General Information On Dog Eczema

Dogs can be afflicted with the same conditions that we humans deal with. As mammals, dogs somehow share the same predisposition to certain medical conditions as we humans do. With the wrong diet, for example, dogs can become obese and possibly develop heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Eczema is yet another condition common between humans and dogs. For our canine friends, this eczema is referred to as dog eczema.

Definition Of Dog Eczema:

Dog eczema can be simply defined as an eczema which occurs in dogs. Similar to human eczema, dog eczema is a skin irritation that occurs on the dog's skin which further results to skin inflammation. In detail, the irritation only affects the dog's epidermal skin layer which is the outermost layer of a dog's skin. Symptoms Of Dog Eczema:

Dog eczema occurs in two stages - the dry and wet stage. The symptoms of dog eczema therefore depend on these stages, with the first stage being dry dog eczema and the second stage being wet dog eczema.

In the first stage of dog eczema which is dry dog eczema, there is already the clear evidence of bald patches on your dog's skin. Hence, there will be no fur in these areas. Taking a closer look at these bald patches will reveal to you that the dog's skin in these areas appear dry and flaky, completely different from other skin areas of your dog which has fur. Immediately following hair loss, you may also notice your dog to be constantly scratching, licking, or nibbling on these bald areas. This is a clear sign that your dog is suffering from itching which only happens with skin irritation.

As your dog constantly scratches, licks, and nibbles on his rashes, the rashes will eventually become wounded and become wet and oozing. Sometimes, the dog's rashes may even bleed. By this point, dog eczema has reached its "wet stage" and the rashes are both painful and itchy since they're already wounded. But even at this stage, your dog will still persistently scratch, lick, and nibble on his rashes.

Causes Of Dog Eczema:

The causes of dog eczema have close resemblance to what causes eczema in humans. The typical cause of dog eczema is exposure to a skin irritant. It can be the dog soap you're using on him, the pollen from your garden, the synthetic fibers of a rug that your dog frequently rests on, the food that he ate or perhaps something he ate from the garbage, a detergent that might have been spilled on his skin, and so many others. Even flea and tick infestation cause dog eczema since their bites irritate your dog's skin.

Dog eczema can also be caused by sudden shifts in temperature and the weather, just like eczema in humans. And so can fungal infection, a weak immune system, boredom, loneliness, stress, and psychological distress cause dog eczema as well.

Treatment Of Dog Eczema:

At the earliest sign of dog eczema, it is best to take your dog to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will be the one to prescribe steroidal eczema creams and ointments to decrease skin inflammation. Antibacterial and antifungal creams and ointments may also be prescribed, especially with wet dog eczema wherein the dog is more prone to acquiring a bacterial or fungal skin infection. Antibiotic and antifungal applications will also be prescribed with the presence of an actual bacterial or fungal infection. If you would like to use natural eczema cures for your dog's eczema, consult with the dog's veterinarian first and he may be able to suggest certain products which you can safely use on your dog.