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There can be a variety of reasons for dog skin problems. It is best to take your pet to the veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause of the issue. The vet will take a look at the following possibilities before deciding on a treatment, they include the breed of the dog, their age, how long they have had the condition, their diet, the time of year and the location of the problem on their body. Some dogs have allergies to certain ingredients in their dog food, others can have seasonal allergies. If the dog is not too old the problem could be genetic. Take a look at the size and the shape of the irritation as well as how far it has spread and let the vet know what was discovered. If it is not widespread it could be a fungal or a bacterial problem in just that one spot. If the hair is dull it could be a hormonal disease. If the hair or skin changes color it could be an abnormal growth. It could be a tumor if there is a lump. Some dogs are allergic to fleas and will develop a rash when bitten. The best bet is to have the dog tested to see if there is an infection present, as soon as the results come back a treatment plan can be started. Antibiotics are prescribed when the test comes back positive for a bacterial infection. These infections are usually caused by hormones or allergies. Antibiotics are usually administered for 3 to 12 weeks depending on the condition. An allergy reaction can cause itchy skin, allergy shots can be used in this case. Some dogs are allergic to pollen. Antihistamines may also be needed, but they can cause drowsiness. If the sebaceous glands become blocked they can cause a condition known as seborrhea. This will show as oily hair and dry skin. Some dog breeds have a genetic disposition to this condition. Hormones, parasites and allergies can also be the cause. To treat this condition, the root cause will need to be treated and natural products can be used to cleanse the coat and make it stronger and well as products to improve the immune system. Just as with people, fatty acids are an important supplement for healthy skin. Safflower oil, primrose oil and sunflower oil are all linoleic acids and can provide relief for itchiness. Another great oil to use is fish oil. If the problem is seasonal, glucocorticoid shots can be used to provide relief and last for a month or two. Homeopathic solutions also work well. If the dog tests positive for a food allergy, they can be put on a hypoallergenic dog food diet. This should be tried for a couple of months. There are dog foods on the market that are specifically for this issue and it is an easy way to test your pet for allergies in their diet. Usually they contain fish as the protein and potatoes as the simple carb. There contain no artificial flavorings, colors or ingredients. Jennifer is a canine health authority who specializes in dog rashes.
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