How to Diagnose a Dog Rash
A rash may look obvious, but it may not be so clear whats causing it. So before trying any treatments, take your dog to your veterinarian.
Your vet will closely examine your dogs skin and ask you for a history of the rash (e.g., when the rash first developed). Several diagnostic tests can help your vet determine the rashs cause:
Of course, all of this testing is not always necessary. For example, if your dog got stung by a bee, youd know that the bee sting caused the rash. However, its always a good idea to talk to your vet first before starting any treatment plan.
Contact dermatitis may be caused by an allergy, or it may simply mean that your pet has touched something that has irritated its skin, such as the sap in poison ivy, or salt on a road. It is difficult to distinguish one from the other because the symptoms usually appear the same. Allergic reactions require a previous, sensitizing experience with the irritant. The next contact with the irritant is when symptoms occur. Both dogs and cats can suffer from allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. It can occur at any age, and is a direct result of the irritating nature of the offending compound.
Your veterinarian will also want to perform bacterial cultures. A clip of hair may be taken from a patch in an area that is not affected, applied to a sample of the suspected antigen, and observed for possible reaction. Skin biopsies are also sometimes required.
Dogs suffering from contact dermatitis will most likely suffer from rashes and/or bumps which occur on the skin that has come in contact with the ground (i.e., the chin, neck, chest, abdomen, groin, anal area, scrotum, tail, and between the toes). These rashes may stop abruptly at the hairline. Other common symptoms include itching, which is usually severe, and swelling.
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Your veterinarians first task will be to find out what the offending irritant is. The symptoms cannot be treated until tests are completed, to avoid aggravating the condition. There are several ways to approach tracking down the triggers. One is to do what is called a patch test: the suspected substance is placed on a patch and taped to the skin for 48 hours. Any reaction is then assessed. The second is to remove the pet from the offending environment for a period of time and then return it to the environment, monitoring what happens and whether it has had any impact one way or the other.
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Exposure to Another Plant
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac contain urushiol, an itch-inducing oily sap. Just a light brush against one of these plants can deposit the sap on a dogs skin, most commonly on the belly, and cause a rash. Your individual dog may be allergic to certain plants as well, so its handy to know whats growing where you most frequently go on walks or hikes so you can describe them to your vet.
Yeast infections in dogs are usually caused by the fungus Malassezia and can lead to a rash. These infections also make the skin stink, so youll probably know the cause when you smell it.
Bacterial infections on the skin are called pyoderma. The rashes caused by bacterial infections can make the skin dry, crusty, flaky, and quite itchy.
Insect bites are as annoying for dogs as they are for people. They commonly occur on the belly and can cause a rash and itchiness. A spritz with some dog-friendly bug spray can help combat pesky bug bites in the warmer months.
Health conditions in dogs that cause hormone imbalances can lead to rashes. For example, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) can change the skins quality. Cushings disease (overactive adrenal gland) can also cause your pup to get a rash.
Some dog breeds are more prone to developing rashes because of their genetics, including:
What Is Causing My Dog’s Skin Rash?- Dog Health Vet Advice
Contact dermatitis may be caused by an allergy, or it may simply mean that your pet has touched something that has irritated its skin, such as the sap in poison ivy, or salt on a road. It is difficult to distinguish one from the other because the symptoms usually appear the same. Allergic reactions require a previous, sensitizing experience with the irritant. The next contact with the irritant is when symptoms occur. Both dogs and cats can suffer from allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. It can occur at any age, and is a direct result of the irritating nature of the offending compound.
There is an increased risk of allergic reaction in German Shepherds, French Poodles, Wire-haired Fox Terriers, Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Golden Retrievers. Some dogs have reactive dermatitis from medications. An overall reaction, as from shampoo, is uncommon. If it seems to occur at certain seasons, it indicates that the offending source is a plant or outdoor compound.
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Dogs suffering from contact dermatitis will most likely suffer from rashes and/or bumps which occur on the skin that has come in contact with the ground (i.e., the chin, neck, chest, abdomen, groin, anal area, scrotum, tail, and between the toes). These rashes may stop abruptly at the hairline. Other common symptoms include itching, which is usually severe, and swelling.
Your veterinarians first task will be to find out what the offending irritant is. The symptoms cannot be treated until tests are completed, to avoid aggravating the condition. There are several ways to approach tracking down the triggers. One is to do what is called a patch test: the suspected substance is placed on a patch and taped to the skin for 48 hours. Any reaction is then assessed. The second is to remove the pet from the offending environment for a period of time and then return it to the environment, monitoring what happens and whether it has had any impact one way or the other.
Your veterinarian will also want to perform bacterial cultures. A clip of hair may be taken from a patch in an area that is not affected, applied to a sample of the suspected antigen, and observed for possible reaction. Skin biopsies are also sometimes required.
The most important, yet difficult thing to do is to remove your pet from the environment that brought on the condition. If the dermatitis resulted form an irritant and not an allergy, recovery will be quick once the irritant is identified. If the dermatitis is the result of an allergy, it may have developed over months or years. If your pet is exposed again, symptoms will be apparent from three to five days following exposure. The symptoms may persist for weeks. If the antigen can be identified and removed, your pet will probably be back to normal health after a few weeks. If you are unable to identify the allergen, there is a possibility that you will have to treat the symptoms with medications for the rest of your pet’s life.
Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox.