If you are petting your dog and notice a rough patch of skin or worse yet, an actual sore on their skin, you may wonder what is going on with your dog's skin. Most people do not realize that there are many skin conditions that can affect dogs. Get to know more about some of those skin issues. Then, you can contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice anything amiss with your dog's skin health. 

Contact Dermatitis

Just like people, dogs can get skin irritation from coming into contact with something potentially irritating. Dogs go outside in the grass and weeds a lot, for example. Sometimes, this can irritate a dog's skin. Other irritants can include cleaning chemicals, laundry chemicals, and even dust. Contact dermatitis often presents itself as a red, bumpy rash. Sometimes, there are also thickened or scaly patches of skin. It is not often that the skin breaks from contact dermatitis, but it is possible. 

Generally, a bath with a soothing shampoo can help to remove irritants and help give the skin some much-needed relief. Benadryl can help as well, but be sure to contact your veterinarian to determine the proper dose for your dog. Other topical and oral treatments may be necessary if the skin rash does not clear up within a few days or if the sores begin to break open or become oozing sores. 

Ringworm

Ringworm is a condition that is most often associated with humans. However, it can be found in a variety of animals including dogs. When a dog has ringworm, the skin lesion that the dog experiences will be in a circular, ring-like shape. Often, the outside edges of the ring are raised and redder than the center. The skin can also appear scaly or crusty. 

Dogs tend to get ringworm on their legs, nose, or elsewhere on their head. It is important to get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible when they show signs of ringworm. It is transmittable to humans and is highly contagious. Treatment can be done at home, but you should keep your infected dog away from any other pets or children in the household and try to limit skin to skin contact with the infected area to only time when you are applying topical treatments. 

Knowing these skin issues that can affect your dog, you can be sure you get them the care they need if they show signs of any skin conditions. For more information, contact a veterinary dermatology office near you. 

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