my dogs skin is red what do i need to do about it

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Like to people, allergies in dogs are managed and not cured. The dog'due south body is hypersensitive to something and the reaction to that hypersensitivity is itching. Dogs can be allergic to their nutrient, flea bites, grass and pollen in their environment, or direct contact with certain compounds like laundry soap or hay. The first step is to diagnose your canis familiaris's itching, scratching and chewing equally a skin allergy problem. The challenge for you and your veterinarian is figuring out the causes and finding an constructive treatment.

1. 1

   Pay attending to which parts of your dog's body are itchy. Is there a certain area on the body that is itchier than others? Does your pet lick his feet, under his tail or forth his belly?

   • The most common areas of irritation for allergic dogs are around the back and tail, the abdomen, and the legs and paws.

2. 2

   Await for hot spots on your canis familiaris'due south skin. Information technology tin be mutual that your dog'southward itching is so severe that he chews his skin to the point of creating a "hot spot". This skin lesion can develop overnight and tin can get very big very chop-chop. The skin is pink, moist, hot and painful. You may even see sticky material oozing from the wound created. These are infected open up wounds and need veterinary intervention to give your pet relief.

   • Chronic cases of itching might result in the thickening and roughening of the skin then that information technology looks like elephant hide.
   • Hot spots are often the symptom of allergies to fleas, foods, grass, mold or other environmental substances. At that place may exist more complicated underlying atmospheric condition such as low thyroid (hypothyroidism) levels or Cushing'due south affliction (hyperadrenocorticism). Secondary bacterial and yeast (malassezia) infections are non uncommon and will require particularly tailored treatment.^[one]

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3. 3

   Consider the timing. In that location might be a detail time of year that your dog is itchier. Possibly he is itchy after existence on the lawn or after eating a certain food. By noticing patterns, you will help to narrow the focus of your pet's handling to help with the itching.^[two]

4. 4

   Check on your dog'due south overall wellness. If your domestic dog has a really stiff body odor, seems excessively thirsty or does not seem as lively as usual, you lot should take your pet to the veterinarian. Your veterinary will need to practice blood tests and evaluate swabs from the skin surface to get more data to help define advisable handling.

5. 5

   Take notes when y'all notice the itching. Whenever you notice your dog itching, write down the circumstances, including where your dog has been, what he's been eating and what office of his torso is itchy. This will exist extremely useful for your veterinarian, who will rely on this information to narrow downward the possible causes for your pet's itching and skin lesions.

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1. 1

   Cheque for fleas. The almost mutual cause of itchy skin is fleas. They are about active in warm, humid weather (35°C or 95°F). You may see the fleas on your dog, or you may just notice your domestic dog biting or scratching their skin. Fleas are very quick and tin spring very high, so y'all will need to exist fast to spot them. Fleas are most likely to be establish in the armpit and groin area and are dark (almost blackness) with flat bodies.^[3]

   • Check your dog's ears for signs of scratching, redness, claret, or dirt. See if their belly, groin, or the base of their tail has red bumps.
   • 1 way to check for fleas is to stand your canis familiaris over a white surface, such as paper towels or pieces of paper, then comb their coat. Flea feces volition fall out when you rummage the domestic dog and it will exist more visible on the white newspaper.

2. 2

   Check for sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) is a parasitic mite infestation. Mites will normally live in areas of the peel that do not accept pilus such as the ear flaps, elbows or stomach. The dog may accept cerise, scaly skin in these areas.^[4] Sarcoptic mange can crusade meaning skin lesions and distress for the dog because the mite causes astringent itching.^[5]

   • Sarcoptic mange is contagious and tin be transmitted to people and other dogs very easily.
   • Your veterinarian can diagnose sarcoptic mange by collecting peel scrapings from your canis familiaris.

3. 3

   Check for cheyletiellosis, or walking dandruff. This is caused by the Cheyletiella mite that feeds on the top layer of skin. In addition to excessive scratching, the dog may have scaling on the peel, hair loss, dandruff, lesions on their back.^[6]

   • It is sometimes called "walking dandruff" because the mite pushes upward scales of skin as it travels, making information technology announced as though the scales are moving.
   • You might be able to run across the mite, which is yellowish.

