Rash decision: how to help your dog avoid skin irritants
If your dog is scratching without relief, chances are there’s a skin problem that’s not going to disappear on its own. Like humans, your dog’s skin is an important barrier between the outside world and the body’s organs. Also like humans, your dog’s skin can be sensitive and prone to irritation by forces both internal and external. You’ll see the signs: redness, raised bumps, hives or even blisters.
The good news is that treating the rash can be a simple and pain-free process – for you and your pet. And once cared for, there are plenty of grooming practices you can put in place to reduce the risk of the rash returning.
What are the different causes of a dog’s rash?
A dog’s rash can be caused by everything from environmental irritants (heat, poison ivy, other plants) to allergies, parasites and skin infections.
Genetics, inflammatory conditions and hormone imbalances can also cause dog rash, and if you suspect any of these – or can’t identify the cause of the rash – you should seek veterinary advice immediately.
What is dog heat rash?
Temperatures can soar across Australia during the summer months, and while all dogs feel the heat, some are more susceptible to heat rash than others, in particular overweight dogs and those with large wrinkles of skin.
While heat rash can present like a number of other common rashes, symptoms to look out for include tender and red skin (usually in skin folds and on the belly), scabs and sores, continuous licking and scratching, itchy and irritated skin, and small pimples in a concentrated area.
How can I treat the irritation?
If the heat rash is minor, you can ease irritation by cooling down the area impacted. Apply a cold compress or a bag of ice to the rash (make sure there’s a towel in between the skin and the ice) for around 10 minutes, to reduce the sting. Aloe vera is also cooling and healing, and when applied in gel form can give immediate relief.
How can I avoid my dog getting it?
Simple – keep your dog cool and hydrated. Dogs naturally have a higher body temperature than humans, plus they’re walking around all day with a fur coat on. It’s not surprising they overheat quickly.
To avoid heat rash:
- limit the amount of time your dog spends in the sun, particularly over summer
- walk your dog in the shade or during the coolest part of the day
- splash your dog with water
- make sure water bowls are full
- if you notice panting and fatigue, bring your dog inside to a cool, dry place
What is dog allergy rash, and how can I treat it?
Just like us, dogs can suffer from all manner of
allergies – some of which present their symptoms in the form of a rash. The most common allergies are:
Flea allergy dermatitis
This common skin disease can be brought on from having just one or two fleas on the skin. In this case, prevention is the best treatment: make sure your pet is up-to-date with flea treatments. If you do notice a reaction (usually open, oozing sores), your vet may recommend an aggressive spot-on flea treatment as well as antibiotics or topical creams.
Atopic dermatitis
This is a hypersensitive reaction to indoor and environmental allergens, from pollens and dust mites to mould spores. You’ll usually see it flare up in warm, moist parts of your dog’s body, like the groin or around the eyes. Again, prevention is the best way to make sure your pooch avoids these rashes – remove allergens from the environment, or change environments.
To treat atopic dermatitis, long-term management is needed. There are three main strategies to do this:
- 1. Remove the allergens from the skin
- 2. Manage the infection and inflammation
- 3. Repair the skin barrier
Regular shampooing with mild medicated or soothing shampoos such as PAW Mediderm Medicated Shampoo or PAW NutriDerm® Replenishing Shampoo, can help to treat any discomfort. In addition, the skin can be moisturised using rich conditioners containing ceramides such as PAW NutriDerm® Replenishing Conditioner.