “colorful”. After cleansing: After cleansing, dip your fingertips into a very small amount of organic virgin coconut oil and gently apply to the tear stained area (be careful not to get it in your eyes!). .. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and also moisturizes the skin coat, so you get two birds with one stone. (The greasiness, however, depends on your dog's acceptance.)
Don't beat yourself up, call a professional: If you've tried all of the above and the tear stains are still “stubborn”, don't bother trying to figure it out on your own. Take your baby to the vet! The doctor will be able to make a professional judgment: is the tear duct blocked? Is it an inverted eyelid that's causing the problem? Or is there another infection that needs to be treated? Leave it to the professionals.
2. The “Princess Muscle” Alarm - the Culprit of Redness and Sensitivity and the Way of Relief
Maltese small skin, is really a real “skin like gel”, but also because of this, it is particularly “delicate”, a little wind and grass on the easy to protest - here a red piece, there a swollen piece, the dog itchy fidgety. Here a red piece, there a swollen piece, the dog itchy fidgety. Where do these “alarms” usually come from?
Allergies: Food allergies (like tear stains above) are the most common internal trigger. Environmental allergens are even more “invisible killers”: pollen in the air, dust mites everywhere, perfume sprayed accidentally, residues of detergents, and even collars made of certain materials ...... can be the source of redness and swelling of skin irritation.
Bacteria and fungi “throw a party”: The long, dense coat is the pride of the Maltese, but it also tends to harbor dirt and moisture. This provides the perfect “shelter” and “breeding ground” for bacteria and “foot fungus” (yeast), which love the darkness and dampness. Once they multiply, inflammation, rashes, dandruff, and even bad body odors can set in.
The “bug squad” in the harassment: flea bite, itch for days! Mites (such as helminth mites) can get into the hair follicles and make your dog itch and scratch. When the skin breaks down, redness, swelling and infections are more likely to take hold.
Gentle Strategies to Soothe Sensitive Skin
To treat the “delicate skin”, we must take out a hundred thousand tenderness and patience:
Cleansing should be “gentle”: bathing is a big deal! Choose a specially designed, mild, non-irritating (hypoallergenic) body wash for dogs, preferably oatmeal or natural herbal extracts. All those scented, lathering lotions? Put them away, they're simply worse for sensitive skin. Don't forget to rinse thoroughly with warm water, any body wash residue can be a source of irritation.
Noora Skin & Coat Health Supplement
Medication is a “holy grail”: If the redness, swelling and itching are really bad, or if the scratching has broken down and become infected, it's important to call your veterinarian! The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. a spray ointment with a low concentration of hydrocortisone to quickly relieve itching and inflammation), anti-fungal bath shampoos or targeted antibiotics. Don't use medication on your own! (Hormones have side effects)
Create a “safe house”: A clean, comfortable home is vital for sensitive skin! Wash (with hypoallergenic laundry detergent) and dry your dog's sleeping mats and blankets regularly. Maintain indoor air circulation, avoid the environment is too hot and humid. What about dryness indoors during the fall and winter months when the heat is on? Put a humidifier! Adding a bit of humidity can greatly alleviate the itching caused by dryness in dogs.
"Eat your way to a healthy barrier: Include skin-friendly elements in your daily diet. Fish oil (veterinarian-recommended fish oil supplements for pets) or food formulas that are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids can help strengthen the skin's own defense barrier, reduce moisture loss, and make the skin healthier and more resilient. Like a little natural protective suit!
3. “Kung Fu in Ordinary Time” - The Magic of Daily Care to Prevent Problems Before They Occur
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. If you want your Maltese's skin to be safe and sound, the following small, seemingly insignificant daily habits can add up to a powerful guardian force:
Grooming is not just for beauty: Don't underestimate the comb! Spend even 5-10 minutes a day with a needle and row comb to comb through your dog's hair (especially underarms, inner legs, behind the ears, and other areas that tend to get tangled). This not only untangles small knots of hair and prevents them from becoming large felts, but more importantly, it combs away dust, dander and dead hair in a timely manner, promotes blood circulation to the skin (like a massage), and greatly reduces the “dirty” environment that bacteria and fungi like to live in. Grooming is also a good time to promote intimacy!
