Rash ointment may be recommended when your dog develops a skin reaction to various factors. Skin rashes may be caused by the presence of parasites, skin infections, allergic reactions or other underlying conditions. The ointments may have various contents such as corticosteroids or antibiotics and what you need to use depends on the cause of the rashes.
Causes of Rashes in Dogs
Skin rashes on dogs may occur due to various causes such as:
- The contact with a material such as plastic or metals
- The presence of pollens, dust mites, chemicals which penetrate the skin and may cause irritation
- Various food items that are not tolerated by the dog’s system
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
- Sun exposure
- Skin infections (fungal, bacterial, viral)
- Fleas and other external parasites
In some cases, the rash may be idiopathic, so there will be no reason detected.
Types of Rash Ointments
The skin rashes may often be treated with ointments used alone or in conjunction with other oral medication.
The rash ointments may be of several types, depending on the composition:
- Antibiotic ointments
- Insecticides
- Fungicide ointments
- Cortisone ointments
Recommendations for Use of Rash Ointments
The rash ointments can be used on the skin and you can opt for over the counter solutions if you have a clear diagnosis.
The ointments can be used as following:
- Antibiotic ointments for skin infections caused by bacteria or viruses
- Ointments that contain insecticides if the rash is caused by fleas or mites
- Fungicide ointments, for rashes due to a fungal infection
- Cortisone ointments for allergic reactions, dogs with fleas and idiopathic rashes
The ointments can be applied generously on the affected areas, twice per day. The ointment can be massaged into the dog’s skin, using circular moves. If the ointment is greasy, make sure the dog won’t get in contact with carpets or the couch before the cream is fully absorbed by the skin. You can also opt for non greasy formulas that will be absorbed instantly by the skin.
Side Effects of Rash Ointments
Rash ointments are used without many side effects, but some dogs may be allergic to the substances in the ointments and have a negative reaction. In this case, you need to discontinue the treatment and consult a vet. Allergy testing will be performed with all the compounds of the ointment and an alternative treatment may be recommended.
Contraindications of Rash Ointments for Dogs
While the rash ointments may be used in most instances without many contraindications or negative reactions, there are some cases when the ointments should be avoided:
- If the dog has open wounds, the ointments shouldn’t be applied, as the wound can get infected
- If you are unsure about the nature of the rash
- If the dog seems to develop a more severe allergic to the ointment.
Consult your vet whenever your dog develops a rash that is persistent.