If you notice a circular bald patch, scaly skin, or crusty areas on your dog, ringworm may be one possible cause. Despite its name, ringworm isn’t actually a worm. It’s a fungal skin infection that can affect dogs, cats, other animals, and people. Ringworm in dogs is usually treatable, but there’s one major reason it’s…
Finding bald patches on your dog can be alarming, especially if they seem to appear suddenly. Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is one of the most common reasons dogs are taken to the veterinarian. While some cases are caused by something as simple as fleas or allergies, others may be linked to hormonal disorders,…
If your dog has flaky skin, greasy fur, a musty odor, or seems to constantly scratch, seborrhea may be the cause. Seborrhea is one of the most common skin disorders seen in dogs and can range from mild dandruff to severe skin inflammation with secondary infections. Although seborrhea isn’t always curable, it is often highly…
If your dog suddenly starts losing patches of fur, develops crusty skin, or can’t seem to stop scratching, mange may be the cause. While the word “mange” often sounds frightening, it simply refers to a skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Some forms of mange are mildly irritating, while others can cause intense itching and…
If you’ve ever found a raw, red, moist patch of skin on your dog that seemed to appear overnight, you’ve likely encountered a hot spot. Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are one of the most common skin conditions veterinarians treat. They can develop incredibly quickly and become painful if not addressed early….
If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, rubbing their face on the carpet, or dealing with recurring ear infections, allergies may be the cause. Allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian and can affect their skin, ears, digestive system, and overall quality of life. Although allergies usually can’t…
If your dog has gained a few extra pounds over the years, you’re not alone. Obesity is one of the most common health problems affecting dogs today, with studies estimating that more than half of pet dogs are overweight or obese. While those extra pounds may seem harmless—or even cute—they can significantly impact your dog’s…
If your dog has been experiencing unexplained vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, or episodes of collapse, your veterinarian may recommend testing for Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism. Although Addison’s disease is less common than many other hormonal disorders, it can become life-threatening if left untreated. The good news is that most dogs diagnosed with…
If your dog has suddenly started drinking excessive amounts of water, asking to go outside more often, developing a pot-bellied appearance, or losing patches of fur, your veterinarian may suspect Cushing’s disease. Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing’s disease is one of the most common hormonal disorders seen in middle-aged and senior dogs. Although Cushing’s disease…
When a dog starts losing weight despite having a strong appetite, seems unusually restless, drinks more water, or develops a rapid heartbeat, thyroid disease may be one possible explanation. While hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is relatively common in dogs, hyperthyroidism in dogs is rare. Hyperthyroidism occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone circulating…