The skin and coat of a dog is a very reliable indicator of general health and well being. A dull, brittle coat and discolored or dry skin indicate that a dog is in poor health. Poor coat and skin may indicate malnutrition, immune system weakness or something more serious such as cancer. There are many causes for a dog to have a skin rash, which can be a simple local irritation or an underlying condition.
-
Parasites
-
An infestation of fleas or mites are both likely to cause a rash on your dog’s skin. If your dog is allergic to fleas, it is even more likely that a rash will materialize. Comprised of red pimples, a skin rash caused by fleas will be extremely itchy and may become infected if the dog scratches at it. Mites burrow under the host’s skin and release a toxin, which results in an area of red, sore skin. If left untreated, a mite infestation can cause fur loss and infection. Fortunately, both types of parasitic infection can be treated easily by your vet.
Allergy
-
Food allergy and reaction to environmental irritants such as pesticides, air freshener or perfume can result in a skin rash, typically in the form of hives. In the case of food allergy, you can carry out an elimination diet to identify the offending food stuff. Remove any newly introduced products, such as detergent, from the household environment and do a deep clean of materials that you dog comes in to contact with.
Dematitis
-
Dermatitis is a general term for common skin infections and rashes. Typically these common skin infections are not serious and do not develop beyond beyond a temporary irritation. Just like in humans, dogs can become run down or tired and therefore more susceptible to react to otherwise harmless environmental irritants such as pollen or mold.
Fungal Infection
-
Fungal infections such as ringworm are caused by fungal spores that live in your dog’s environment. Ringworm is a common type of fungal infection, typically presented as a circular red rash with a pale center. Whilst these spores are ever present, the canine immune system is normally strong enough to repel them. However, if your dog is unwell or has diminished immune function due to poor diet, he or she may be more prone to fungal infection. Keeping your dog’s environment clean is the best prevention.
Contact Irritation
-
A tight fitting collar can cause irritation and may result in a skin rash. Some dogs are sensitive to friction against their skin. If a collar or leash is causing friction the skin may become sore and develop a rash.
Hot Spots
-
Hot spots occur when an area of the skin becomes over run with a bacteria. This usually occurs in dogs with a heavy coat, especially if they live in a home that is poorly ventilated. Dogs that are sedentary and spend a lot of time laying about may develop hot spots on their abdomen due to the excessive contact with either a bed or the floor. If left to persist, hot spots can develop into sores and can become infected.
-