Dog's body naturally makes keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up the outer coating of the skin. You might notice your dog's nose to be extremely hard or crusty, or maybe the dog's paw pads seem strangely sensitive or have a hard crust on them. These are typical symptoms of hyperkeratosis in dogs. Canine Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition in which excess keratin is produced, particularly in the nose and paw pads. It causes the skin to thicken and harden, sometimes to the point of being cracked. To learn more about hyperkeratosis, here are the most common causes:
∙ Hereditary and genetic - Labradors and Irish terriers are more susceptible to hyperkeratosis. They can develop relatively early in life, between 4 to 9 months.
∙ Age - as dogs age, their skin tends to thicken. There's also an effect like chronic liver disease, and pancreatic tumors developed by older dogs are often associated with paw pad hyperkeratosis.
∙ Disease caused by parasites, auto-immune disorders, infections, and food.
Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are things you can do to your dog to manage hyperkeratosis. First thing, you'll have to see your veterinarian. A thorough examination is needed to know the source of the problem, and it might need to be treated with antibiotics and creams to soothe the affected areas. In addition, taking preventive measures is another way to help your dog feel comfortable. As a pet owner, the best thing you can do is take your dog to a reputable veterinary clinic Kerrville TX for regular health and wellness checks.
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