Skin Problems in Shelties
Do you feel that your dog doesn’t drink enough water? Does your dog lose some of its ability to smell things as it gets sick or old? And does your dog lose interest in foods it used to enjoy eating?
If your dog eats dry food, you should also give it wet food. Wet food is superior to dry food for dogs. You can find affordable damp dog food in the market.
Skin Problems in Shelties
Shelties are lovely dogs with a lot of hair. Unfortunately, this also means skin problems more often than other breeds. Since your Sheltie is so adorable, you probably wonder what you can do to help them out when they have skin problems. There are plenty of ways to keep their skin healthy and free from irritation! In this blog post, we will go over the most common causes for sheltie skin problems and how you can help alleviate them!
We also provide tips on how often you should be brushing them based on the season and other helpful advice regarding grooming in general. Proper grooming not only makes your pet look better; it is also essential to prevent your dog from overheating.
We hope this helps our readers out and provides some helpful information if you need help with caring for your furry friend!
Shetland sheepdogs look like mini-collies. They have a long, double coat that needs a lot of attention. The same thing goes with taking care of Pomeranians and maintaining the coat of a Border Collie, mainly because of their long hair. Grooming will help them avoid skin problems and tangles in their hair.
Common Skin Problems in Shelties
Unlike other dogs, Shelties are more prone to having various types of skin problems. These skin diseases could cause minor to severe symptoms, which could make your dog stressed out. Here are the various common skin problems in Shelties.
Sheltie Skin Disease
Sheltie skin disease, also known as Shetland sheepdog dermatomyositis (DM), is a severe condition that causes hair to fall out on the head, ears, and front legs. A scab-like appearance on the skin might be your first indication that your Sheltie has dermatomyositis (DM). This condition is common to dogs that have long hair, such as the Australian Shepherd and many more.
Lesions can grow on your dog's skin. They can look like a crusty scab or flaky skin. Your vet may think the problem is mange or allergies, but it is not those things. It is something different called Demodex Mange. This disease needs to be treated for a long time with steroids, and there is no cure.
Tiny Foes
If your Shetland sheepdog is itchy, check him for ticks, fleas, and flies. These insects can stay hidden in his thick hair, so you need to look carefully. Tiny mites on the dog's skin cause mange where he'll lose his fur and get an infection. Your Sheltie is also more likely to get a foot disease called demodectic pododermatitis that causes bacteria infections and makes his feet itchy and raw.
That Little Itch
Dermatitis is another type of allergy that can cause your dog's skin to itch and become reddish. All of his scratchings put him at risk for infection. Plants he comes into contact with outside, the shampoo you use to bathe him, or his food may all trigger allergies. Greasy or dry, itchy skin is caused by seborrhea. Most minor skin issues can be quickly addressed using specialized shampoos or medicines. A veterinary examination will assist in identifying underlying health problems that are making him more prone to infections.
Hormonal Issues
Shetland sheepdogs can suffer from hypothyroidism. This is when their body does not make enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms are dry, itchy skin, and this makes the dog more likely to get other skin problems. Your vet can do a blood test that will reveal if your dog has hypothyroidism. They might also pack on weight and seem confused or disoriented. If they do, then you can give them some hormone pills that will fix the condition.
To learn more about Shetland Sheepdogs health issues, you can visit this site.
Dog Shampoo for Shelties
Frequently Asked Questions about Skin Problems in Shelties
Dermatomyositis is a skin, muscular, and blood vessel disease that results in severe inflammation of these tissues. Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and dogs that are mixes of these breeds are all at risk.
Shelties are prone to a condition in which they don't produce enough thyroid hormone. Some signs can be that the dog has dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes.
If your dog scratches, bite their skin, or is irritated, then they might have a skin condition. You will notice hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, and scabs. The dog's smell may also change to an unusual or unpleasant odor.
Signs of sebaceous Adenitis in long-haired dogs include: Hair loss that is symmetrical from side to side on the body is one sign. The haircoat texture resembles sandpaper—white scales on the skin that don't fall off easily. This is a common condition in long-haired dogs, such as the Swiss White Shepherd coat.
You should bathe your Sheltie for about 1-2 months. They clean themselves by licking and grooming.
Oatmeal is a good thing for our skin that itches. It can also be used on dogs. You grind the oatmeal into a powder and then put it in your dog's bath. The oatmeal will soothe the skin and get rid of the irritation.
If your dog has greasy or flaky skin with an odor, chews their paws, and saliva that stains the fur color red or brown (where they've licked), then they might have something called demodectic mange. This is a type of mite that causes skin problems. It is common in dogs but not always easy to diagnose.
