The Dog Spot
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Grooming Dogs With Sensitive Skin
from: Kyle BesserYour dog's skin is one of his most sensitive and easily damaged organs. If your dog develops a skin problem, such as an allergy or a negative reaction to a grooming product, his skin can initiate a cycle of other conditions that can be difficult to cure.
Some breeds, in particular, have very sensitive skin that requires special care and handling. Dogs with a white or light colored coat and pink skin are more likely to be more sensitive to just about everything, from dry air and sun to irritation from grooming products. Dogs with short coats are more likely to have reactions to certain products.
Here are some examples of skin disorders that can result from improper grooming or reactions to grooming products:
Hot Spots
Hot spots are moist, hot, wound-like areas that develop rapidly and can be very painful. This type of skin problem may be caused by a variety of triggers, such as fleas, allergies, irritants, infections, or lack of proper grooming. Hot spots build up and grow because the dog compulsively licks and scratches at the itchy, painful spots, making the spot increasingly worse until it becomes infected. Vets usually have to treat hot spots by clipping the hair away to disinfect and treat the area. The dog will probably be treated for itching and may have to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from biting or licking the hot spot while it heals.
Product Reactions
Some breeds are sensitive to certain products like shampoos, conditioners, coat sprays, or flea or tick control products. If your dog has an inexplicable skin reaction, check if you have recently changed grooming products or food. If your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to try mild, hypoallergenic, and/or natural products that contain skin-soothing ingredients. If you are not sure of which product to try, ask your vet for recommendations.
Skin Diseases
Dogs can develop many different skin diseases. Some are inherited, and some are caused by environmental factors. There are relatively minor but inconvenient skin conditions, such as greasy, scaly skin resulting from overactive sebaceous glands (called oily seborrhea). There are skin diseases that cause hair loss, such as color mutant alopecia. Some skin diseases are potentially life-threatening, such as skin cancer. Any skin disease in dogs should be treated immediately.
Your vet should always be consulted to address skin diseases in your dog. Your vet can advise you how to properly care for and groom them.
Skin Infections
Skin infections can be caused by bacteria introduced into a wound, either by unsanitary conditions or by poor grooming. From impetigo which is common in puppies, skin-fold pyoderma which is common in loose-skinned breeds like Chinese Sharpei, to abscesses of uncertain origin, skin infections should be treated with antibiotics which your vet can prescribe. Your vet should be consulted immediately for appropriate treatment.
Never groom over an infected area. Hair should be cut or carefully clipped from the area to allow the infection to heal.
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