4. 4

   Check for lice. Canis familiaris lice is different from human lice, then don't worry about infecting each other. Lice survive on either your canis familiaris's skin debris or their blood, depending on the species. You should be able to spot developed lice on your dog — they are yellowish or tan and about the size of a sesame seed. They can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff, but will not autumn off the dog if you lot shake the pilus.^[seven]

   • Other signs of lice include hair loss (specially around the cervix, ears, shoulder, groin, and anus); a rough, dry out, or matted coat; pocket-sized wounds or infections; tapeworms or other parasites that tin can be spread past lice; and even anemia in severe cases or in small dogs.

5. five

   Check for demodectic mange. Demodectic (red mange) is caused by small mites found naturally on most dogs. These mites do not generally crusade skin problems unless the domestic dog'due south allowed system is compromised. Demodex is most commonly seen in puppies, because their immune systems are withal developing. This mange is nearly noticeable around the eyes and rima oris. It tin be diagnosed by your veterinary collecting skin scrapings from your dog.^[8]

   • Demodectic mange is not very contagious and people cannot contract it. It is by and large passed on to nursing puppies by the mother.^[9]
   • A predisposition for this skin problem may be inherited. It is not uncommon for the puppies to accept Demodex if their parents as well had Demodex at some point in their lives.^[10]

6. vi

   Check for ringworm. Ringworm is not really a worm; rather, it is a mucus. It causes itching, small circular scabbing (about a centimeter in diameter), and hair loss (alopecia) in one or more areas on your pet. This typically starts on the face or paws. Ringworm is contagious and easily transmittable to humans (a zoonotic illness) and other pets. Your veterinarian will exist able to diagnose ringworm and advise you on the handling protocol, which volition require a fungicide.

   • Some pets with minor infections tin can be treated topically, whereas other animals will demand oral anti-fungal medication.
   • Treatment of ringworm will too include disinfecting your domicile. Information technology may take months to command.^[11]

7. seven

   Sympathize what should not be causing itchiness. Your canis familiaris may have a status that resembles a parasite or other condition that might mislead you in determining the cause of his itchiness. Alopecia and Cushing'due south disease are 2 possible conditions.

   • Alopecia, or hair loss, can be brought on by low thyroid (hypothyroid) conditions and is non typically itchy. Low-thyroid dogs tend to have more skin bug than normal-thyroid dogs.^[12]
   • Dogs with Cushing's affliction will potable a lot of water and desire to swallow all the time. You lot may observe that the dog's fur is thinner and has less undercoat. The dog's belly may even be nearly bald and the peel looks thinner too.

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1. 1

   Hash out possible treatments with your vet. Due to the variety of possible causes of this serious peel problem, at that place is a range of possible treatments that could be prescribed by your veterinarian.^[13] Unfortunately, antihistamines have a disappointing effect in dogs and almost require either curt courses of steroids, or one of the modern anti-itch medications now available such at Apoquel or Atopica. At that place are new products coming on the market all the fourth dimension.^{[xiv] [fifteen]}

   • Employ prescribed medication co-ordinate to your veterinary's instructions. Medication is used to command the itching and outset the healing process.

2. ii

   Use a flea control treatment. Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the about common causes of itching for dogs.^[xvi] Eliminating flea bites on the dog is frequently the first step to addressing your pet's itching even if you don't run across whatever fleas. Dogs can develop an allergic reaction to the flea saliva that causes the domestic dog to overreact with severe itching even if but 1 flea was involved.^[17]

   • Flea control for your domestic dog, all other pets in the household and the immediate environment must be implemented and continued on a monthly basis.

3. 3

   Treat your canis familiaris for parasitic mites. The treatment for each mite differs. Serious cases of generalized Demodex may take months of treatment, whereas scabies is typically handled within a few weeks.^{[eighteen] [nineteen]} Your vet will prescribe medication for the parasites.

   • Scabies can easily spread to other animals and humans. Steps must be taken to eradicate the infestation in the dog's entire environment equally well as on the canis familiaris and on whatever other pets that may be exposed to the infestation.^[twenty]

4. 4

   Try a prescription shampoo. Prescription shampoos are available from your veterinarian to manage itching besides equally treat yeast and bacterial infections. These products may be used in addition to oral medication.

