Dogs can suffer from a variety of conditions that cause skin irritation. Fortunately, most of these conditions are not serious and are treatable with non-prescription or prescription medications. Veterinary-approved topical anti-itch creams and sprays and oral antihistamines treat mild allergic reactions, while antiseptic or anti-fungal sprays and shampoos treat other skin problems. The right remedy for your dog depends largely upon what kind of skin condition she is suffering from--when in doubt, always ask your veterinarian.
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Features
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Allergic reactions to grass or fleas often cause areas of inflamed, reddened skin. Other conditions, such as ringworm (a fungus) or mange (caused by mites) usually cause hair loss and sometimes sores on dogs. Bacteria, yeast or allergies can also cause moist sores called hot spots. Your vet can help determine the cause so that you can give your dog the right treatment.
Remedies
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Topical sprays and creams may be the first remedies that come to mind for skin irritation. However, for some skin conditions your veterinarian may recommend oral antihistamines or a steroid injection, either alone or in conjunction with topical treatments. In addition, if your dog's skin problem is due to bacterial infection (which can arise alone or as a secondary infection to other problems) antibacterial sprays and ointments, available at most pet supply stores, may help (along with oral antibiotics). Topical cortisone sprays or creams, or antihistamine topicals (also available at most pet supply stores) relieve the itch and swelling of allergic reactions. However, if mange mites or fleas are the original cause of skin irritation, these will need to be eliminated, through topical flea or mite treatments, before other treatments.
Time Frame
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For simple allergic reactions, you should see positive results from topical medicines within just a day or so. Weepy hot spots sometimes take a while to clear up due to bacterial infections. One course of antibiotics takes usually one week to 10 days to complete. If skin is still showing delayed healing, your veterinarian may prescribe another course or a different kind of antibiotic. Few remedies will clear up skin irritation in fewer than a couple of days. Your dog's itching, however, may be relieved in minutes, with itch-relieving sprays and creams.
Warnings
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Secondary bacterial infections (usually caused by scratching) are very common. Your dog will probably need antibiotics along with other treatments. Unless your veterinarian states otherwise, complete the entire regimen of antibiotics even after your dog's skin shows improvement. Prematurely stopping antibiotics may allow a relapse of the skin condition, and may help create dangerous, drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
Irritated skin, though usually caused by something easily treated, can also be a symptom of underlying disease (thyroid disease, for example) or nutritional problems.
Considerations
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Dogs that suffer from grass allergy or other plant/pollen allergies may benefit from frequent baths (using hypoallergenic shampoo) to remove allergens from their fur. In addition, frequent brushing removes debris and loose fur, as well as stimulates healthier skin and coat.
Adding essential fatty acid supplements (formulated for dogs) to your dog's diet may also help improve some skin conditions.
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