Bathing is “just right”: The skin of the Maltese is not naturally “oily”, so over-cleansing will wash away that precious layer of natural protective oils, leaving the skin dry and fragile, and making it more prone to problems. Depending on your dog's activity level, how often you go out, and your own condition (usually once every 3-8 weeks is enough). Comb the coat thoroughly before and after washing (it is harder to comb through when wet). The water temperature should be warm but not hot (similar to baby bath water). Use the gentle, non-irritating products mentioned above.
Cleanliness: The area they touch should be cleaned often. Kennels (removable and washable is best), small blankets, toys (especially ragdolls), remember to wash and dry regularly to disinfect. Clean bowls for drinking and eating every day. When sweeping and mopping the floor, pay attention to the nooks and crannies where your dog often lies. A clean environment is much less prone to allergens and parasites.
Regular checkups: Make it a habit to take your dog to the vet for routine checkups (at least once a year is recommended). Your veterinarian has the expertise and experience to help you spot the first signs of skin problems (e.g., peel back the fur to see if there's any redness, rashes, dandruff, or unusual oil production underneath), ear infections, potential allergy signs, etc. It's much easier to deal with them early. Catching it early makes it much easier to deal with.
Skin problems in Maltese dogs are indeed their “pet peeve” and often cause anxiety for their owners. But believe me, most of these problems can be prevented or successfully resolved if you are careful and patient enough to understand their needs and master the right care methods. As their most trustworthy guardians, every gentle wipe, every patient grooming, every attention to the subtle changes in their state, every scientific dietary choice, and the decisive action of not avoiding medical treatment are the deepest love and care for them. What you will get in return for this care is a happy Maltese baby with snow-colored fur, bright eyes, vibrant energy, and no more skin troubles, snuggling up to you and spending every day happily.
I hope this sharing with warmth will be a thoughtful aid in caring for your Maltese cutie. If you encounter personalized dilemmas in the course of your practice, or if there is a new change in your baby's condition, remember that a professional vet is always the most reliable backup! Seeking their professional diagnosis and advice in a timely manner is definitely the right choice for smart parents.
Skin Sores on Dogs: When Scabs, Bumps, or Infections Need URGENT Vet Care
Looking at the beloved dog body inexplicably more a piece of red, swollen, pus, and even emit a strange smell of the wound, which owner can be as calm as water? Dog skin ulcers - this seemingly ordinary “small wounds”, behind the hidden crisis, far more complex than you think. They are slow to heal, prone to infection, if not timely intervention, misjudging the severity, often like a snowball rolling bigger and bigger, so that the baby suffering, and even lead to serious systemic diseases. Today, we're going to put down the cold jargon and talk about the “must know” signs of ulcers, when to rush to the vet, and how to stabilize the situation before sending it to the doctor to avoid a bad thing that happened out of the goodness of your heart, from the perspective of the closest reality.
1. Read the “SOS signal” from the Dog: The Common Face of Skin Ulcers
Skin ulcers are simply holes in the skin (wounds) that expose the more delicate layers of tissue underneath. It has poor healing ability and acts as an “open door” for bacteria and fungi to enter. Watch carefully, your baby may be crying out for help in these silent ways:
“Redness, swelling, heat and pain” rallying cry: the edge of the wound is swollen like a bun, hot to the touch (the temperature is significantly higher than the surrounding skin), a little touch, the dog will be in pain to avoid, show teeth, and even send out an aggrieved whimper.
“Sad” ooze/pus: The surface of the wound is always wet, and the liquid that drips out from the clear ooze gradually becomes cloudy and sticky, like squeezed toothpaste, yellow and green (pus on the scene, infection warning!). The fluid is yellow and green (pus on the scene, infection warning!). Sometimes mixed with blood, looking at the heart.
Hair “emergency evacuation”: the hair around the wound, as if self-awareness have shed, forming a circle of “bald area”, the center is the pesky ulcer pit.
Warning “odor”: an indescribable, even pungent ‘putrid’ or “fishy” smell comes from the wound - usually a sign of deep tissue infection. -This is usually a strong sign of deep tissue infection or bacterial growth! Don't hesitate!
Self-“healing” by ‘fidgeting’: the dog in the form of a “shadowless tongue” constantly licks, nibbles and scratches the area, or drags himself across the floor and into the corners, so as to rub his skin. Grind through the skin. This is the intense itching or pain at work!
Emotional “downturn”: the original lively little guy, become wilting, can not raise the energy, the favorite snacks have lost interest, empty eyes, and even suddenly become irritable, do not love to get close to people - pain and discomfort is seriously affecting the quality of its life! quality of life.
