Rashes can be an uncomfortable experience for dogs. Because rashes are usually accompanied by constant itching, your dog can become obsessive about biting and scratching his rash. There are a number of ways to treat dog rashes, both medicinal and natural. The treatment you choose for your dog's rash will depend on the type of rash, the intensity of the rash and your preferences.
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Diagnosing the Rash
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Before deciding what treatment a dog needs, you must diagnose the type of rash the dog has. Hot spots, for example, are usually round in shape, swollen and itchy. Some rashes will itch more than others. Some rashes can also cause the dog to lose hair.
Dog rashes are normally caused by either allergies or parasites. Your dog could even be allergic to the food you are feeding him, which is common with low-quality foods. Dogs can develop environmental allergies, too, such as to fertilizers or pollutants in the air. Parasites like fleas, ticks or worms can also cause a rash on your dog's skin.
To determine what is causing your dog's rash and the type of rash he has, visit your pet's veterinarian.
Treating the Rash
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The regular treatment for rashes like hot spots is a topical spray, which can be purchased from your vet's office or some pet supply stores. Hydrocortisone creams may be used to treat itching. Other types of rashes may require oral medication. Most vets require an examination of the dog's rash before prescribing any medication.
Aloe vera gels and lotions can soothe dog rashes. A paste of baking soda and water can be applied to a dog's rash to curb itching. Milk of magnesia also soothes dry, itchy skin and helps it heal. You can apply a small amount to a piece of cotton wool and gently rub it over the dog's rash. This should help dull the itch as well as heal it.
Both green tea and chamomile tea have healing properties, as well. Soak a tea bag in a small amount of hot water for 20 minutes, then dip a clean cloth in the tea and dab it on the dog's rash.
Quick Healing
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A rash will heal more quickly if the dog does not lick, scratch or bite it, which can keep the wound fresh and discourage healing. If your dog will not leave his rash alone, try putting a muzzle on him so he cannot get to it.
Alternatively, fit him with a conical collar known as an Elizabethan collar (or E-collar). This collar fits around the dog's neck, coming out around his head in a cone shape, which prevents him from reaching the rash with his mouth. You can make your own E-collar by cutting a hole in the bottom of a light plastic bucket and sliding it over your dog's head, then securing it to his collar. Make sure you sand around the cut plastic to prevent it from hurting your dog.
Prevention
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You can prevent dog rashes from coming back or from occurring in the first place. If the rash is caused by food allergies, switch him to a better food as recommended by your vet. Keep him away from any environmental factors that might be causing his allergies.
If the rash is caused by parasites, start your dog on a monthly flea, tick and heartworm medication, available from your vet. Not only will this prevent future rashes from occurring, it will protect your dog from the deadly heartworm virus.
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