Many pet owners get concerned when they notice a rash on their beloved animal. It is worth mentioning here not all rashes are cause for concern, as many different types of blisters and blemishes can arise on your pet’s skin. (Provigil)
What Are Common Pet Skin Infections?
The condition mange happens by parasites taking advantageof pets’ skin conditions. The parasites can survive on a pet’s skin for months or even years but are active in warm, moist areas. It can include the portions along the back and neck, under the tail, and around the eyes.
Other common skin infections include ringworm and yeast infections. Ringworm is due to the actions of fungi (also commonly known as “yeast”). The symptoms can be very similar to mange, although there are some differences. It appears in patches rather than all over your pup’s body.
A rash begins with something like an itch or sore, and your pup will lick at it or scratch at it to make it go away. If this does not work, they can get other symptoms like hair loss as their hair follicles become irritated.
Medical Treatment Options
Your best option is to find out more about the condition on online portals like PetCareRx or go to the vet.
Vets can detect underlying issues that can cause skin rashes and infections, and prescribe medications. They can also prescribe an antibiotic or some other type of medication to prevent future problems or at least make them less likely.
As you can imagine, many different factors can lead to your pet developing skin rashes and infections. Each animal is different in terms of its immune system and any underlying conditions it can have that can affect it.
The most common causes of this type of problem include:
- Exposure to fleas or ticks
- Allergies due to environmental factors such as pollen (grass, trees), mold spores (mildew), dust mites (dust particles)
- Bacterial infections like staphylococcus pyoderma
- Fungal infections like ringworm
- Viruses such as canine distemper virus (CDV)
- Parasites like hookworms/heartworms
- Food sensitivities due to ingredients in commercial pet foods (corn gluten meal) like allergens on pets’ immune systems, causing distress – even though no actual allergy exists!
Treatment of Pet Skin Infections and Rashes
Skin infections are the most common causes of discomfort and distress in pets. The most common skin infections happen due to bacteria, yeast, and fungi. These skin disorders can get treated with antibiotics, topical ointments and creams, and antifungal medications.
If your pet has a bacterial infection, you can notice pus or a discharge from the infected area. The hair surrounding this area will be matted down, and your pet will likely lick or scratch at the spot obsessively until it bleeds. It is vital to prevent self-mutilation, if possible because this can result in an open wound that becomes infected even further.
Fungal infections are usually not painful for your pet unless they get severe enough to cause itching or scratching. These infections can get diagnosed by examining the affected areas under UV light to see whether they fluoresce green or yellow (there may also be a characteristic odor).
Know Pet Skin Care
Keep your pet clean. Keeping your dog or cat clean is essential to keeping their skin healthy. If you spot a gunky substance around your pet’s eyes, gently wipe it away with a cloth and warm water. Be gentle so that you do not damage the eye itself. It can help prevent infections within this sensitive area of the body.
Avoid letting your pet get wet in the rain. It might seem fun to have your dog or cat run around in the rain, but it is not good for their skin health! Rainwater can contain chemicals and pollutants that could harm your pet’s skin, so keep them inside during rainy days to prevent irritation and potential infections or rashes in the future. Your pet will thank you later!
Keep your bedding clean. Pet bedding can become a breeding ground for allergens, mites, and parasites if not cleaned regularly. It can especially happen if your pet sleeps on a mattress without being washed frequently enough (or ever).
You can wash any beds once every month. If you do not, some of these nasty things can make their way into human beds! A good rule of thumb for cleaning is to launder all bedding once per week and use hypoallergenic detergent.
Conclusion
Are you wondering if there is anything else you can do for your furry friend? If you are still concerned about your pet after taking in all this information, it is probably time to seek professional help. A quick phone call or meeting with a vet can give you the peace of mind you need.
