Ringworm-
Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm. The ringworm fungus can be found anywhere, including the soil. When an animal is infected with ringworm, the resulting skin lesions can form any pattern on the skin. To test for the fungus, a culture must be done; it takes ten days to grow. When a pet has ringworm, the condition can be contagious to other animals as well as people. In people, a "bullseye" red single lesion forms on the skin and is very itchy. Though the ringworm lesion can resolve with medication, the animal can shed the fungus for months. Ringworm is not life threatening but can be an annoyance.
Lice-
The lice that infects animals is different from the lice that infects people. In other words, lice are species specific; each species has its own kind. If your pet is diagnosed with lice, flea shampoo can kill the lice. Lice do not cause any clinical signs in animals.
Sarcoptic Mites -
Sarcoptic mites, or scabies, is also called mange. Sarcops are microscopic parasites that burrow under the skin and cause severe itching. Dogs can have hair loss and a variety of lesions such as tiny red spots and scaling. Sarcops can be contagious to animals and people and are spread by direct contact. Typical areas of the dog's body that are infected include the margins of the ear flaps, elbows and hocks. Your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment to rid your dog of this parasite.
Demodex Mites-
Demodectic mange or demodex mites are microscopic mites that live in the hair follicles in all dogs. When the mite overpopulates due to a compromised immune system or illness, the hair falls out. This mite does not cause itching unless there is also a bacterial infection of the skin. Hair loss and red skin are classic signs of demodecosis. The lesions usually start on the face and then progress to anywhere on the body. Demodex is not contagious to people or other animals and it does not live in the environment. There are several treatment options including oral and topical medications.
Allergies-
Skin allergies are very common in Florida due to our warm weather and high humidity. These allergies can be caused by inhalant or contact irritants, or even food. Diagnosing the cause can be very challenging so it's important that you give your veterinarian as much information as possible about any changes in your dog's environment. Classic signs of allergies in dogs include chewing and licking at the paws and rubbing the nose into the carpet. Skin lesions range from hives to red skin. It is also common for allergic dogs to have bacterial skin infections. Diagnosing allergies is usually based on a process of elimination. There are a variety of treatments including antihistamines that will give your dog relief. Just keep in mind that allergies can only be controlled, not cured. Your goal is to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.
Immune Disease-
When an animal suffers from an immune mediated disease it means that the dog's normal cells are treating other normal cells as foreign and attacking them. When it affects the skin, dogs suffer from blisters and sores that can go deep into the skin. These lesions are not responsive to antibiotics because the problem is not caused by bacteria. Dogs suspected of having immune mediated problems need a skin biopsy done to diagnose the problem. Once diagnosed, your vet can prescribe the proper medication.
