Dogs can develop a skin rash for a variety of different reasons. Today, our Perry vets share some information on some common causes, signs, and symptoms of skin rashes in dogs.
Skin Rashes in Dogs
Every dog will inevitably develop some sort of skin rash at some point in its life. Most of the time, these rashes will be irritating and annoying, but won't be harmful to your pet.
However, some rashes may require an examination by a vet or a veterinary dermatologist, and treatment to prevent them from worsening.
Symptoms
Aside from visibly seeing a rash on your dog's skin, here are some common symptoms of a skin rash in dogs:
Common Causes & Treatment
Several factors could cause your dog to develop a rash on their skin. The following are some of the more frequent causes:
- Hair loss
- Itchiness
- Skin flaking
- Ulcerated skin
- Scabs and crusty skin
- Red and inflamed skin
- Constant licking, biting, and chewing
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Greasy fur
- Depression
- Weeping skin
- Strong, bad odor
- Secondary skin infection
Parasitic Bites
Flea and mite bites are one of the most common causes of itching in dogs, and one of the simplest to treat. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to treat the parasite problem. You can also give your dog preventative medication to keep fleas, mites, and ticks at bay.
Environmental Dermatitis
This is a form of skin irritation that can occur after coming into contact with particular substances, such as grass, dirt, or plants. The skin may become irritated, dry, or cracked; rashes, blisters, redness, or swelling may also be present.
Antihistamines and oatmeal baths are two methods that have been suggested as potential treatments for this condition. Depending on the severity of the condition, your veterinarian may suggest a cortisone cream or another alternative.
Nutritional Dermatitis
This is a relatively uncommon problem for dogs, but they could have an allergic reaction to something in their food. Nutritional dermatitis typically causes skin irritation and scratching, but it can also cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting. If your dog exhibits either type of symptom, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Skin Allergies
As a result of the fact that some dogs are more likely than others to develop allergies, their owners frequently find themselves in need of veterinary care for this reason. Itching is a common symptom that can be brought on by allergens, which can be found in a wide variety of places, such as pollen, animal dander, plants, and insects, among other things.
In addition to itching, other symptoms include excessive grooming or licking, watery eyes and sneezing, rashes, and inflamed skin. All of these symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction. Your veterinarian may be able to figure out what's triggering the allergy, as well as make treatment and prevention suggestions for you based on their findings.
Hives
A rash known as hives is an example of a particular kind of allergic reaction. The skin rash known as hives is a form of allergic reaction that can be brought on by a wide range of stimuli, including medication and insect bites. The dog will show signs of the condition in the form of a raised bump that will cause the hair on its body to stand on end.
Itchy hives can sometimes cause swelling in the area around the eyes. The use of a shampoo that is hypoallergenic for dogs is typically helpful in reducing the severity of the problem. A leave-in conditioner that moisturizes the hair might also be helpful. Talk to your pet's veterinarian to find out what they think is best for your animal companion.