Be Aware: Red, Itchy Dog Lips May Signal These Diseases

When your furry friend's mouth area turns red and itches, it can be due to a variety of reasons. Here are some potential causes, along with corresponding treatment methods to help soothe your pup's discomfort:

1. Bacterial Infection:

Just like humans, dogs have a lot of bacteria in their mouths. If the skin around their mouth gets infected, it can lead to redness and itching.

What to Do: It's important to seek veterinary care promptly to prevent the condition from worsening. If a bacterial infection is diagnosed, antibiotics can be prescribed. In cases where a vet visit isn't immediately possible, you can administer medications like metronidazole tablets or cefadroxil tablets at home to help control the infection.

2. Allergic Reaction:

Dogs can have allergic reactions to certain substances, which might trigger redness and itching around the mouth area.

What to Do: If you suspect an allergy, it's crucial to visit the vet to identify the allergen and avoid exposure in the future. For relief, you can use antihistamines like Chlorphenamine Maleate tablets (Newmeino) to alleviate itching and other allergic symptoms.

3. Injury or Abrasion:

Dogs might accidentally scrape or scratch the skin around their mouth during play or daily activities, leading to redness and pain.

What to Do: Carefully inspect and clean the wound, then disinfect it. Apply an antiseptic like Zinc Oxide Ointment (Fuanter) to prevent infection.

4. Demodex Mite Infestation:

Demodex mites are common parasites found on a dog's skin. An infestation can cause redness, itching, and hair loss.

What to Do: If you suspect a mite infestation, a veterinary skin scrape test is recommended. Once diagnosed, treatment with ivermectin, either orally or via subcutaneous injection, is effective. Additionally, supplementing with Vitamin B Complex tablets (Jinweibao) can be beneficial.

5. Other Diseases:

Conditions like perioral stomatitis, oral ulcers, and gingivitis can also lead to redness and itching around a dog's mouth.

What to Do: These conditions require specific treatments based on symptoms, so a full veterinary examination is advised.

In summary, redness and itching around a dog's mouth can stem from various causes. If these symptoms are severe or persistent, it's vital to take your pet to the vet for a checkup and treatment. Also, consider using protective collars like the Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from scratching and worsening the infection.

Remember, proper care and diet adjustments are key to preventing such issues. This includes regular deworming, a balanced diet, and regular teeth brushing. As a loving pet owner, your dedication to your dog's health is invaluable!