There are several ways to treat a dog rash. It's good to start with a special bath to remove the irritant. Then there are topical treatments to help soothe the skin and treat the rash. Dietary changes can help treat as well as prevent a dog rash. There are also medications your vet can give that can give your dog immediate relief.
Removing the Irritant
Giving your dog a good bath can help immediately improve a dog rash. It's good to use a shampoo that will be soothing. Some shampoos contain oatmeal which helps soothe the skin. Tea tree will also soothe the skin and help with flakes and dryness. Vitamin E helps restore balance in the skin. Salicylic acid, aloe vera, kiwi and papaya can help with redness and can immediately soothe the skin.
It's also important to use a bathing tool with raised plastic teeth or a rough surfaced bathing glove. If you scrub against the grain of the hair, you'll get deep into the skin and remove all the dead hair that is likely to be exacerbating the irritation.
Remoisturizing the Skin
Shampooing the skin dries out the skin as it removes the irritant. If you follow up with conditioner, you put some of that moisture back into the skin and also add more soothing and treating ingredients. The best conditioners for rash treatment include shea butter, wheat protein, allantoin and calendula. With added omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin A, malic acid and yucca can help give relief for hot spots and other rashes.
Powders that Heal
Several types of powder can greatly improve a dog rash. Your vet may prescribe a powder that contains an antihistamine or a benadryl type substance. These types of powders soothe the inflammation associated with a dog rash. Dogs often will immediately stop itching and biting at the skin when the powder is applied. Another powder that works really well is a powder containing billions of friendly, probiotic bacteria. You can find such a powder in the refrigerated section of a health store. If you apply a pinch of the powder to the red area and rub it in, the friendly bacteria will feed on the bad bacteria causing the irritation.
Other Topical Treatments
Vitamin E oil and other sprays can help soothe a dog rash. If you think the rash is due to fleas or chewing lice, you can find a spray that addresses these issues.
Dietary Changes and Supplements
A dog rash is often a sign of a digestive issue or dietary imbalance. Adding a few drops of grapefruit seed extract can help your dog's immune system and which often helps a skin issue. Switching to a more natural diet will also help your dog's allergies and rashes decrease.