Allergic
Allergic skin problems are sometimes called "Summer itch," eczema, or dermatitis. Dogs are prone to many allergic conditions with one of the more common manifestations of the allergy being via the skin. Many dogs suffer from itchy skin due to an allergy to grass, fungus found on grass, carpet, food, lawn food, weed killer, or even to laundry soap used on their bed or towel. With so many possibilities, it is virtually impossible to determine the exact cause of the dog's problem. These allergic skin attacks often occur only seasonally—the beginning of Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall. They will return each year at roughly the same time. Once the vet has diagnosed the skin problem as having an allergic basis, treatment can be initiated; the successful treatment can be repeated on each occasion that the symptoms reappear.

Skin problems should be treated promptly, as delay means needless discomfort for the dog as well as damage to the dog's coat. Only very rarely will a skin condition improve without any treatment. It seems as though once an area has been sufficiently irritated, even if the original source of the irritation is removed, the dog will continue to scratch or bite that area. This is due to the fact that the original allergic skin lesion has now become infected as a result of the dog's scratching and biting. Therefore, clearing up both the allergy and the infection must be done in order to restore the dog to proper health. Some breeds are more susceptible to skin ailments than others.

Infections
Only your vet can determine if your dog's skin condition is allergic, infectious or whether it is caused by external parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites. Often, he can find the cause of the problem only by a microscopic examination of skin scrapings from the affected area. Once he makes the diagnosis, he can prescribe the specific therapy needed. Antibiotics are often used to combat these skin infections.

Until proven otherwise, any skin disturbance can be contagious to other dogs and possibly to humans. It is wise to be cautious and to take special precautions. Keep the dog's bed clean, wash your hands carefully after touching the affected area, avoid contact with other dogs so as not to expose them, and then be sure to continue treatment until all traces of the problem are removed.

External Parasites
Frequently the dog's skin disturbance is caused by an external parasite.

I. Demodectic Mange (Red Mange)
This skin disturbance is caused by mites. Symptoms usually appear first around the eyes and mouth, and then they spread to other parts of the dog's body. Loss of hair occurs in patches. If left untreated, super-infections usually complicate the situation. Your vet will probably prescribe a skin cream or powder, oral medication, and possibly dips or baths. Young dogs and particularly those with short hair seem to be especially prone to this condition.

II. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
This is another skin condition caused by mites which results in severe itching, hair loss, and crusty lesions. Treatment is very similar to that for Demodectic Mange. This type of mange is contagious to people as well as other dogs.

Ringworm
This is a highly communicable disease of the skin which can be transmitted from animal to man. Its appearance is that of a round sore with crusts or scabs, and it is caused by a fungus. The size and number of the sores increases as the disease progresses. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to have a microscopic examination.
Your veterinarian will undoubtedly prescribe the following treatment:
1—Clean infected spots—remove hair and crusts.
2—Apply a fungicide regularly until healing has
occurred.
3—Keep lesions washed to avoid secondary infection.
4—Careful hygiene is essential to avoid spread.

Ear Mites
These mites confine themselves to the dog's outer ear. They are quite irritating, and, as a result, the dog will scratch his ears and shake his head. If not treated promptly, the dog can damage himself with his intense scratching. Your vet should be consulted in order to care for this delicate problem. Since this is quite contagious to other dogs, if you have more than one dog, you'll probably have more than one victim.

Fleas, Ticks, and Lice
Fleas are amazing pests and can move from host to host—going from dog to cat to man very easily. Frequent scratching, bald spots, and inflammation of the skin can signal an invasion of fleas. Visiting the vet for definite diagnosis and treatment is recommended. Powders, sprays, dips, specially treated collars, or even oral medication may be prescribed. At the same time, it is of utmost importance that the dog's living quarters be completely cleaned and sprayed. Frequent cleaning and vacuuming of the pet's area also helps to remove eggs, larvae, and pupae. Destroying the fleas not only relieves your animal's discomfort, it also reduces his likelihood of getting tapeworms, as their eggs are carried by fleas.

Ticks are picked up in the great outdoors from shrubbery and undergrowth. They are quite visible to the naked eye and should be watched for during grooming. Dipping your dog in a medicated solution is the usual method of treatment. Spraying and regular cleaning of the dog's sleeping quarters can aid in controlling this pest. Serious skin infections or paralysis can occur if ticks are not removed promptly. They are also carriers of other diseases (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is carried by several types of ticks)—another good reason to eliminate their presence.

Lice are not only aesthetically unpleasant, and therefore, not "nice," they can become a source of danger for your pet—especially if he happens to be a puppy. Often dogs with just a few lice are very "itchy," while those harboring thousands of lice may not scratch themselves at all. So small they escape notice, some lice penetrate the pet's skin and suck the blood. The females will lay eggs which in just three weeks will hatch and develop into adult lice. The constant blood-sucking, if extensive, can cause severe anemia in puppies and greatly weaken mature dogs, particularly females with nursing puppies. The pest can also be a source of irritation to cats and kittens. Your veterinarian is your best source of help.

Dandruff
Some dogs display a dry, scaly skin which may become a perfect site for a more malicious skin eruption. Opinion differs as to the cause for this dandruff. Neglect in terms of brushing, combing, and bathing has been suggested. More likely is excessive bathing with a drying type soap and/or living in an overheated, overly-dry home. Additional brushing to stimulate the skin's natural oils is beneficial. Adding a special preparation to the diet and an oily dressing to the dog's coat can also be helpful.