Common causes of rash in dogs
Rashes can have many different causes in dogs. In many cases, it is caused by an infection of the skin with fungi or bacteria. However, it can also be the result of an allergy or an infestation with parasites.
To get to the bottom of the exact cause of your dog’s rash, a visit to the vet is essential. On the basis of examinations, he can determine the trigger and determine the necessary measures for the treatment of the skin problems.
Bacteria as a cause of rashes in dogs
Staphylococcus infection is the most common cause of bacterial dermatitis in dogs. If your dog suffers from a rash caused by bacteria, the skin problems are particularly evident on the trunk. However, they can also affect other parts of the body, such as the elbows and paws.
This form of skin infection is not dangerous for humans. So you don’t have to worry about getting infected from your dog. A bacterial skin infection is particularly evident in dogs with the following symptoms:
- Purulent and reddened skin
- hair loss
- itching
- Yellow pustules
Treatment of a bacterial skin infection
Treating a bacterial skin infection in dogs usually involves removing the fur from areas affected by the rash and washing the four-legged friend with an antibiotic shampoo. After drying off, the dog’s rash can then be treated with a veterinarian-prescribed antibiotic ointment.
By placing a funnel, you can prevent your dog from licking itself, which will further aggravate the rash. As long as you use the prescribed antibiotics as directed by your veterinarian, your dog should recover from the skin infection in no time. However, in rare cases, treatment may require surgery.
Fungi as a cause of rashes in dogs
It is often not bacteria but fungi that cause skin problems such as rashes in dogs. If this is the case with your four-legged friend, it is probably a fungus of the Trichophyton or Microsporum genera. Infection usually begins on the legs and head. However, if left untreated, it quickly spreads to the entire body of the animal.
It is important to note that you too can become infected with your dog’s fungal infection. Thorough hand washing is therefore a must after each treatment of your four-legged friend. If you have children, they should avoid contact with the sick animal for the time being.
A skin infection with fungi can be recognized by the following symptoms:
- Circular hair loss
- Crusting of the skin with a dry center
- Rash initially only on the legs and head
- Can spread to the entire body without treatment
Treating a skin infection with fungi
Also for the treatment of a skin infection with fungi, it is first necessary to remove the fur from the affected areas. Cleaning with a special antifungal shampoo will ensure that the fungi on the skin die off and your dog’s rash will gradually disappear.
Parasites as a cause of rashes in dogs
Another possible cause of dermatitis and rashes in dogs is an infestation of parasites. In addition to fleas, ticks or mites can also be responsible for your four-legged friend’s skin problems.
The symptoms that occur include, in particular, hair loss, itching and crusty patches on the skin. In addition to the abdomen and chest, the ears and front legs of the dog are often affected.
Treatment of a skin infection caused by parasites
To kill fleas and ticks, numerous products are available in the form of shampoos, powders, sprays and collars. At least in the case of ticks, however, you should place particular value on quick removal from your dog’s body due to the risk of infection with a dangerous disease such as Lyme disease.
If your dog suffers from ear mites, it is best to have them removed by a veterinarian. In the areas affected by the rash, the fur should first be trimmed and the skin then cleaned with disinfectant.
Allergies as a cause of rashes in dogs
It is estimated that around one in five dogs suffers from an allergy. This is an overreaction of the immune system, which classifies an actually harmless substance from the environment as dangerous and tries to fight it.
In addition to symptoms such as digestive problems and ear infections, allergies in dogs lead in particular to a rash and severe itching.
Treatment of an allergy-related rash
Treating the allergy, and therefore the rash, depends on the specific allergy your dog is suffering from. Flea bite allergies, food allergies and atopic dermatitis are particularly widespread.
In the case of a flea bite or food allergy, avoiding contact with the allergen is the most effective treatment method for your dog. Accordingly, it is important to prevent a flea infestation or to switch to a different food.
However, this is hardly possible in the case of atopic dermatitis, which can be triggered by various substances in the environment and, last but not least, causes an itchy rash in your dog. In this case, medication can relieve the acute symptoms and desensitization can bring long-term improvement.
covers the treatment costs
If your dog suffers from a rash, you cannot avoid a visit to the vet. Depending on the cause, the costs for examinations and treatments can be a heavy burden on your household budget.
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