Your dog has been scratching excessively and developing skin lesions known as hot spots.
Your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical exam to make sure there are no other issues causing these symptoms, and may wish to clean out moist eczema areas as well as take skin samples for testing purposes.
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Steroids
Your vet may prescribe short-course steroids to alleviate inflammation in your pup’s skin. These may come in either topical form for you to apply topically, or oral dosage forms that he/she can consume orally.
This can help alleviate itching that drives dogs to scratch or chew at affected areas. Scratching or chewing leads to broken skin and infections which worsen eczema symptoms further.
Dogs suffering from eczema may require antibiotics and antihistamines as well. Antibiotics will treat any infections while antihistamines provide relief for allergy symptoms mimicking eczema. Your vet might shave affected areas or use an ointment to limit infection spreading further.
Antibiotics
Due to their skin folds trapping moisture and bacteria, dogs with pyoderma can develop infections due to bacteria growth. Bacterial infections may cause itching, pain and reddening of their skin surface resulting in itchy spots on your pet’s coat requiring antibiotics for treatment to clear up this infection.
Allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is another treatment option for pet allergies that involves gradually giving small doses of allergens to your pet over time, gradually desensitizing their immune systems to them and eliminating allergic reactions altogether.
Your Mooresville veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to assess your dog’s moist eczema and evaluate his overall health. She will check for evidence of parasites as well as palpate joints and muscles; additionally she may observe whether your pup licks and chews other areas to assess whether these could be signs of yeast infections or pain.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines provide relief for allergy symptoms in dogs, such as itching and runny nose. By blocking histamine’s action when exposed to allergens, antihistamines help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching. They come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, eye drops and nasal sprays; some may be available over-the-counter while others require a valid prescription.
First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can provide rapid relief of allergy symptoms and are available over-the-counter with non-drowsy formulas. Newer second-generation antihistamines like loratadine (Clarinex) and fexofenadine (Allegra) also offer effective relief without oversleeping effects.
Cyclosporine can reduce inflammation and is available with a valid valid prescription, either alone or combined with glucocorticoid creams and sprays. Results typically take four weeks; however, due to its cost the drug may be considered expensive.
Medicated Shampoos
Medicated shampoos can be an excellent way to treat skin conditions in your dog. Infections caused by bacteria or yeast infections often result in itchy, irritated skin; medicated shampoos containing ingredients like chlorhexidine or ketoconazole help manage these infections and manage symptoms effectively.
Other issues, like seborrheic dermatitis, can cause oily skin and flakiness (dandruff). For this, medicated shampoos containing salicylic acid may help manage these symptoms; alternatively, shampoos with ingredients like aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal could provide relief from hot spots or dry, itchy skin issues.
Medicated shampoos that contain ingredients to deodorize or kill fleas, ticks or mites may also be available; such shampoos usually include insecticidal agents such as permethrin or pyrethrin and should only be used according to instructions from a vet. Speak with them about finding the best fit for your pet’s specific needs.
Lifestyle Changes
Not all changes to a dog’s lifestyle need be medication related; simple lifestyle adjustments may make a dramatic impactful in their quality of life. Bathing once every week with medicated shampoo may help heal skin irritation and relieve itching, while feeding your pup hypoallergenic food may target any food allergies which might be contributing to his/her eczema symptoms. Furthermore, immunotherapy such as Lokivetmab (Cytopoint) subcutaneous allergy injection can reduce allergic responses against allergens that trigger itching by decreasing allergic responses against specific allergens which trigger itching responses.
Eczema in dogs is an all too common condition that can lead to intense itching and discomfort, but don’t fret: with proper treatment your pet should quickly improve! Your veterinarian must first rule out other possible sources for the discomfort such as parasites and infections before suggesting a course of treatment for your pup’s itchy skin.