   • Over-the-counter flea shampoos such as medicated or coal tar shampoo chance farther irritating open up skin wounds. Consult with your veterinary before trying any over-the-counter handling on your dog.
   • Bathing is good for itchy skin, but don't use human shampoo. A mild oatmeal-based shampoo specially formulated for dogs may temporarily subtract itching. If your dog'south skin is abraded or infected, exercise not use any shampoo or topical treatment without talking to your veterinarian. You may make the problem worse past using an inappropriate production.
   • Don't over-wash your dog. A bath once a month is all most healthy dogs actually need, and some dogs need even less frequent bathing. Bathing your dog removes oils from the pare. If your veterinary prescribes a special shampoo, she will discuss with you the recommended bathing frequency for your pet'southward condition.

5. 5

   Ask nearly the steroid Prednisone. The first pick for treatment for many moderate to severe cases of itching is the steroid, Prednisone, for the temporary relief of the itching. Decreasing the crawling and making the dog more comfortable gives the peel a take a chance to heal.

   • Steroids practise have side furnishings and need to exist used advisedly. Long-term utilize can pb to liver or adrenal gland problems.^{[21] [22]}

6. 6

   Ask about an antihistamine. An antihistamine medication may besides be used to quell an allergic reaction.^[23] At that place are many antihistamines available to attempt, and your veterinarian tin can recommend over-the-counter options as well equally prescription ones.

   • No single product works for every domestic dog, so an "antihistamine trial" will demand to be started to find out which medication helps your pet the most.
   • Be aware that antihistamines may not help the super itchy domestic dog, but they are often used after steroids have taken intendance of the initial problem so that you go on to manage the allergy symptoms.

7. 7

   Try an antibody. Your vet may utilise an antibiotic in combination with an anti-itch medication. This is because a secondary bacterial infection is common when the skin is damaged because of scratching.

8. viii

   Talk to your veterinarian nigh allergy testing. Y'all tin get a blood test or a pare test for your canis familiaris to help narrow down which pollens, trees, grasses, insects or molds trigger your pet's allergies.^[24] Food allergies are best determined through nutrient elimination trials.^{[25] [26]}

   • Immunotherapy injections may exist suggested past your veterinarian if allergies are causing your dog's itchiness.

9. nine

   Ask about a veterinarian dermatologist. If your dog is experiencing an extended bout of itching and scratching to the bespeak of dissentious his pare, talk to your vet to get a recommendation for a veterinary dermatologist. This person will specialize in peel ailments.

10. 10

    Avoid over-the-counter itch relief remedies. Over-the-counter remedies such as medicated or coal tar shampoos, tea-tree and emu oil, and aloe vera are all function of a terminal ditch approach that owners will often try in the hopes that something will work. Consult with your veterinarian before trying any over-the-counter treatment on your dog.

    • Home remedies such as turpentine, petroleum jelly, mouthwash or vinegar should also exist avoided. Even so, benign topical treatments such as light-green tea rinses and coconut oil may exist effective for balmy cases of dry out skin with no signs of infection.
    • Your efforts to aid your pet may outcome in making the problem worse for both yous and your pet.

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1. i

   Evaluate your dog'due south current diet. Improving your domestic dog's overall diet will aid their general health whether or not your dog is allergic to food.

   • If you feed candy foods, await at the ingredient listing on your dog'south nutrient. Cheque to make certain that protein is the first ingredient, not a carbohydrate. Essential fatty acids are proficient for healthy skin and glaze and should be included on the ingredient list.^{[27] [28]}

2. 2

   Try giving fatty acid supplements. Fatty acrid supplements such as fish oil, coconut oil or flaxseed oil are helpful with allergic skin disease cases. These are best fed in their pure course (fresh or tinned fish, freshly footing flax seeds), just are besides available equally capsules or liquids.^{[29] [30]}

   • Follow the product directions or your veterinarian'southward instructions for dosage information.

3. three

   Inquire your vet nigh a food elimination trial. If a food allergy is suspected, your veterinarian may suggest a food elimination trial with a completely new and different diet for your pet. This new nutrition will need to consist of ingredients your dog has never eaten before.

   • For case, if your pet has been eating lamb and rice dog food with treats fabricated of beef and wheat, the new diet cannot incorporate whatsoever of those ingredients.
   • The food elimination trial volition typically last for 2-iii months.
   • Y'all need to adhere to the strict diet (including treats) in order to get the best information from your experiment.
   • Information technology may take a few rounds of this food elimination diet to determine which foods your dog is sensitive to.
   • You may be able to become your dog's food at a pet shop, only often a special diet from your veterinary may be needed to manage a pet'due south nutrient allergy.^[31]
   • Once a diet has been plant, then y'all tin start challenging the body with small amounts of one ingredient at a time to see if your domestic dog starts itching again later on introducing the additional ingredient.

