We dog owners all want to take the best care of our furry friends. Even their slightest discomfort can put us in a bad place. Now imagine spotting a big wound-like rash on their body.
A big red rash near your dog’s private area is concerning. Not only can it make your dog uncomfortable, but it can also spread if it remains untreated.
But when is the right time to rush to the vet?
If your dog seems in pain or the rash starts bleeding, it may be time to visit a vet. Luckily, most rashes are mild and can easily be treated at home. You can use many home remedies to give your pups relief.
This blog post discusses why dogs get rashes and what you should do if your pet has one.
Why Does My Dog Have A Rash On Their Groin?
Dogs are active animals that love to spend their time running outside. The skin on their private areas is usually sensitive and can easily become irritated. Environmental changes and dust can cause an allergic reaction to your dog’s skin.
However, there are other reasons why your dog may be experiencing a rash on their genitals. Dogs can also experience allergic reactions to certain pet care products. So if your dog has a sudden rash, a new pet shampoo or grooming product could be the culprit.
You should always do a patch test to ensure the new product works well for your pet. Some other things dogs can be allergic to are food, bee stings, fleas, and dust.
Also, if your dog licks on her skin and chews on the fur, it may cause a rash to develop near the genitals. This is a bad habit that some dogs may have. Their sharp teeth can lead to tenderness and cause a rash. A training cone can keep your dog from chewing on its skin and help you break this habit.
Not to mention, a yeast infection could cause a rash in dogs. If you suspect your furry friend has a bacterial infection, immediately take them to a vet.
Symptoms Of Groin Rash
The most common symptom of a rash in dogs is redness on their skin. This redness can be either patchy or spread out across an area. Rashes come in different forms and can often worsen, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any redness you see.
They may also look like tiny pimples scattered around, which can usually be painful. This may cause your dogs to itch, which eventually leads to bleeding. It is important to soothe these kinds of rashes, so your dog doesn’t scratch them.
But some rashes may not look red at all. This type of rash is often ignored because it looks like dry or patchy skin, but it can cause major discomfort to your pet. It looks like flakey and dry skin, causing a crust to form.
This rash can also cause your dog’s hair to fall around the affected area.
Causes Of Rashes On Dogs
There are plenty of other reasons and possible skin conditions why your dog may have a rash in their private area:
Dermatitis
Just like humans, dogs are prone to skin conditions like dermatitis. Dermatitis on dogs often looks like a red and scary rash around their groin area. This rash can get greasy and may secrete a bad odor.
Not only does this cause your pup to feel sore, but it can also be quite painful. If this rash keeps on chafing, it can eventually lead to bleeding. Some causes of dog dermatitis are fleas, chemical allergies, or allergic reactions to food.
The most common food allergens that may lead to dog dermatitis are soy, wheat, and eggs. Luckily, many allergy-friendly dog food brands are available that you can try and say goodbye to these skin problems.
Hot Spot
Dogs love chewing on things, whether furniture, tennis balls, or toys. This can become a problem if your dog starts chewing at their skin. A rash caused by scratching or chewing is called a hot spot.
This usually happens when there is an existing rash, and your dog further aggravates it by scratching. These hot spots can last up to a week and cause discomfort to your furry friend. The initial rash is usually caused by infections or flea bites.
Your dog may also chew on their skin out of boredom. It’s good to keep an eye on them if they have this habit.
Pyoderma
This type of rash usually affects puppies more than full-grown dogs. Puppies have sensitive skin, and environmental changes can cause a rash called pyoderma. It mostly develops in sensitive areas like the groin and armpits.
Although it isn’t contagious, this type of rash can make your puppy feel uncomfortable. It usually clears up on its own, but home remedies can be used to lessen the itching. If your puppy has pyoderma, make sure you take them to the vet for a checkup.
Some reasons your puppy may have this rash are medications, genetics, and ticks.
Dog Rash Remedies
If your furry companion has a milder rash, trying home remedies can help soothe it. However, these should only be used for less severe cases. If your dog’s rash is big, bleeding, or spreading, take them to the vet.
Here are some rash remedies you can try out at home.
Coconut Oil
People have used coconut oil for centuries because of its many benefits. Using a small amount of coconut oil to massage the rash can help soothe it. This is a good natural remedy that will provide some relief.
Use slightly cooled coconut oil to help keep your dog’s rash from itching. This amazing oil also works as a great moisturizer for dogs.
If your dog has eczema or dermatitis, you can use coconut oil to keep their skin hydrated. Use only a small amount because too much may make their skin greasy.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is another great ingredient that helps soothe rashes. This ingredient is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin since it is quite gentle. Not only does oatmeal form a protective barrier around the rash, but it can also soothe any redness.
To make an oatmeal bath, add some oats to a stocking and soak them in the water until they turn milky. Once it does, bathe your dog, splashing the oat water on their rash.
Aloe Vera
If you’ve ever experienced a sunburn, you know aloe vera provides a cooling effect. It is also ideal for rashes since it helps tone down any inflammation. The cooling properties can also give relief if your dog is itching.
You can either use store-bought gel or use fresh aloe vera paste consistency. Just make sure that your dog doesn’t lick at it. If they eat too much, it may cause a stomach ache. This remedy is great for dry skin on dogs as well.
Final Takeaway
Rashes on dogs are alarming, but rest assured that they can be taken care of. Milder cases can be healed with home remedies, and others usually clear up on their own.
Remember to give your puppy lots of love during this time. We hope this article gave you all the information you need on dog rashes.
