Animal Care of the paw. or swelling. This paw has no This paw has hair hair loss, redness, loss, inflammation, the toes and on top and redness between AC-19-003 • Issued June 2019

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The abdomen inflamed spots. and inner thighs. shows no redness or covers the abdomen (stomach) of this dog

of this dog shows red, inflammation. The hair

The abdomen (stomach)

Refer to the other topics in the series for more information on skin, feet, and ear care. is red and scaly. Note the patchy, Note the patchy, missing hair on this redness on the skin. There is no missing or dog. The exposed skin whole body. There is no whole body. patchy hair on this dog. It is thick and covers the HEALTHY SKIN HEALTHY This Animal Care Aid is part of a series developed to provide information about skin issues in dogs.This Animal Care Aid is part of a series developed to provide information about skin issues UNHEALTHY SKIN UNHEALTHY is free of dandruff, scabs, bumps, and pustules.is free of dandruff, scabs, bumps, discharge. or discharge. may have dandruff, scabs, bumps, scales, and/or pustules.may have dandruff, scabs, bumps, Note the redness of the earflap and and inflammation The hair coat will be intact (no bald spots), shiny, and mat-free. and mat-free. spots), shiny, The hair coat will be intact (no bald and out; there is no the yellowish, crusty The hair coat may have missing fur or be dull, dry, and/or matted. fur or be dull, dry, The hair coat may have missing redness, inflammation, This ear is clean, inside [email protected] [email protected]

eyes or on the muzzle. for proper diagnosis and treatment.have seen before, it is important to consult with your veterinarian and hair loss loss around the Many skin diseases have similar symptoms. If you see abnormal skin, even if it looks like something youMany skin diseases have similar symptoms. If you see abnormal around the eyes Note the redness It is the largest organ of the body. It is the largest organ the environment. barrier to protect the body from It acts as a physical other parts of the body. be the first sign of disease in Skin problems may No redness or hair and on the muzzle.

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WHY IS SKIN IMPORTANT TO DOG HEALTH AND WELL-BEING? TO DOG HEALTH IMPORTANT WHY IS SKIN Identifying Healthy and Unhealthy Skin in Dogs Skin Unhealthy and Healthy Identifying ANIMAL CARE AID