9 Most Common Causes of Dog Rashes
Basically anything that irritates the skin can cause a rash, so sometimes its tough to nail down the exact culprit, but these are some of the most common causes.
Dog heat rashes occur when a pup becomes overheated. As a result, the skin becomes itchy, red, and tender to the touch. Pimples and boils may start to develop.
Environmental allergies caused by such substances as pollen, dust, and fertilizer can irritate a dogs skin enough to cause a rash. Food allergies can also cause rashes.
Fleas, mites, and ticks are notorious for causing intense skin irritation, itching, and rashes. In particular, mites cause sarcoptic mange, which causes severe itching and rashes.
Signs Your Dog Has a Rash
Keeping a close eye on your dog is an important job as a dog owner. Your dog can’t tell you when they’re experiencing a medical problem, so it’s up to you to look for clues that might signal that something’s wrong. This is especially important with a dog rash because your dog will keep scratching and making the rash worse if you don’t get i treated . Here are some of the signs you should look out for when it comes to a dog rash:
Keep in mind that different rashes may come with different symptoms, depending on what’s causing the rash. While these symptoms can tip you off that your dog may have a rash, it’s still important to rule out serious issues such as hypothyroidism.
It’s also important to note that your dog may exhibit some of the symptoms of a rash without actually having a rash. If your dog is losing hair or pulling its hair excessively but you can’t find a rash, it may be that your dog has anxiety or some other medical condition. Ultimately, it’s best to take your dog to a vet if you notice any of the symptoms of a rash, that way you can determine the cause of your dog’s itching.
You should also try to keep track of how long your dog is experiencing the symptoms of a rash. It’s not uncommon for your dogs’ skin to be irritated by dryness or heat, but these types of rashes tend to go away in a relatively short time period. If you notice your dog has a rash that has persisted for several days or even weeks, you need to take them to a vet to figure out what’s wrong and get them treatment. .
What Should I Do If My Dog Has a Rash?
If your dog has a rash, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with a vet. As a pet owner, you don’t have the expertise and resources to figure out what’s causing your dog’s rash, but a vet can run tests to find the primary cause. Plus, your vet can prescribe medication to help treat whatever is causing your dog’s rash. Here are some of the things you vet may do to help diagnose a dog rash:
These tests give conclusive results that your vet can use to determine which medication to prescribe your dog, or which treatment option is most appropriate. For anxious dog breeds, your vet may encourage behavioral therapy as well as medication that helps deal with the anxiety. Make sure you follow any treatment your vet prescribes to the best of your ability, as this is an essential part of helping your dog get better.
As far as home treatment goes, you can find over-the-counter products that are designed to relieve itching, but it’s important to ask your vet before you use any of these products to treat a rash. You may also be able to give your dog some relief with Benadryl, although you should ask your vet before administering any medication.
When you take your dog to the vet for a rash, it’s important to provide your vet with as much information as possible. If you’ve got poison oak or other plants in or near your yard, let your vet know so they can rule that out. You should also let your vet know about any toxins your dog may have ingested in your home.
Your vet may also want to know how long your dog has had a rash, as that can help them determine the severity of the rash. A dog rash that lasts for a couple of days and gets better isn’t typically a big deal, but rashes that last for a long time or don’t get better with treatment may be a sign of a bigger medical issue. When you take your dog to the vet, make sure you’re ready to provide as much information as possible to help your vet make an accurate diagnosis.
Like most medical conditions, there’s no one-size-fits-all diagnosis for a dog’s rash. While some dogs may have a rash because their skin is itchy, others may have a rash because of an allergy or something they got into. Figuring out what caused your dog’s rash is the best way to find an effective treatment option. Here are some of the potential causes of dog rashes:
- Breeds more prone to rashes:
- Bulldogs
- Golden retrievers
- Cocker spaniels
- German shepherds
- Doberman pinschers
- Any breed that has predominantly blue/grey fur
- Poison Ivy, Oak, or other plants
Of course, it’s up to your vet to determine what caused your dog’s rash. Blood tests, skin cultures, and other tests are the only way for your vet to get conclusive results that allow them to choose the best treatment option for a dog rash.
In addition to these tests, you should also let your vet know if there are any environmental factors that may have caused a rash. For example, your dog may have a rash as a result of the food they’re eating, or they may have gotten into the poison oak that separates your yard from the woods nearby. Make sure your vet knows about any of these potential environmental risk factors, and discuss the duration of your dog’s rash. The more information you provide your vet, the easier it will be for them to make an accurate diagnosis.
How to Treat a Dog With an Allergy Rash
Think of how miserable it is to have a persistent itch, whether from dry skin, a bug bite, or a rash. Its hard to focus on anything other than the itch, and while scratching might provide momentary relief, it can ultimately make the itch even worse. Your dog feels just as miserable when an itch just wont quit. Luckily, there are several home remedies to relieve your dogs itchy skin.
Not every cause of itchiness requires a prescription medication or treatment. Colloidal oatmeal baths, fish oil, and baking soda are among the items you can use for home remedies. But though you can offer some relief and lessen the urge to scratch, its important to talk to your vet to treat any underlying causes of a persistent or chronic itch, whether its an allergy, flea bites, or an autoimmune disorder.
Talk to your vet before using one of these home remedies to determine if theres an underlying health issue thats causing the itch. If your vet has ruled out any medical conditions, the below home remedies could help your dog find relief.