A Lesson On Dog Skin


The skin is the largest organ of the dog's body and a frequent source of problems. The job of the skin is to protect the inner organs and tissues from invasions by foreign substances, changing temperature and dehydration. The skin also works to synthesize essential vitamins for the rest of the body and performs the indispensable job of processing information about the external world through sensation.

Normal canine skin is smooth and flexible. Colors range from pale pink to brown to bluish black. Spotted skin is normal in any dog, even those whose coats are uniform in color. Lumps, bumps, scabs, scales, patches of hair loss or parasites shouldn't be visible anywhere on a healthy dog's body.

Dogs have seasonal shedding cycles, which don't always behave according to strict schedule. There are so many different kinds of canine hair that it's difficult to draw a typical picture. Obviously the hair of a Miniature Schnauzer shouldn't grow in like that of a Golden Retriever! Perhaps it's best to concentrate on what hair shouldn't be. It shouldn't break or pull out easily, or seem excessively dry or oily. In a smooth-coated dog, the coat should not appear dull or weak. Any sudden or significant change in the hair's appearance should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian.