My Dog Has a Rash. What Should I Do?

Have you ever looked at your dog’s skin and found something unexpected? Is your dog suddenly scratching a particular area?  When they find a rash on their dog’s skin, most pet owners want to help right away. However, many aren’t sure exactly what to do about it. 

There are many great vets in Long Island and Brooklyn who can diagnose and treat your dog’s rash. But does a rash mean it’s time to head to the vet, or should home remedies be the first step?

At Dan’s Pet Care, we’ve seen all kinds of rashes. In this article, we’ve got some helpful tips about rashes. fIf you’ve found something on your dog’s skin and aren’t sure what to do next, keep reading to learn more! 

A New York vet: your first line of defense

If you find a rash on your dog’s skin, your first step should be to contact your vet. Waiting to see if the rash goes away might result in more serious skin problems down the road.

If you already have a relationship with a vet in Long Island or Brooklyn, call the office and let them know what’s going on. Your dog may need an exam, or your vet might have some advice for you to try at home.Try to gather as many details as possible that will help your vet find the source of the problem. 

Diagnosing skin rashes on dogs

When it comes to diagnosing skin rashes, your vet might find the process pretty straightforward. In other cases, things can get complicated quickly. This all depends on your pet’s medical history, environment, and more. There are many possible causes of skin rashes on dogs. The AKC explains that the following are common:

• Skin infections

• Inflammation

• Allergies

• Parasites

• Genetic predisposition

• Hormone problems or endocrine disease

• Exposure to irritants like plants

Without knowing why your dog has a rash, it can be impossible to find helpful treatments at home. In fact, you might end up making the problem worse!

What will my New York vet do about my dog’s rash?

Treatment for skin rashes can vary widely based on the cause. Your vet might recommend:

• Antifungal medication

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Antiparasitic drugs

• Antihistamines

• Fatty acid supplements

• Antibacterial drugs

• Medicated shampoos or ointments

Whatever your vet advises, it’s best to pursue treatment sooner instead of later. At Dan’s Pet Care, we’ve seen how miserable dogs can be when they’re suffering from untreated skin conditions. In fact, constant itching and discomfort can dramatically change your pet’s personality. Early treatment can often prevent complications down the road.

What can I do at home, besides visiting a Long Island or Brooklyn vet?

Even if you’ve got a vet visit scheduled, or your dog has already been seen, you might be wondering what you can do at home to help your dog. In addition to providing your dog with proper medical care, there are other steps you can take to make them more comfortable. These treatments are unlikely to harm your dog, but check with your vet to be sure.

Oatmeal baths

Oatmeal baths can be a little messy, but they can help both humans and dogs who are suffering from itchy skin. You can use oatmeal from the grocery store, but you’ll need to use a kitchen appliance to turn it into a fine powder. Add it to some bathwater and try to keep your dog soaking for at least 10 minutes. If your dog won’t tolerate this, you can mix some oatmeal powder with water and rub it on the affected area.

Coconut oil rubs

Dry skin can cause or worsen an existing skin condition. It’s best to avoid using human moisturizers, like lotions and body butters, because they’re not formulated for dogs’ skin. However, coconut oil is safe and effective for soothing both human and dog skin! You’ll need to get the coconut oil cold enough that it’s spreadable. If it’s too warm, it will turn into a messy liquid. Massage it onto the affected area of your dog’s skin.

Looking for a New York pet care service that really knows pets?

Do you need dog walking, pet sitting, training, or other pet care services in Long Island or Brooklyn? If so, you know how important it is to find people who really know pets. Our professional trained, insured pet care specialists are on hand to meet all of your pet care needs. Call Dan’s Pet Care today at (516) 551-1613 to learn more!