Skin Rash – Numerous Possibilities

Hi Vivian,
Your question is a tough one to answer without knowing more details about your dog, and especially without a photo. The things that can cause a dog to scratch, and make the skin red are very numerous. Fleas, inhaled allergies, contact allergies, food allergies, toxins, side effects from vaccinations, shampoos/dips,emotional stress, and so on.

I would need to know your dog’s breed, his age, how long the problem has been occurring, did it start after a shampoo or grooming, change of diet, after a move to a new house, etc. For general information about skin issues, see our Dog Skin Conditions page

I would strongly advise going to a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, then a decision can be made for the best treatment. A conventional veterinarian will concentrate only on the skin problem. A holistic veterinarian will check everything about your dog, from the diet that you feed him, to his home environment, his vaccination history, to what kind of shampoo you use.

Check out our page on Alternative Care, by clicking on Alternative Care in the left column under Health/Wellness. (or click here)

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.

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