Irritated, itchy skin may prompt dogs to scratch, lick, and chew themselves to the point of skin injury. These symptoms are often caused by parasites, infections, or allergies that have the potential to make your dog miserable and leave you wondering what's going on and how you can help.
Soothing shampoos (aloe or oatmeal based). Wiping off your dog's paws and belly after a walk, to remove pollen and other potential allergens. Hydrocortisone cream is usually okay to apply for a few days directly on the rash. Just be sure your dog doesn't lick and ingest it (an Elizabethan collar can help).
The most common reason for skin rashes in dogs is allergies. Allergies may be caused by your dog's diet, by the environment and by parasites. A few flea bites on a dog that is allergic to flea saliva can trigger itching and scratching for weeks. A flea bite allergy is also known as 'flea allergy dermatitis'.
A lick granuloma, also known as acral lick dermatitis, occurs when a dog obsessively licks at an area, often on a lower limb, most commonly the wrist or carpal joint of the front limb. These dogs find a spot to lick and start a cycle of self-trauma, inflammation, and infection.
Allergies. Like humans, allergic reactions in dogs can lead to itchy skin. If your dog is scratching compulsively, allergies to food, mold, or pollen may be the underlying cause of pruritus (itchiness). Exposure to pesticides and harsh soaps or shampoos can also trigger skin irritations.
Licking Harms More Than It Helps
Licking might offer some protection against certain bacteria, but there are serious drawbacks to letting your dog lick wounds. Excessive licking can lead to irritation, paving the way for hot spots, infections, and potential self-mutilation.
See your veterinarian at the first sign of discomfort.
If your pet is licking, pawing, scratching, or biting himself, take him to the vet. Early intervention is often the key to successful treatment.
Here's how to know you might have an infection: “If a dog licks your face and the skin there becomes red and inflamed within minutes, that's a good indication that you have an allergy," she explains. "Dog saliva contains glycoprotein, a substance that triggers the body's defense mechanism in some people.
Most of the time red and itchy skin in dogs is caused by allergies. However, external parasites like fleas and mites can also cause excessive scratching in dogs, and skin infections or dermatitis can occasionally be the cause as well.
You can use hydrocortisone cream on your dog in most cases. Like in people, it helps treat mild rashes, itchy skin, and bug bites in canines, too. But there are a few things you should know before using it, including how to safely apply it, why it's not a long-term solution, and when to avoid using it.
According to WebMD, intestinal parasites like hookworm, roundworm and giardia can be passed from dog to human through licking and kissing, as can ringworm, a fungal skin infection. Salmonella bacteria which causes food poisoning, can also be passed from your dog to you, and vice versa.
Treatment options for a dog saliva allergy may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergy shots, and avoiding contact with dogs or dog saliva.
Rashes on a dog's belly may look alarming and uncomfortable, but they are quite common. These dog belly rash bumps and redness you see can have a variety of causes, from a simple bacterial skin infection to a more serious underlying condition, such as Cushing's disease.
Mites are tiny spider-like creatures that can typically only be seen with a microscope, but sometimes they may be visible as tiny orange, black or white dots moving on your dog's skin.
The itching is probably caused by sensitivity to the mites' droppings. Initially, infested skin will erupt with small, solid bumps. Because the dog scratches or bites itself to relieve the itch, these bumps and the surrounding skin are often damaged, causing thick, crusted sores.
There are a few possible home remedies for treating mange. From bathing to spot cleaning or food additives, mange might be handled at home, although if any of the remedies are not working, then seeing your veterinarian is best. An apple cider vinegar bath can help get rid of the mange mites.
Coconut Oil
It also can reduce allergic reactions. You can apply coconut oil directly to your dog's coat, dry, cracked pads, cuts and sores. Dym likes to add a little coconut oil to food. Add coconut oil slowly to your pet's diet, about a quarter teaspoon per every 10 pounds of body weight.
Hill's Science Diet Dog Food for Sensitive Skin
Instead, it contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your pup's overall health. Hill's Science Diet dog food for sensitive skin is a great option for dogs with itchy skin as it contains omega-fatty acids to help soothe and nourish the skin.
Hydrocortisone creams can be used topically on your dog in small amounts for itchy skin. But, never in areas where your dog can lick the cream away because it's toxic. Tip: Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking until the area has healed.
Sudocrem. This can be used in dogs and cats in small amounts. Sudocrem contains zinc-oxide which is highly toxic to birds. Zinc-oxide is also toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities, but applying a thin layer of sudocrem to sore or irritated skin is generally safe and can be beneficial.
Urticaria is commonly caused by an allergic reaction. These swollen welts can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, and ears. The individual welts can vary in size from about 5 mm (1/4 inch) to several cm in diameter, and if there are a large number of welts, they can blend together.