2. It's A Race Against Time! Those Red Lights Come on, Immediately! Immediately! Go to the Vet!
WARNING: When any of the following occurs, stop all self-medication! Immediately grab your dog and rush to the nearest vet hospital or 24-hour emergency center! At this moment, professional medical intervention is the only saving grace that can stop things from sliding into the abyss.
✅ Danger Signs (Infection escalating):
Rapid expansion: The redness and swelling at the edges spreads like a flame, visibly spreading to the surrounding skin, and the “wound enclosure” becomes larger.
Pus: The pus oozing out becomes more abundant, thicker (yellow, yellow-green or even bloody), darker in color, and smells more “uptight”.
Swelling and temperature rise: the area around the wound swells up (like a balloon), is unusually hot to the touch, and may be hot all over (ears and belly are hot).
Full body red light: depressed to the extreme, not eating or drinking at all, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormally high or low body temperature - the infection may have entered the bloodstream (septicemia)!
✅ Symptoms worsen off a cliff:
Ulcers grow by leaps and bounds: the wound is like a “black hole”, rapidly devouring from the size of a soybean to a coin or even larger in a matter of days!
It hurts like hell: the dog is extremely resistant to touching the affected area, and when he does, he barks, dodges and even tries to bite.
Temperament reversal: extreme restlessness or unusual calmness, complete hunger strike, dull eyes - the pain reaches unbearable levels.
✅ Special “minefield” ulcers:
Near vitals: around the mouth and nose (interferes with breathing and eating), around the eyes (jeopardizes vision), in joints (may reach deep into the tendons and bones), in the tummy (susceptible to infection of the abdominal cavity) or near the genitals.
Special Physical Additions: If the dog is diabetic, has Cushing's disease (prone to multiple skin conditions), is immunocompromised (e.g., elderly, post-operative, long-term immunosuppressant), has severe allergies, or is known to have autoimmune disorders-the skin defenses of this type of dog are already fragile, and small ulcers are extremely easy to “A star can start a fire.”
3. On the Way to the Hospital, This is the Most Reliable Way to “Stabilize” the Situation!
On the way to the hospital, these strokes can minimize the damage, avoid secondary infection, prevent delayed treatment time (note: is an emergency buffer, not treatment!) :
Keep your hands to yourself! : Don't touch the ulcer with dirty hands! Don't try to squeeze out the pus yourself or irritate it with alcohol, iodine or anything else! Don't try to squeeze out the pus yourself or irritate it with alcohol, iodine, etc.! Avoid bringing dirt in or causing more damage. Leave it “as it is”.
Keep it clean and dry: If the wound is on the surface and dirt is visible to the naked eye (e.g., a lot of dirt and hair stuck to it), very gently rinse off any large pieces of surface dirt with room temperature saline or plain water (or bottled water if you can't find it). Immediately soak up the moisture by pressing gently with a clean, absorbent, sterile gauze (or kitchen paper/temporary clean cotton cloth). Never wrap too tightly (unless there is heavy bleeding such as a ruptured artery, which is not usually involved in ulcers) and keep it moderately breathable. (The core is to clean up visible surface contaminants and absorb as much moisture as possible to avoid smothering the wound in moisture)
Mandatory “lick shield”: Immediately! Now! Put a proper Elizabethan collar (“collar of shame”) on your dog! This is the key of all keys! Stopping him from licking, biting and scratching is the most effective barrier to prevent the wound from becoming infected! Even if the road is short, put it on!
Observational notes on the road: Take the time in the car to recall when the ulcer appeared, what medications were used previously, and the dog's recent condition and diet, and tell the doctor first thing when you arrive.
4. How will the Vet Help Us? Understand the Process and Don't Panic
Don't be afraid, when you get to the hospital, leave the professional things to the professional doctors! They will deal with it step by step like this:
🔍 Diagnostic mystery: find out the ulcer “real culprit”
Communication: the doctor will carefully ask you when you found, the speed of change, the dog eat, drink and play, allergy history, past medical history, what medicines have been used, and so on.
Detailed “investigation”: will wear gloves, take the instrument (may be partial shaving), carefully check the size of the ulcer, depth, edges, the nature of the secretion, there is no trace of insect bites, there is no deep tissue exposure (such as muscle, fascia, bone).
Laboratory “magic”: may be needed:
Skin scraping/compression microscopy: quick look for mites, parasites, fungal spores.
Microscopy/culture of secretions + drug sensitization: to see what bacteria/fungi are at work and which drugs are most effective!
Blood tests: to assess the degree of systemic infection (e.g. white blood cell blasts), and to screen for comorbidities such as diabetes/cushing/autoimmune and other underlying diseases.
Biopsy if necessary: for stubborn, large or abnormally shaped ulcers, take a small piece of tissue for pathology diagnosis (to rule out tumors).
💊 Precision Strike: Development of a treatment plan
The plan depends on the cause, severity, and the presence of underlying conditions:
PROFESSIONAL CLEANSING: The doctor will use professional antiseptics and fine tools (tweezers, knives, scissors) to thoroughly clean the wound of pus, necrotic tissue, and dirt (shaving, rinsing, or even debridement under anesthesia may be required), which is the basis of the treatment! If the wound is not clean, the effectiveness of the medicine is greatly reduced!
Precision Dosing:
Antibiotics (internal/injectable): The mainstay against bacterial infections, a full course of treatment is critical! （Don't stop taking them without authorization!) Antibiotics (internal/injectable)
Antifungals (internal/external): Fungal infections require long-term use of medication, the most important thing is to insist.
Anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory: If there is severe inflammation or autoimmune issues (e.g., pemphigus), hormonal or other immunomodulatory medications may be used (side effects need to be weighed).
Antipruritic/antihistamine (if hypersensitive): to help stop itching and reduce the urge to lick and scratch.
Specific treatments: Targeted mite treatment if helminth mites are present.
Topical care:
Ointments/Sprays: Topical medications with antibacterial/growth/pain relieving ingredients to assist with treatment (according to doctor's orders).
Specialized dressings: For deep, large, difficult-to-heal ulcers, hydrogels, foam dressings, etc., may be used to maintain a moist healing environment (doctor's choice).
Surgical debridement/repair: For ulcers that are deep to the muscle or even bone, have severe infection with a lot of tissue necrosis, or where conservative treatments do not work, complete debridement under general anesthesia may be needed, and in some cases flap transfers, etc., may be needed to cover the wound.
🌱 Follow-up care: the family's “battle” is just as important
The success of treatment depends half on the doctor and half on the owner's careful care! It is very important to do the following things as prescribed by the doctor:
Strictly wear a collar to prevent licking! During treatment, the collar (Elizabethan collar) is a lifeline! Wear it 24 hours a day (except for short periods of time when eating or drinking) until the doctor declares the wound completely healed and safe!
Wound Cleaning: Clean the wound daily and as often as directed by your doctor (e.g. what lotion to use, how to clean, how hard to rinse). Don't bother! (Poor cleansing = recontamination)
Meticulous Medication Administration: Take oral medications on time and in the right amounts, and use topical medications precisely. Keep a record of medication taken, don't skip doses/overdose. Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual (e.g., vomiting).
Nutritional “recharging”: Provide good quality food that is easily digestible, high in protein, rich in vitamins (especially A, C, and B) and zinc (good for wound healing), and drink plenty of water so that your body has the strength to repair itself.
Regular “homework”: Bring your dog in for regular follow-up appointments! Doctors need to assess healing progress, make adjustments, and rule out complications. Don't take it lightly and stop taking medication, even if it looks like you're almost done!
V. Prevention is always the best “medicine”
Don't want to go through this trouble? Daily prevention homework to do enough:
Adopt the habit of “skin check”: don't just jerk the hair when combing! Strip back the hair and see if the skin underneath is clean. Especially thick hair, folds (such as pit bulls, sandy skin), or leg roots, armpits, belly and other places that are easy to “hide dirt”, every time to touch, see if there is no redness, swelling, rashes, hair loss.
Wash and clean the environment: Bathe regularly (frequency varies by breed and skin type) and use mild, hypoallergenic shampoos. Be sure to blow dry thoroughly! Especially in thick hair and foot crevices! Moisture is a breeding ground for skin diseases. Change and wash kennel mats regularly (exposure to the sun is even better), and keep floors dry and ventilated.
Healthy diet is the key: choose high quality dog food with balanced nutrition. For allergic dogs, it's best to identify allergens (allergen testing or step-by-step diet) and avoid them!
