In the wild, chow chows can keep cool by panting air over their moist skin.
However, in captivity, this natural cooling mechanism is disrupted and instead of sweating, chow chows will instead itch and lick their fur to cool themselves down.
Chow chows can experience hot flashes (sweating) when they are stressed or excited and during warm weather. If your pet’s hair doesn’t feel right when you run your hand through it, it could be a sign that it needs to be washed regularly with a shampoo designed for dogs.
The most common cause of excessive moisture in the dog’s coat is an excess of oily sebum that pools in their folds and causes dandruff-like flaking on the skin surface.
This dryness combined with humidity makes the dog’s skin susceptible to mites (fleas), bacteria, yeast, and insects.
Hereditary dry coats are also known as xerosis: a genetic condition where the dog lacks water-retaining hair follicles;
however, you can help relieve symptoms by cleaning your pet’s coat with a gentle shampoo every few weeks or switching between different shampoos weekly depending on how often your pet licks its fur.
What Trigger Chow Chow Allergies?
There are several factors that can cause allergies in your dog.
The most common causes are environmental, hereditary, and diet-related.
One of the primary triggers for allergies is food. For example, many pet owners notice their pets itching more when they switch to a different brand of food or change foods altogether;
often, this is because your pet’s body has become accustomed to one type of food and will have an allergic reaction to the new food.
Other triggers include toxins, mites, fleas, and other parasites. Mites and pests like fleas secrete the chemical compound carbon tetrachloride which causes a skin rash on your pet’s coat similar to eczema on humans.
Chow chows are also susceptible to heat stress due to their thick coats, so avoid leaving them in hot cars or in any environment that is uncomfortable for them at all times.
What Are the Symptoms of Skin Disease in Dogs?
If your pet is showing symptoms of dry skin, it may itch and lick its fur excessively.
They may have dandruff-like flakes on the coat.
These lesions can appear anywhere on the body but are usually seen on the face, ears, neck, and legs.
Scratching or licking will worsen the condition and cause pain from skin trauma. If your dog does not seem to be itching or licking its coat, but you see some lesions, it might be an allergic reaction due to foods in its diet.
If this is the case, you need to cut down on dairy products that trigger allergic reactions in dogs; eliminate red meats; and introduce more vegetables into their diet.
How Do You Treat Chow Chow Skin Disease?
If your chow’s coat is thick and oily, bathing should be done weekly.
Apply a quality shampoo or conditioner to clean the dog’s fur while massaging the skin with a towel soaked in lukewarm water.
Rinse the hair thoroughly, being sure to pay attention to any hot spots that might be present; make sure to dry the coat completely before continuing.
If your pet is experiencing dry, flaky skin, it will need hydration more often than once per week. The best way to moisturize your chow is by applying a good conditioner and then rinsing it off well with warm water.
A good option for this is diluted baby shampoo mixed with water in an 8:1 ratio (8 oz of water to 1 oz of baby shampoo). Coat the coat with this mixture and gently massage the hands into the scalp of your pet until it has rinsed off or until you think that it has been rinsed off enough.
Are Chow Chows Prone to Allergies?
Yes, Chow chows are more susceptible to allergies than other breeds because of their long and thick coats.
These dogs typically have a much higher incidence of food allergies that can lead to health issues such as gastrointestinal problems, ear infections, and even immune system dysfunction.
While there are many things that can cause dry skin in your dog, you can alleviate symptoms by cleaning your pet’s coat with a gentle shampoo every few weeks or switching between different shampoos weekly depending on how often your pet licks its fur.
Chow chows also have a tendency to get hot flashes when they are under stress or excited. If your pet’s hair doesn’t feel right when you run your hand through it, it might be a sign that it needs to be washed regularly with a shampoo designed for dogs.
Conclusion
Skin disease can be a challenging problem for Chow Chows, but with proper care and attention it is possible to manage the condition.
It’s important to identify the triggers of your pet’s skin issues and provide them with a good diet and regular bathing routine.
