Dog skin disorders cause itching, flaking, raw patches of skin and hair loss, among other things. Treating the itching or sore skin may help the dog in the short term, but discovering the cause of the problem and treating it helps heal the skin and make the dog feel better. Skin disorders affecting dogs include fleas, allergies, skin infections, ticks, lice and mange, according to the Dog Breed Info Center.
Things You'll Need
- Flea Shampoo
- Anti-parasite medication
- Antibiotics
- Epsom salts
- Baking soda
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Marine oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Antihistamine
- Flea, tick and heartworm preventative medication
Instructions
Take your dog to the vet for an examination and tests. Tell your vet any important information such as the amount of time the dog has had the problem and whether the problem has gotten worse.
Follow any treatment advice the vet may give you. Flea infestations may require flea shampoos. Determine the cause of a food allergy by feeding a prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet for 12 weeks and then adding regular food one ingredient at a time, as recommended by the ASPCA. Anti-parasite medication helps cure mange in a dog, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. Antibiotics help clear up skin infections.
Bathe the dog in cool water to relieve the itching. Mix in skin soothing products such as Epsom salts, baking soda or colloidal oatmeal. Pat the dog dry with a towel, as rubbing makes the itch worse.
Add fatty acid supplements such as marine oil or evening primrose oil to your dog's diet for long-term skin disorders such as allergies.
Give your dog antihistamine medication such as clemastine, chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine to relieve intense itching caused by insect bites or allergies.