Puppy Skin Rashes
A rash can affect dogs of any age, but puppies are commonly affected due to their highly inquisitive nature. Owners should be aware of all potential rashes that can affect their dog, so that they may provide the necessary veterinary care when a rash appears.
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Causes
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There are six types of rash causes that can affect a puppy including allergies, environmental, infections, neurologic, nutritional and parasitic.
Symptoms
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Symptoms will vary based on the underlying cause of the rash and can include pus-filled nodules, hair loss, dry or flakey skin, redness, itching and inflammation.
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Diagnosis
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To determine the underlying cause of the rash, the veterinarian will run several tests on the affected puppy. These can include a physical exam, a urinalysis, blood tests and cultures taken from samples of the affected area.
Treatment
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Treatment will vary from puppy to puppy depending on the underlying cause. Examples of treatments include antibiotics and various topical anti-fungal, anti-parasitic or anti-bacterial treatments that can include lotions, sprays, ointments and creams.
Warning
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If parasites are causing the rash, veterinary care is essential. Parasitic rashes, such as demodectic mange, can be extremely dangerous if left untreated and leads to untimely deaths in puppies.
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References
- Photo Credit country puppy image by Rich Johnson from Fotolia.com
