Dog Skin Rash Treatment

A dog skin rash is a sign of ill health and imbalance. Dogs can become afflicted with different kinds of skin rashes including papulonodular dermatosis, ringworm and mange. There are several ways to treat skin rashes in dogs including Dermasil for pet mange. A dog skin rash may also respond well to supplementing the diet omega-3 fatty acids, overall dietary changes or giving corticosteroids.

Papulonodular Dermatosis

There are a cluster of skin conditions in which solid, bump-like lesions form on the dog's skin. The lesions contain inflammatory cells and other fluids. The skin develops nodules that are located in the deeper layers of skin and smaller bumps that form on the outer layers of the skin. This condition may be caused by a pre-existing skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed. Bacterial or fungal infections, parasites or skin that is exposed to allergens may also be at fault. Symptoms include crustiness on the skin, abnormal skin color and redness or hair loss.

The primary way to diagnose papulonodular dermatosis is by visually identifying the changes in the skin. To determine the underlying cause, the vet can perform several tests including skin biopsies, fungus and bacteria tests, and blood or urine tests. The treatment must address the underlying cause and thus may require dietary adjustments, anti-fungal medications or antibiotics.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common skin disease caused by excessive fungus on the skin. Even a clean and well cared-for dog can get ringworm which manifests as round areas of scaling and redness as well as excessive scratching of the skin. Ringworm is highly contagious and can pass from one species to another including from animal to human. You may notice hair loss and red and raised scaly patches that may ooze and blister and have well-defined areas on the skin. Ringworm can lie dormant in the body for up to a year so it's important to stick to treatment regimes religiously to avoid re-infection if at all possible.

Mange

When a dog has mange, she is very itchy and uncomfortable, but fortunately, there are some very effective treatments. Mange is caused when mites burrow below the skin and lay eggs. The dog develops an allergic response in the form of a rash and the scratching of the skin, a secondary infection may develop from the scratches themselves. The mites that cause mange tend to gravitate toward hairless skin such as on the ear flaps, abdomen and ear flaps.

Dermasil and Other Treatments

Many canine skin conditions can be addressed with simple treatments. Dermasil is a topical product that kills the mange mites on contact. If you intervene early on in the disease, Dermasil can take care of mange especially if used in conjunction with special shampoos and vitamins that support the immune system. There are also Dermasil products for ringworm. A vet can prescribe medicines that contain a combination of cortisone and steroids to help treat skin conditions. Other powders that contain antihistamines can be quite helpful on contact.

Dietary Changes and Supplements

Dietary changes make a huge difference in most skin conditions. Reducing corn, wheat, and soy and feeding whole foods in their natural state can help a dog's system be less prone to skin problems. Some dogs respond well to a small slice of cooked yams added to their foods. Adding omega-3 fatty acids to food is often another simple way to prevent and treat skin disorders and inflammation.

 

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