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Dog Skin Infection - Information on Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies For Skin Infections In Dogs

Dogs are prone to a variety of contagious and non-contagious skin infections, including those caused by bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites.

Some of the contagious dog skin infections include sarcoptic canine scabies, demodicosis, cheyletiella (mite infections), and infestation by ticks and lice, among others.

Ringworm is another fungal infection that primarily infects puppies.Some of the non-contagious dog skin infections are staphylococcus intermedius dermatitis and malassezia pachydermatis.

Symptoms of Dog Skin Infections

Dog skin infections symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, itching, lack of vitality and vigor, drooping, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and flatulence.

Besides these, dog skin infections resulting in hair loss is also common.

Home Remedies For Dog Skin Infections

While it is important to consult a vet for expert advice, some home remedies for dog skin infections are as follows:

• You may mix Epsom salt in cool water and soak your pet in it for 10 minutes to relieve some of the symptoms of skin allergies, including itching and irritation.

• Oatmeal bath also help relieve the symptoms of allergies by inhibiting the growth of fungi on the skin. It also helps normalize the pH balance of skin, preventing and curbing microbial growth. You may prepare oatmeal bath by mixing it in cold water.

• Usage of sage leaves also help prevent and cure dog skin infections. You may powder the dried sage leaves and mix it in your pet’s bath water, along with Epsom salt. You may also include thyme in the bath water for instant relief.

• Another dog skin infection treatment is the application of apple cider vinegar and glycerin; this helps with skin infections and allergies.

• You may also add a few drops of tree tea oil in your pet’s bath water on account of its anti-microbial action.

• Application of aloe vera gel also helps relieve the symptoms of dog skin infections.

How To Prevent Skin Infections In Dogs?

Other than these remedies, there are several precautions that may be taken to prevent the infections. Some of these are as follows:

• You should maintain hygienic conditions for the dog to prevent them from parasitic attacks.

• You must groom your pet by brushing and combing its fur, and regularly bathing it to keep its coat clean and free from infection causing agents. However, frequent bathing of the dog may result in an alteration of the pH levels and a drying out of natural oils, which leads to skin infections and allergies.

• You must provide proper nutrition to your dog by giving it dog food and red meat, so as to strengthen its immune system, thereby fighting infections and allergies, leading to skin diseases.

• You must try to avoid the usage of chemical-based fragrances, pesticides and detergents to prevent skin afflictions.

Submitted on September 29, 2011