As there are so many possible causes, it is important to bring your dog in for veterinary treatment as soon as you notice a change in her fur, skin, or an increase in itching, scratching, chewing or licking herself. The veterinarian will need your help in tracing the onset of your dog’s condition, so be sure to give a detailed account of when the signs began, how they are progressing, and how your dog is behaving. Also, be sure to report on your dog’s nutrition, environment, normal behavior (such as a typically anxious dog), and any grooming products you have recently used.
The veterinarian may conduct standard laboratory tests, such as blood count, blood biochemistry profile and urinalysis to rule out hyperthyroidism, bacterial or fungal infections, or parasites.
The most important tests are those of the skin itself: a scraping of your dog’s skin will be analyzed for fungal and bacterial cultures. If the veterinarian identifies any growth on your dog’s skin, a biopsy may be taken and submitted to a pathologist for examination in order to determine the presence of parasites, infection, or cancerous cells. If allergies are suspected, allergy testing may be recommended, or your veterinarian may elect to treat symptomaitcally. If a food reaction is suspected, you may conduct an outpatient elimination trial and report your dog’s condition to the veterinarian regularly.
