Causes of Dog Eczema: Understanding the Triggers
What Are the Symptoms of Dog Eczema?
Dog eczema typically presents with symptoms such as redness, papules, blisters, sores, and scabs on the skin surface. Dogs may experience heat, pain, and itching. Acute eczema can lead to more severe itching with the appearance of erythematous eczema. If left untreated, the condition can progress through phases such as papular, vesicular, pustular, and erosive stages, each with its own set of symptoms. Some dogs may also exhibit thickened, flaky, pigmented skin on their backs or limbs, along with coarse, matted fur, and increased itching.
What Causes Dog Eczema?
While some dogs may be genetically predisposed to allergies, there are numerous factors that can trigger eczema in dogs. These include exposure to allergens, excessive licking, bites from external parasites, and irritation from certain medications. Poor skin hygiene and dirt can also contribute to eczema, often due to a moist living environment and a deficiency in certain nutrients.
How to Treat Dog Eczema?
The first step in treating dog eczema is to shave the fur around the affected area to allow the skin to breathe and speed up the healing process. It's advisable to have a professional groomer do this to avoid injury to your dog.
Clean the affected area thoroughly and ensure it is dry. Keep the wound dry to prevent infection.
If there is discharge from the wound, you may need to clean it every two hours. The area should be cleaned and dried daily until the infection is completely resolved.
Most importantly, prevent your dog from licking the area. You can use an Elizabethan collar to stop your dog from reaching the affected region.
If you are unable to manage the condition yourself or if it is severe, seek veterinary care promptly to avoid missing the best treatment window.
When it comes to the causes and treatments of dog eczema, it's important to note that skin issues in dogs can also be due to allergies, fungal infections, and other conditions. If you're unsure about the diagnosis or treatment, it's best to consult a veterinarian or an online pet healthcare professional for appropriate and tailored treatment.