Be alert to internal and external parasites: do deworming every month (especially fleas and mites, which can cause skin breakage and secondary infection), and follow up with internal deworming.
Safety first: avoid thorn bushes and sharp objects in outdoor activities, check the safety of the activity area; avoid excessive fighting and biting between dogs; wear a good collar leash to prevent breaking free and running.
Diligent management of underlying diseases: for dogs with diabetes and other underlying diseases, strict control of the original disease is the root of the prevention of skin complications.
Conclusion: Your vigilance is its strongest armor
In the face of dog skin ulcers, nothing is more valuable than the owner's vigilance and correct action. Keep an eye on the health of their skin, treat every stroke as a “routine check-up” and read the signs of seemingly minor anomalies. When an ulcer strikes, especially when the “red light” is on, remember that quick, professional veterinary intervention is the key to saving a life! Simple and effective emergency treatment on the way to the hospital can buy us precious time. Even the most careful treatment can't be separated from the tireless and patient care you provide at home. Don't be afraid of trouble, every care you take today is the preparation for a pain-free run tomorrow. Look at the injury
Why Is My Dog's Skin Red? Top Causes (Allergies, Mites, Bacterial Rash)
Touching the soft fur of the dog's fingers suddenly stopped - this piece of skin how red and hot? Watching the little guy fidgeting and scratching desperately, the worry instantly rushed to my heart. That's right, redness is like a warning light for your dog's body, and it could be behind a sneak attack by allergens, a nuisance parasite, or a wild party of bacteria and fungus. Today, we'll take on the role of pet detectives, cutting through the layers of fog, uncovering the “real culprit” behind that blinding redness, and telling you what to do every step of the way so as not to delay treatment.
1. The “Six Most Wanted” for Skin Redness - Who's Hurting Your Baby?
🚨 Number One Suspect: Allergy Attack (itchy to the point of madness type)
“Eating out of trouble”: Don't underestimate that spoonful of dog food! Common allergens such as certain proteins in beef, chicken, corn, wheat, or additives/artificial colors can be behind it. Dogs will continue to scratch the area of the rash (especially paws, belly, and ears), and in severe cases, even scratch the skin.
“Breath Busters”: Pollen season walks, house dust mite buildup, cleaning agent residue, even a new fragrance - these unseen enemies burrow into the respiratory tract or come into contact with the skin, and can trigger widespread redness and itchiness (commonly in the armpits and groin).
“Invisible contact assassins”: poor quality plastic food bowl, chemical fiber carpet, lawn with thorns, newly purchased with chemical dyes pet kennel pads ...... may make contact with the site of the skin into a second "red map! ".
🐜 The second villain: parasite army (itchy and painful type)
flea “guerrilla warfare”: a flea bite, saliva allergy can make the waist and back buttocks full of red pimples, the dog frantically kicked and gnawed (characteristic parts!). The dog kicks and bites like crazy (a characteristic part of the body!).
Mange mites “itch”: the bugs tunnel through the skin and itch like crazy! Thick scabs, hair loss and dense red rashes on the ear margins, elbows and abdomen, itching doubles at night.
Crepuscular mite “incubation crisis”: frequent in puppies (possible mother-to-child transmission), outbreaks in immunocompromised conditions. Localized hair loss and erythema around the eyes, mouth and nose, easily followed by bacterial infections and pus (⚠️ does not heal itself! (requires treatment).
🦠 Villain #3: Bacterial/fungal invasion (erythematous and ulcerative type)
Bacterial pyoderma: after a break in the skin barrier (e.g., scratching), Staphylococcus aureus and others take advantage of the situation. Erythema develops into pustules, oozing yellow water, crusts, and a bad odor (like “rotten apples”). Common abdomen, between the toes.
Fungus Malassezia: greasy redness! Especially love in the ear folds, neck, mouth spread, skin thickening like “elephant skin”, brown secretions with sour odor (yeast smell).
⚠️ Easily overlooked “pretenders” (requires specialized diagnosis):
Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism/Cushing's disease): symmetrical thinning and redness of the skin (especially on the trunk), accompanied by hair loss without itching.
Autoimmune disease (pemphigus/lupus erythematosus): erythema, blisters, ulcers concentrated on the bridge of the nose, around the eyes, and on the pads of the feet, pain > itching.
Contact dermatitis: well-defined erythema after short-term exposure to strong irritants (antiseptic water, poison ivy), as if a circle had been “drawn”.
