How to Cure Eczema in Dogs

Dogs can suffer eczema just as humans can.

Humans who suffer from the skin condition eczema know how aggravating this condition is. Dogs can experience this condition as well and is it uncomfortable and looks terrible. When a dog's skin is inflamed as a result of various skin disorders, the term that is used to describe this is eczema. The most prevalent form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which results in a red and itchy scalp on a dog. Some dogs develop small bumps which ooze and are moist, but symptoms may vary.

Things You'll Need

• Hydrocortisone cream or spray
• Topical and/or oral antibiotics
• Neem leaf tea
• Potassium permaganate
• Dog clippers
• Elizabethan dog collar

Instructions

Facts about Dog Eczema

1. A "hot spot" is moist eczema, and it can develop when your dog licks or scratches himself too much, which creates a wet scab on his fur. When your dog scratches excessively, he breaks the skin and this creates an ideal area for bacterial contamination. The raw, moist skin condition is generally caused at least in part by bacteria. Another term for hot spots is summer sores.

2. Scratching incessantly may be due to loneliness, boredom or stress. This can lead to eczema, which can also be caused by changes in the temperature such as bringing your dog into an air-conditioned house after he has been outside in the heat all day. Irritants such as detergents, grooming fragrances and products, paints, acidic acid, fumes, and products that contain alcohol can also cause eczema.

3. Combat dog eczema by soaking the sore area with potassium permanganate and adding evening primrose oil or Neem leaf tea to the dog's food until the rash disappears.

4. Avoid environmental contaminants and commercial food products that seem to aggravate the condition.

5. Trim the area around the spot using animal clippers. If it is a big area, shave it. Allow the area to be exposed to the air so that it will dry out, which speeds up healing.

Treatment

1. Use a water-based astringent or antiseptic spray that is gentle or a specialized dog shampoo to clean the area and then pat the area dry. Put hydrocortisone cream on the spot, which will help it heal and stop itching.

2. Buy an Elizabethan dog collar, which is a plastic cone, and put it around your dog's neck. This will prevent him from licking, biting and scratching.

3. Take your dog to a veterinarian if the eczema doesn't heal or it starts to spread. Your dog needs to be treated with an oral or topical antibiotic. The veterinarian will probably give you a topical medicine that comes in a spray form. He may also give your dog a shot of cortisone.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your dog vitamin supplements which will boost his immune system and make him less susceptible to eczema.

References

• Pet MD: Hot Spots. Just What are These Anyway?
• Doggies Paradise: Eczema