Non-itchy, red inflamed dog rash appeared ALL OVER belly and legs

Hi Andrea,
Thank you for your in depth question regarding your 2 year old Female Staffordshire Bull Terrier. From the photos you submitted, it looks like she has complete lack of hair on her entire underside. A lack of hair (called alopecia) would certainly make her skin more sensitive to the environment. As you mentioned, running through brush, scratching from allergies, topical medications such as Frontline, ammonia from the urine in the chicken coop, etc. would all contribute to a 'rash'.

In my opinion, finding out why she has the lack of hair would be the first step in restoring her health. Causes of alopecia (lack of hair) are numerous and include hormonal problems, genetic or inherited conditions, or nutritional deficiencies.

There are several possible causes of hair loss, including abnormal estrogen levels in spayed dogs, Cushing's disease (abnormal adrenal gland function) and low thryroid levels.

A complete blood test from your veterinarian will help to rule out the above conditions.

Genetic or inherited conditions will be more difficult to pinpoint. Knowing if her dam or sire has thin hair or alopecia would help.

You seem to have considered improving her diet, but she may need to have some raw meat added. Check our Dog Skin Conditions page to learn more about the impact of dry vs moist food.

Continuing the Omega 3 fish oil for dogs is a good idea - about 1,000-2,000 mg daily for her size. Also add Vitamin E (100 IU per day) and Zinc (.32mg per pound per day) to her diet. I am not familiar with the Flea-Breeze, but if she does not have fleas, I would suggest stopping the Frontline and the Flea-Breeze.

I would also strongly advise finding a holistic veterinarian in your area to better understand and improve your dog's overall health.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

The picture is deceiving - as she does have hair, still all over her body (as mentioned in my post, she did NOT lose hair from this condition) it's just thin, white hair on pink skin. It's normal for the breed (aka pitbulls).

I only did the flea-breeze once, so that I already stopped - and I do the Frontline for ticks - as we live in "tick-central", but perhaps I can find something else for that.

I mentioned it because this condition only started 2-3 days ago and she has been on Frontline and her food for months - so I don't think those were causes. But I was really wanting to see if it was obvious to you what it was, other than what I thought, and since it does not appear to be anything else, then I will just clean the carpets I sprayed with flea-breeze, perhaps keep her out of the chicken coop, and add more omega 3 to her diet. Thanks!

Hi Andrea,
It is difficult from the photo to see any hair on her underside. But I think with this sudden acute rash appearing, it may be from any of the things you have mentioned. Also, dogs are prone to poison ivy and poison oak if there are any of those growing where she may have access to them.

Giving her an oatmeal shampoo will help decrease the redness, and provide a little relief to her skin.

Instead of the Frontline for tick prevention you could try one of these more natural methods:
Ark Naturals Neem Protect Spray as a tick and flea repellent found on our Dog Flea and Tick Medicine page.

Buck Mountain Organic Parasite Dust is another good option.

If the problem is not improving, then it might be best to find a holistic veterinarian in your area.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Skin Conditions,
- Dog Itchy Skin,
- Dog Skin Rash,
- Dog Skin Allergies,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section

I don't know how old this post is, but I'm wondering if you ever found out what the rash was from. I have a little pity girl who has a very similar rash. It's red patchy but not itchy no skin loss not scaly not greasy and not smelly. Also unlike most rashes on Bowleys my dog only has her rash on her back. Our vet gave us some topical medication that may or may not be working. The rash is not getting worse, but it is not clearing up and it has been almost 7 days now.

My dog has been suffering from itchy belly and pores on and off. Finally we have the answer - i have spent a fortune of antibiotics and prednisilone etc. we have a plant in our garden called - Wandering Jew - I dont like the name but that is what it is called. She runs theough it chasing birds - thats when it started. Apparently a lot of dogs are allergic to this plant.

Hope this helps.

Hoping you can help me. My precious 1 yr old puppy (1/2 Great Pyr - 1/2 St. Bernard)was groomed March 26, 2015. On Tuesday, March 31st, we felt scabby areas. Investigating further, we noticed these black scabs about 4" in length from top of right shoulder to mid rib. A few days later, we found other areas with the same. They don't seem to bother her, no itching, no scratching, no licking. Areas are not inflamed, no redness. She has had no contact with other dogs, always leashed walked (not in woods) and nothing at home to harm her. (I am home with her all of the time)I did cut her hair in the areas and sprayed an antibiotic on those areas. Today is April 4th and still the same. Have called vet 3X and overbooked until Monday. Have searched on line and can't find out what this could be. Any help would be vastly appreciated! Many Thanks, Melinda (email addy: [email protected])

We also just switched to taste of wild do you think it could be the food?