Epidemiological pattern of various skin disorders in dogs

Of 2522 dogs examined during July 1999 to June 2003, 1/3rd cases were of ticks’ infestation and 1/4th cases were of sarcoptic mange in Haryana. Dermatoses cases were minimal in January. In the subsequent months, cases increased linearly as the ambient temperature increased. In Hisar, as summer peaks in June to September months, dermatoses cases were maximal during these months. Mites and ticks infestation cases were positively correlated with ambient temperature and lice infestation was negatively correlated with ambient temperature. The dogs in age group of 1–3 years suffered the most. The disease was occasionally seen in pups below 3 month and dogs above 6 years of age, indicating that sarcoptic-, demodectic- and tick-infestation was more common in active dogs. However, lice infestations were observed in dogs of all age groups. Male dogs suffered more from all types of skin disorders. Spitz dogs were most susceptible to all skin diseases including mites, ticks and lice infestation. The native dogs ranked second and German Shepherd ranked third in the susceptibility to ecto-parasites. Allergy, flea allergy dermatitis, dermatophytosis, eczema and pyoderma were observed occasionally. It may be inferred that it may be the length and density of hair, which provides good habitat to the ecto-parasites.