Effective Remedies for Itchy Dog Skin Disease: Top Medi

Most types of canine skin diseases are accompanied by symptoms of itching, such as bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasitic bites, and allergic dermatitis. The itching can be incredibly uncomfortable for dogs, and if left unchecked, they may lick or rub their skin, leading to a significant spread and damage to the affected areas within just a few hours.

How to Address Your Dog's Itching Skin?

1. Use an Elizabethan Collar

This collar serves a dual purpose: it prevents your dog from licking the affected area, which can exacerbate skin damage and infection, and it also stops them from spreading bacteria to other parts of their body through their saliva.

2. Apply Local Itching Relief Medication

Based on the type of skin disease, use targeted topical treatments. Many skin medications not only have antibacterial and astringent properties but also offer relief from itching.

3. Administer Oral Antihistamines

There are overthecounter antihistamines specifically for pets, such as Apoquel, Cetafen, and Cloratrin (Chlorphenamine Maleate Tablets). Cetafen is a injectable antihistamine that requires professional administration, while oral medications like Chlorphenamine Maleate Tablets are more convenient for athome use. They provide effective and quick relief with a longlasting effect.

How to Distinguish Between Dog Skin Diseases and Their Treatments?

Most canine skin diseases are caused by fungal, bacterial, parasitic infections, and allergies. If possible, pet owners can take their dogs to a veterinary clinic for a skin scraping test. At home, you can differentiate and treat the conditions as follows:

1. Fungal Infection

● Symptoms: Itching, hair loss, dry skin with scaly dandruff. Severe cases may present redness, scabs, and swelling. Wood's lamp examination may show a fluorescent green reaction.

● Causes: Weak immune system, dirty living environment, not drying off after a bath, contact with other animals with ringworm.

● Treatment: Shave the area, disinfect with iodine, remove the surface scales, then apply Daxineng (Miconazole Nitrate Cream) or Pipute (Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray). Oral vitamin B complex can boost skin resistance.

● Causes: Weak immune system, dirty living environment, not drying off after a bath, contact with other animals with ringworm.

● Treatment: Shave the area, disinfect with iodine, remove the surface scales, then apply Daxineng (Miconazole Nitrate Cream) or Pipute (Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray). Oral vitamin B complex can boost skin resistance.

2. Bacterial Infection

● Symptoms: Itching, red rashes, pustules, blackheads. Severe infections can lead to pyoderma, causing skin ulcers and a foul odor.

● Causes: Not drying off after a bath or rain, weak immune system, damp environment, skin trauma, or secondary bacterial infections from other skin conditions.

● Treatment: Shave the area, rinse with hydrogen peroxide or iodine, and if there are boils, squeeze out the pus before disinfecting. Use Pipute Skin Spray + Fuan特 (Oxide of Zinc Ointment) for treatment, applying 23 times a day. For severe infections, oral Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium or Esuda (Cefadroxil Tablets) can be used for inflammation.

3. Demodex/Scabies Mites

● Symptoms: Scabies mites typically start on the face, ears, or legs, causing redness, hair loss, many small bumps, and scabs, with severe itching. Demodex mites usually start on the head and around the mouth, leading to hair loss, thickened skin, and an unpleasant odor, often resulting in chronic dermatitis.

● Causes: Not regular deworming, dirty environment, transmission from infected dogs.

● Treatment: Disinfect the affected area with iodine, dry it off or blowdry it immediately; apply antibacterial spray + sulfur ointment to the affected area. Oral Cefadroxil tablets can prevent infection. Use deworming medications containing selamectin, ivermectin, or avermectin to deworm your dog. Supplement with vitamin B to enhance skin resistance.

4. Allergic Dermatitis

● Symptoms: Severe itching, redness, swelling, and possibly papules, scales, and hair loss. Licking can lead to severe dermatitis.

● Causes: Food allergies, flea saliva allergies, pollen allergies, or allergies to certain chemicals or medications.

● Treatment: Visit a veterinary clinic for allergy testing and avoid exposing your dog to allergens. Oral Chlorphenamine Maleate Tablets can block allergic reactions and provide quick relief from itching. Topical zinc oxide ointment can help with antibacterial and astringent effects.

These are common types of canine skin diseases, but some may be caused by mixed infections of various pathogens or by endocrine issues, immune disorders, or other problems. If there is no improvement after a period of treatment, it's essential to seek a veterinary consultation promptly!