Why Does My Dog Have a Belly Rash?
A rash on your furry friend can be red, inflamed, and itchy. However, rashes in dogs are fairly common. So, why does my dog have a rash?
Symptoms
- Redness on the skin
- itchiness
- flaky or oily skin
- bumps
- hives
- swelling
Causes
There can be multiple reasons your pup may have a belly rash. Some of the more common reasons are:
- Genetics
- allergies, dermatitis, dandruff, and alopecia can be genetic and cause rashes
- allergies
- your pal may be allergic to things such as fertilizer, dog food, or cleaning products
- infection
- bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections can cause itchy rashes
- parasites
- fleas, ticks, mites may cause rashes or bumps on your pal
- Medical conditions
- Conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can cause rashes on your companion
Treatment
You should talk with your vet before using medications or topical treatments. Your vet may prescribe antifungal medications, antibiotics, antihistamines, medicated shampoos, or preventative treatments. However, the cause of the rash will determine how to treat it. But, you can use soothing aloe or oatmeal shampoos to reduce inflammation. To prevent rash, you should groom regularly, keep up with pest prevention, and wipe your pup’s paws and belly after a walk to remove potential allergens.
Other Skin Conditions
Your pal may also have scabs, red spots, or hot spots. Scabs are usually a symptom of another condition (such as injury, fleas, or infection) and can be inflamed or irritated. Red spots typically occur in the spring and summer and are often caused by fly bites. They are often confused with rash and ringworm, however they are usually flat and are not painful or itchy. Hot spots occur when your pal licks or chews an area of their skin excessively and is usually associated with other conditions that cause discomfort causing your pal to lick and bite.
You should always consult your vet before giving your companion medication or topical treatments. Additionally, your vet can determine the cause of your furry friend’s rash and recommend the best treatment.