Corgis are a very popular breed in the modern pet market, but these cheerful, funny little dogs have one clear weakness: they are prone to skin disease. A Corgi with a skin problem often needs extra care and management.
A Corgi can develop skin disease for many different reasons, and the symptoms differ depending on the cause. Still, several basic principles apply in many cases. For example, clipping hair around the affected area, applying medicine properly, adjusting the diet to improve nutrition, reducing outside exposure, and preventing cross-infection all help create a better foundation for recovery.
Are Corgis Prone to Skin Disease?
Yes, Corgis are relatively likely to develop skin disease. Their dense coat, active temperament, love of food, and love of play all contribute in different ways. If the home is not cleaned well and bacteria are allowed to multiply, skin disease becomes more likely. If the dog is fed dirty food or food with too much salt, that can also contribute. Every Corgi has a different physical condition and different severity of illness, so some may recover more easily while others do not.
How to Treat Skin Disease in a Corgi
Because many skin diseases in dogs are contagious, the owner should isolate the Corgi first. Wearing gloves, clean and disinfect the floor, furniture, kennel, and other parts of the home with a pet-safe disinfectant. The dog's personal items can be put out in the sun. Then the owner should find the damaged coat and clip the hair around the problem area, identify the abnormal skin, and clean the spot carefully before applying the proper skin product. Because the dog may feel uncomfortable and try to lick off the medicine, it is usually necessary to use an Elizabethan collar.
During a skin disease episode, a Corgi may be in a poor mood, so if possible the owner should spend more time with it. The diet should be improved with nutrient-rich foods such as goat milk powder, canned dog food, and various meats, while salt intake must be controlled carefully because too much salt is bad for the skin. Until the skin disease is fully healed, it is best not to take the dog out much. If going outside is necessary, choose places with fewer dogs and fewer people so that cross-infection is less likely.