We recommend starting your pet's skin check with your dog or cat standing upright, with larger animals on the floor and smaller animals on a bench if possible. You should begin the skin check at your pet's head, remembering that their fur is shortest here so this region is particularly prone to skin cancers.
How do I know if my dogs skin is healthy?
Healthy skin is flexible and smooth, without scabs, growths, white flakes, or red areas. It ranges in color from pale pink to brown or black depending on the breed. Spotted skin is normal, whether the dog has a spotted or solid coat. Check your dog for fleas, ticks, lice, or other external parasites.
What should a dog's skin look like?
Your dog's skin should be pink or black, depending on the pigments common to their breed or their individual genetic history – both are entirely normal. It should be free of crusting, itching, scaling, black or white spots, and infected or hot and inflamed areas.
When should I be concerned about my dogs skin?
Common signs that indicate your dog might have a skin condition include frequent scratching, biting at their skin and irritation such as redness. You might also notice hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, scabs, lumps and an unusual or unpleasant smell.
How do you check a dog for skin infection?
Based on your dog's history and the physical examination, your veterinarian may order any of a number of laboratory procedures. These may include microscopic analysis of skin scrapings and hair, cultures of hair or skin swabs, specialized skin tests, blood and urine tests, and even biopsies.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What does a red rash mean on a dog?How do you treat a dog with skin problems?
