Dog Rash
Dealing with Dog Rash
Dog rash, in most cases, is an easily treatable problem once you have an accurate assessment of the cause. If you are an alert dog owner and have a general awareness of the skin condition of your pet, you are likely to notice a rash fairly early. You should observe to see if the rash is accompanied by any swelling or flakiness and also watch out for inflammation of the area. It will help to know if the dog is finding the rash itchy and you can assume this is the case it your pet is pawing or biting the area repeatedly. If the signs all appear together it is indicative of a dog rash.
You will find very often that a dog suffering from a rash also has some of the following symptoms such as hair loss, frequent bowel movements, signs of an ear infection and other skin infections also. Sometimes you may see signs of an itchy skin prior to the appearance of the rash especially if it is being triggered by some allergy.
Some of the most common causes of dog rash are atopy, reactions to allergens in the environment, food related allergies and parasitic creatures such as ticks, fleas, worms or lice. If your dog is taking some medicine for a health problem, you may need to track to make sure that the medication is not causing an allergic reaction. You should consult with your veterinarian and try reducing the dose or skip a dose to check if the rash lessens or disappears. Another possible reason for a dog rash is an injury that your pet may have experienced that has left the skin damaged or open in any way.
It is best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian at the earliest possible to make sure that you have an accurate assessment of the cause of the rash and to ensure that you choose the right treatment promptly. Any delay in treatment can lead to significant aggravation of the condition as there can be infections or bleeding. For some immediate topical relief you can try using a cream of lotion with Aloe Vera as an ingredient. Aloe is a well-known soothing herb and it can provide relief from the feeling of itchiness and help the dog not worsen the rash. Milk of Magnesia is also known to calm irritated skin and you can apply this to the affected area with a swab of cotton. Just like human beings dealing with sun burns or rashes will have to deal with immediate and long-term cures, dogs affected with a rash will also appreciate topical relief while you are figuring out the best long-term treatment. Baking soda and oatmeal are also known to soothe dry, flaky and itchy skin and you can try bathing your dog with either of these mixed with the water.
Antihistamines and hydrocortisone medications are used to treat dog rash also. There are some over-the-counter oral medications which are known to help also. Depending on the intensity of the rash your pet's doctor may recommend a longer course of medication especially if the skin rash is a symptom of overall health problems such some nutrient deficiency.
There are occasional cases where a dog rash may be accompanied by a swelling of the face and paws and breathing difficulty and this can be indication of a severe allergic reaction. In this case an emergency visit to the vet may be warranted as there is the possibility of anaphylactic shock. This is very rare and is most likely to be the case if there has been an insect bite or if there has been some new medication introduced into the dog's system. So be alert to these signs right after starting your dog on a new medicine or soon after your dog has had a shot.
In most cases though dog rash is a reaction to some irritant in the air or diet. Maintaining high standards of hygiene in terms of regular baths and a good nutritious diet are the basic steps to avoiding dog rash.