Skin Rash in Dogs

A skin rash can be painful, itchy and very uncomfortable.  Many skin conditions can quickly progress. The most common reason for skin rashes in dogs is allergies. Allergies may be caused by your dog’s diet, by the environment (air-borne) and by parasites. A few flea bites on a dog that is allergic to flea saliva can trigger itching and scratching for weeks.  A flea bite allergy is also known as flea allergy dermatitis.

The most common food allergies in dogs are beef, dairy, chicken, corn, wheat, soy and yeast. A dog with a skin rash may also be reacting due to an allergy to the preservatives, dyes and fillers in his diet. Any dog can develop allergies. There are some breeds that are more prone to develop food and airborne allergies such as the Maltese, German Shepherd, Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, American Hairless Terrier, Lhasa Apso, American Pit Bull Terrier, Golden Retriever and the English Bulldog.

Parasites not only cause skin rashes, they can rob your dog of nutrients. A heavy infestation of fleas, mites and ticks can also cause your dog to become anemic.

Dogs that have a skin rash should be seen by a veterinarian.  The veterinarian will be able to diagnose and treat the underlying reason for the skin rash.

Skin conditions are a very common health problem in dogs.   A skin rash in dogs can be caused by an underlying condition such as allergies, heat, bacterial infections and parasites.

Symptoms may include:

• Pimple-like pustules on the skin
• Hair loss
• Ulcerated skin
• Bleeding
• Red and inflamed skin
• Swelling
• Sneezing
• Itchiness
• Skin flaking
• Weeping skin
• Constant licking, biting and chewing
• Scabs and crusty skin
• Strong bad odor
• Depression
• Secondary skin infection

Skin rashes in dogs may be caused by:

• Parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites can cause skin rashes in dogs; many dogs are allergic to the saliva of fleas 
• Ticks not only irritate the dog’s skin, they can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; ticks can also transmit these diseases to humans
• The mite Demodex canis is the cause of demodex mange; demodex canis lives on the dog’s hair follicles
• Sarcoptic canine mange is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite burrowing into the dog’s skin. 
• Food allergies are responsible for 20% of itching in dogs
• Environmental allergies such as grass, dust, mold, second hand smoke, insecticides and cleaning chemicals can cause your pet to itch and develop a rash
• Heat rash is caused by the combination of the staphylococcus bacteria and hot, humid weather; dogs with a thick coat are more susceptible to heat rashes
• Hot spots are also referred to as acute moist dermatitis. Hot spots can spread rapidly and a secondary staph infection can cause the skin to have open sores with pus

Mange is usually treated with dips and medicated shampoo.  Fleas and ticks are treated with a topical product and followed by regular application moving forward, of a parasite preventative medication. If your dog was diagnosed with parasites, the home and yard may need to be professionally fumigated.  Your dog’s bedding and toys should be washed in hot water.  

Dogs diagnosed with food allergies may need to have a dietary elimination trial.  An elimination diet, under the guidance of your veterinarian, can help determine what foods your dog is allergic to. Once a food sensitivity is identified, the rash caused by the reaction should begin to clear. Ointments to soothe the skin can be prescribed.

The veterinarian may recommend you take your dog to a veterinary allergy specialist.  The allergist may recommend blood allergy testing and intradermal allergy testing to narrow down the environmental allergens.  In some cases, daily allergy shots can eliminate the reaction.

Heat rashes may be treated with calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Dogs with hot spots may be prescribed antibiotics and a short course of corticosteroids. The hair around hot spots must be clipped away and topical medications will be prescribed.

Dogs with skin rashes may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications. If the dog has a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. The veterinarian could suggest Benadryl to help stop the itching.