2. Home Crime Solving Skills: from the Clues to Lock the “Suspect”
Don't blindly apply drugs! First do a basic “site investigation”:
The degree of “itchiness” is graded:
⚠️ crazy scratching, rubbing, all night restlessness? → Prioritize fleas/scabies mites/allergies
😣 Occasional licking, mainly redness? → consider bacterial/fungal/endocrine issues
“Case location” is important:
Red, swollen, greasy ears? → Malassezia? ear mites? Allergies?
Reddened and ulcerated toes? → Interdactylitis (bacterial/fungal)
Symmetrical trunk erythema? → Endocrine? Symmetrical trunk erythema?
“Skin condition” in detail:
Oozing yellow water, thick crusts, foul odor? → Highly suspicious of bacterial infection!
Dandruff + localized round patches of hair loss? → alert for ringworm (fungus)!
Greasy scales without itching? → Malassezia.
Simple tool aid (not absolute):
Dark room with Wood's lamp: localized fluorescent green? Suggests Microsporum canis infection (only 50% positive, negative cannot be excluded!)
Microscopic examination of dander on transparent tape: possible to see helminth mites (professional staining required)
3. Precise Counter-attacks! Response Strategies for Different Culprits
✅ Allergies: Cut off the source + anti-inflammatory repair
Food Allergy Examination: ➜ Immediately initiate a strict “food exclusion method” by switching to a hydrolyzed protein prescription food or a new single-meat source food (at least 8 weeks!)! ➜ Start a strict “food exclusion method” immediately! Gradually add ingredients to check for allergens.
Environmental Allergy Management: ➜ Switch to a hypoallergenic cleaner for pets in the home, vacuum and remove mites regularly, reduce going outside during pollen season, and wipe feet and body at home.
Medication support: Veterinarians may prescribe antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), short-term low-dose steroids, or newer anti-itch medications (e.g., Epocrine). Soothe the skin with a restorative medicated bath (oatmeal formula).
✅ Parasites: cut down + environmental abatement
Flea/Mite Repellent: ➜ Use veterinarian-prescribed internal and external co-repellent drops (e.g., Belvedere, Nyquil) or specific acaricides (e.g., Tommex injections). ⚠️ Mange mites are highly contagious and require simultaneous treatment of the whole family pet!
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING: ➜ Iron and wash pet supplies and spray floors with an environmental dewormer containing furosemide for 1 month (to break the egg cycle).
✅ Bacteria/fungus: sterilization primarily + rebuild barriers
Topical treatment: Shave to expose lesions! Wash with antibacterial lotion (chlorhexidine) / antifungal shampoo (miconazole), apply topical antibiotic ointment (Bactrim) or antifungal cream (terbinafine).
Oral medications: Deep infections require a course of antibiotics (at least 3-4 weeks) or antifungals (itraconazole), ⚠️ strictly as prescribed by your doctor! Do not stop medication without authorization!
Restorative care: Skin supplements (fish oil + zinc + vitamin E) to accelerate healing and minimize flare-ups.
4. When These Red Light Signals Come on, Get to the Doctor Immediately!
Home care ≠ cure-all! When any of the following occurs, go straight to the vet:
🔴 Erythema spreads all over the body within 24 hours, dog is depressed/feverish
🔴 Skin ulceration with pus and bleeding
🔴 Intense itching leading to self-inflicted gnawing (need to wear a head covering in case of an emergency)
🔴 Severe redness and swelling of the face/eye lids/genital area
🔴 Puppies/senior dogs/himself with chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes)
⚠️ Hospital Diagnostic Gold Combo:
Deep skin scraping (for mites/fungus)
Bacterial culture + drug sensitization (precision medication)
Endocrine blood test (T4/cortisol)
Allergen screening (serum IgE test or skin test)
V. Prevention is better than cure! Daily Protection Tips for Dogs with Sensitive Skin
The fragile skin needs more tender care on a daily basis:
Monthly deworming should not be forgotten: fleas and mites are allergy triggers!
Bathing frequency should be scientific: 1-2 times a month is enough! Always blow-dry your fur (especially in the folds), as residual moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Avoid allergy “minefields”: The simpler the food, the better, and always have hypoallergenic wipes at home to wipe your feet and body.
Nutrition builds skin walls: Long-term supplementation with Omega-3 (deep-sea fish oil) significantly reduces the inflammatory response to allergies.
