This week we have an informative article written by Shelby Neely VMD, one of the veterinarians on our team.
If you suddenly see a rash on your dog, you may become alarmed. Granted, sometimes your reaction may be appropriate.
Some rashes need veterinary attention and perhaps extensive treatment. However, a rash on your dog is often a simple, temporary condition.
How do you know the difference? To answer that question, we will review the causes of rashes on dogs, which will help you discern which rashes can be treated at home and which need your vet’s help.
Common Causes of Rashes on Dogs
Allergic Reactions
The most common cause of a rash on your dog is allergies. There are several different types of allergies:
• Food allergies – Not the most common, but certainly a possibility if your pet has allergies. Certain ingredients, such as beef, dairy, chicken, or grains, may cause allergic skin reactions.
• Environmental allergies - are one of the top two causes of allergic reactions. They include responses to pollen, mold, dust mites, and grasses, which can lead to dermatitis.
• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) – Fleas are the other most common cause of a rash on your dog’s skin. Some dogs are highly allergic to flea saliva, leading to severe itching and red, inflamed skin.
• Contact allergens – Items your dog contacts directly on a part of their body can cause a nasty rash anywhere on the skin. Shampoos, cleaning products, or even the carpet on your floor can cause localized rashes.
Parasitic Infestations
• Fleas – We’ve already discussed flea allergy dermatitis, which is very common. Other parasites can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin. These external parasites can cause excessive itching, scabbing, and secondary infections.
• Mites – Conditions like mange (caused by Demodex or Sarcoptes mites) can result in hair loss, thickened skin, and intense itching.
• Ticks – Some dogs develop localized rashes at tick bite sites, while others may get a systemic disease such as Lyme disease.
• Bacterial or Fungal Infections include pyoderma, a bacterial infection characterized by pustules, hair loss, and red, inflamed skin. An example of a fungal infection is ringworm, which appears as circular, crusty patches with hair loss.
• Yeast Infections – Often found in moist areas (ears, paws, folds of skin), yeast overgrowth leads to greasy, smelly skin rashes.
Autoimmune Disorders
• Pemphigus – This autoimmune skin disease is less common than the other causes of skin rashes and results in blisters, scabs, and crusty lesions, often starting around the face and ears. You will definitely need to see your vet for this condition.
• Lupus – Also rare, Lupus can cause skin ulcers, rashes, and scaly patches, usually on the nose and paws. As with Pemphigus, you will need your veterinarian to treat this.
• Hormonal Imbalances - A rash can also be caused by hormonal imbalances such as Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism. You will see rashes, hair loss, and slow wound healing.
• Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
Hot spots are inflamed, red, oozing areas that result from excessive licking, scratching, or moisture buildup. These spots can rapidly worsen without intervention.
• Heat Rash - Dogs can develop heat rashes in warm weather, especially in skin folds, armpits, and groin areas. These rashes often appear red, bumpy and irritated.
• Toxic Reactions - Plants, chemicals, medications, and toxins can also cause rashes. Poison ivy, harsh shampoos, or accidentally ingesting toxic substances can cause irritation and discomfort.
What to Do if Your Dog Has a Rash
• Look for fleas, ticks, or mites and treat accordingly.
• If you suspect a food or environmental allergy, see your vet.
• Keep the Area Clean – Use mild, hypoallergenic soap and warm water.
• Apply oatmeal baths, aloe vera, or veterinarian-approved anti-itch cream.
• Prevent Scratching – Use an Elizabethan collar if your dog makes the rash worse by licking or scratching.
If the rash isn’t improving or your dog has other symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Shelby Neely VMD, Veterinarian