The Great Pyrenees is a long-haired breed. If it goes out to play or remains damp after bathing, and the owner does not dry it in time with a hair dryer, skin problems can easily develop. In mild cases the dog may only feel itchy, but in serious cases various skin diseases may follow. That is why, during routine care, it is very important for owners to recognize the symptoms of skin disease and understand some simple treatment methods.
Symptoms of skin disease in the Great Pyrenees
The main skin problems in the Great Pyrenees usually come from three causes: parasites, eczema, and sebaceous adenitis. Their symptoms differ. Eczema is an inflammatory reaction of the surface skin cells to allergens. In a Great Pyrenees, it may show as red patches, rashes, blisters, erosion, crusts, and scales on the affected skin, together with heat, pain, and itching. It is more common in spring and summer. Sebaceous adenitis in mild cases may show as flakes, dandruff, and slight hair loss. In severe cases, secondary bacterial infection may occur and the coat may fall out completely. Parasitic disease such as fleas can cause little red bumps on the skin, and if you look carefully you may even see the insects themselves.
Treatment of skin disease in the Great Pyrenees
The first step is to eliminate external parasites, remove any foreign matter, and improve the dog’s living environment by thoroughly cleaning the home. It is also important to reduce or stop the dog from injuring itself further and to help relieve the itching. A protective collar can be used to stop the Great Pyrenees from continuing to bite or lick itchy areas. To avoid repeated flare-ups, owners may also need to change certain foods. During summer or in humid weather, internal and external parasite control should be carried out regularly. Parasites easily infest dogs at such times, and the skin is especially vulnerable. Once fungal infection appears, the dog may develop large areas of hair loss.
Skin disease in the Great Pyrenees is very difficult to treat, because the dog is large and has a long, dense coat. The amount of medicine needed and the difficulty of applying it are much greater than with most ordinary dogs. At the same time, owners often find it impossible to care for every part of such a large dog perfectly in daily life. That is why skin disease has become one of the greatest worries for many Great Pyrenees owners.