Red Skin and Scabs on Dog: Possible Causes Explained

Redness and scabs on a dog's skin can be indicative of a variety of issues, ranging from skin diseases to allergies and injuries. If the symptoms worsen over time, it's crucial to take your furry friend to a veterinary clinic promptly for a thorough examination. This will help identify the cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment.

Understanding the Common Causes of Red, Scabbed Skin in Dogs

1. Parasitic Infections: Dogs living in dirty environments without regular deworming may be prone to infestations of fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can bite and irritate the skin, leading to redness, itching, hair loss, and scabbing, often seen around the ears, paws, and abdomen.

2. Fungal Skin Diseases: Dogs might contract fungal infections like Microsporum canis or Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which cause itching, hair loss, and scabbing. The affected skin may appear red and sensitive, with a dense layer of white scalelike dandruff at the edges.

3. Bacterial Skin Infections: Superficial pyoderma caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can lead to redness, hair loss, itching, and pain, accompanied by pustules and scabs. If left untreated, the inflammation can reach the dermis, potentially causing systemic infection.

4. Allergic Skin Diseases: Dogs may be allergic to certain foods or chemicals, leading to severe itching, rashes, and hair loss. The constant licking and biting of the affected areas can lead to skin breakdown and scab formation.

5. Physical Injuries: Burns, friction wounds, scratches, and punctures can cause skin damage, infection, and scabbing. These injuries may lead to bacterial dermatitis, resulting in widespread hair loss, itching, redness, and pain.

What to Do When Your Dog Has Red, Scabbed Skin?

1. Mild Cases

● Disinfection: For minor skin issues resulting from minor injuries, daily application of iodine solution can help. Ensure a clean environment to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

● Elizabethan Collar: If your dog is constantly licking the wound, consider using an Elizabethan collar to prevent further irritation.

● Hair Removal: If hair loss is not due to injury, it may indicate bacterial, fungal, or miterelated dermatitis. Trim the fur around the affected area by 23 cm to expose the skin completely.

● Medication: Apply antibacterial sprays and antifungal pet skin treatments containing terbinafine hydrochloride. Observe the dog for 57 days.

2. Severe Cases

● Veterinary Examination: If the hair loss is extensive or persists despite initial treatment, it's advisable to visit a vet for a skin scrape test (costing around 3050 yuan per session) to determine the exact cause.

● Bathing: Dogs with extensive skin issues may require weekly medicated baths, along with skin sprays, antiinflammatory drugs, oral antifungal medications, or acaricides.

● Environmental Disinfection: To reduce the risk of infection from bacteria, fungi, and mites, consider weekly disinfection of the living space during treatment.

● Nutritional Support: Provide your dog with supplements like multivitamin B complex, fish oil, and lecithin to boost skin immunity and promote cell metabolism and skin repair.

Whisperings: Many pet owners might be concerned about the high costs of veterinary care and hesitate to seek treatment. However, early detection and treatment of skin diseases in dogs are relatively affordable. Delaying treatment can lead to more extensive and costly procedures, such as systemic medicated baths and injections. Therefore, it's recommended to catch and treat skin issues early.