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• Question

  My domestic dog scratches all the fourth dimension and his peel has turned very dark. What can I exercise?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion beast practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same creature dispensary in her hometown for over twenty years.

  

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  The abiding trauma from scratching has caused the skin to become darker and thickened. This creates a brutal circumvolve, considering the skin'southward ability to fight infection is reduced, making secondary problems with itchy yeast or bacteria more probable. It'south of import to identify the crusade of the original itch (parasites or allergy) and correct this, along with using antibiotics or antifungals (every bit appropriate) to right the secondary issues. A vet is the best choice to help your dog recover.

• Question

  My dog scratches and has tiny black dots in his coat. What is the problem?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of feel in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinarian medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animate being clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

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  If those tiny blackness dots may well exist flea dirt (flea excrement). To check this out, identify some of the dots onto a piece of damp cotton fiber wool. Flea dirt in contact with moisture develops an orangish halo around it, which is due to reconstituted dried blood.

• Question

  I've flea treated my dog but he is all the same itching — what could this be?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinary with over thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practise. She graduated from the Academy of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same fauna clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

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  There could be many possible explanations. Firstly, make sure yous used a prescription product and it was practical correctly. Reapply at the interval stated on the packaging. As well, treat the other pets in the home equally they can be a reservoir for fleas. You may also need to care for the environment to eliminate flea eggs and larvae. Alternatively, you domestic dog may be itchy considering of a different parasite such every bit mange mites, or he may accept allergy issues making him scratch.

• Question

  My dog had a blood examination and now he's constantly licking where the fur was clipped. The skin looks infected, what treatment can I requite him?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over xxx years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion creature do. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinarian medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same creature clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

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  "Clipper rash" or irritation when the hair is clipped is a mutual trouble. If he's licked then much the peel is infected, it'southward best to phone your vet and let them know, as they will almost probable exist able to dispense an antibiotic foam without seeing the dog. In the meantime bathe the area with weak table salt water and end the domestic dog licking.

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• Some breeds of dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Cocker Spaniels, seem to be predisposed to allergies. All the same, any dog, even a mixed breed dog, tin develop allergies at whatever fourth dimension in his life.^[32]

• Don't shave your canis familiaris's fur all the way down to the skin. Focal clipping to remove fur over infected areas will assistance the pare in that specific area, only unless recommended past your veterinarian, avoid shaving the whole canis familiaris. In some cases, shaving even a healthy canis familiaris's fur may outcome in fur that grows dorsum in a different color or does not grow dorsum at all.^[33]

• No unmarried medication or handling is appropriate or effective for every pet. It may take yous more one handling to resolve the problem.

• Exist aware that you lot'll ofttimes be treating and managing the symptoms of itching rather than the cause. Information technology takes time and observation to identify the triggers for your pet's itching.

• Practise not endeavour to use human skincare products on any animal. Always employ something formulated specifically for their species, size, and if relevant, age and weight.

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• Ever introduce changes to a canis familiaris'due south nutrition slowly and gradually. Only make one change at a time and outset with small doses.

• Steroids and antibiotics are needed to manage many severe cases of allergic peel disease at the beginning of treatment. There are side effects to whatever medication and these should be discussed with your veterinarian when kickoff treatment and in the event the medication regimen should be extended.

• Recall, allergies are managed, not cured, and new allergies tin can develop over the life of your dog. It can be very frustrating and uncomfortable for both of you at times, merely understanding the nature of the disease is important for your pet's health and happiness.

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Commodity Summary X

To diagnose and treat your dog's itchy skin issues, stand them over a white surface and comb their fur to run into if whatsoever fleas bound out. If you don't find fleas, check your domestic dog'due south ears, elbows, and stomach for small mites, which can besides cause itching. To treat the itching, take your dog to the vet and ask about prescription shampoos and medications. In improver to treating the itching, yous'll want to work with your vet to address the underlying cause. To larn how to treat your dog'due south itchy skin problems by changing its diet, scroll downwardly!

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