Protecting The Skin Will Protect Your Dog

Canine skin illness is one of the main reasons that require a visit to the vet. The skin may cause overwhelming concern on the part of owners who can see the disease first hand. Any examination should include the skin and the follicles, as both have to be examined together. If you think about canine skin skin is the largest organ in the body, and the necessity for the skin to guard against disease, infection and injury, it is no wonder that dogs are constantly suffering from some sort of skin related complaint.

With a basic knowledge of of skin and coat structure, an owner can begin to understand the cause of most skin illnesses. Canine skin has 3 layers, which include the epidermis, or visible layer, and dermis, which forms the next layer. The two top layers are known as the cutis. The panniculus is the name for the third layer and is called the sub-cutis. Dog hair is referred to as follicles which also includes attached sweat glands.

A dog gets most of its protection against the elements from the surface layer of the skin. Basal cells, attach the visible layer or epidermis, to the second layer or dermis. When you hear about concerns referred to as basal cell skin cancer, it is these cells that cause the issue when they stop dividing as expected and begin to divide with no control. Cancer related skin conditions are referred to as neoplasms or malignant growths.

You can understand and also understand that when the skin is ulcerated or hurt, that there is no barrier to keep harmful bacteria from getting into the body. This exposes the dog to disease, bacteria and other issues, which is why skin wounds require care and treatment for fast healing. The good news is that the skin or outer skin layer heals immediately. The bad news is that if this layer is continually hurt, it becomes thicker as a protective measure by the body, which can also lead directly to changes in appearance that are upsetting for the owner. If the skin is continually wounded it could also have challenges fixing itself which leads to skin diseases like seborrhea or skin flakes.

The very surface layer of the skin is referred to as the horny layer. This layer is called an immunologic barrier in that it fights off problems such as infection. A part of this layer, are cells called Langerhans cells that fight infection. If these cells work especially well it attacks pollen, allergenic substances or grooming products causing skin problems. This is the immune system being too active and not doing an excellent job at what is a problem to the dog and objects that are not.

The skin also helps to protect your dog against sunlight or sun burn. The dogs hair is the 1st shield against the sun. However , if the hair is missing or thin, then the body can be exposed to excess sun causing a burn and concerns with those basal cells mentioned earlier.

You can see that dog skin and human skin are extraordinarily similar. This is true for canine skin problems, with similar needed treatments and remedies. As science advances in human skin treatment, the same treatments quickly become available to help our dogs. This includes tests conducted in the vet’s office and skin tests conducted in the lab,. Specific treatment approaches recommended are also similar including shampoo applications, vitamins, plus over the counter and prescription medications used to improve skin health.

Cathy Doggins is a passionate lover of dogs. Cathy widely recognized as a highly regarded dog health researcher which has been published on many leading pet care sties including articles in the same genre as this one on canine skin conditions and disease.