Causes of Rashes on Dogs

Does your dog have a rash? Rashes on dogs have a variety of causes; here are five things you can double-check.

1. Dog food allergies

Just as humans with a food allergy might break out in hives, rashes on dogs can also be caused by food allergies. Experiment with a different brand of dog food, and see if the rash improves.

2. Environmental allergies

Besides food allergies, your dog’s rash might be related to an environmental allergy. Have you fertilized your lawn recently? Is the pollen count high? Do you live in a particularly polluted area? All of these are potential causes for dog rashes.

3. Drug allergies

Did your dog start a new medication just before the rash began? If so, your dog might be suffering from an undiagnosed drug allergy.

4. Parasites

Fleas, dog lice, dog ticks, and worms can all lead to a rash on your dog’s skin. Check to see if your dog might be suffering from any one of these.

5. Not being brushed regularly

Unlike human beings, whose hair stays basically the same year-round, a dog grows a heavier coat for winter, and sheds it in the spring or summer. During the shedding process, that hair can get trapped against a dog’s skin, causing an itchy rash.

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Causes of Dog Arthritis

Dogs, like the people who love them, suffer from arthritis. If you understand the causes, you can do what is possible to avoid the condition or lessen its harm to your pet.

Causes You Can Not Control in Canine Arthritis:

Some breeders do not take proper care in selecting dogs to breed. Dogs with a history of arthritis in the line can be a bad choice. There are some breeds that are more likely to develop the condition regardless of breeding practices. If you are purchasing a dog, it might be a good idea to avoid these choices, but it is not always possible. If you are aware of the potential, there are things you can do to help your canine companion.

Abnormal joints can contribute to the development of dog arthritis. Hip dysplasia is a common condition especially in certain types of dogs. The malformed joints do not function properly, and a dog’s normal activities can cause the joint to deteriorate more quickly than a normal joint. Larger dogs are more susceptible to arthritis as are dogs with legs that are not large enough to support the dog’s weight or longer bodies that place more stress on the back. Dogs that develop diabetes frequently become arthritic as well.

Causes You Can Control

From the beginning, make sure your dog has the proper nutrition. There are many choices in dog foods and vitamins, and a good quality product should do the job. Ask your vet for guidance. Make sure your dog does not overeat and become obese because excess weight can be a contributing factor to developing canine arthritis. In addition, if your dog develops arthritis for any reason, being overweight will accelerate deterioration and cause more pain. Eventually, your dog will age which can increase the chances of developing arthritis. A lifetime of good care can help your dog face old age in the best condition possible.

Make sure your dog gets play time and exercise, but avoid excessive activity. Unusual stresses on the joints can increase the probability that your dog will develop arthritis. Injuries can lead to arthritis. While you can’t eliminate the possibility your dog will suffer an injury, if an injury occurs, consult a veterinarian to do everything possible to avoid further injury and arthritis.

Rheumatoid and septic arthritis are unusual in dogs. There is nothing specific you can do to avoid rheumatoid arthritis because it is the result of a malfunctioning immune system. Septic arthritis can result from an infection. The best thing you can do is keep an eye out for infections and ticks and take care of the problem immediately. This minimizes the damage that can occur as a result.

What You Can Do to Help Your Dog

If your dog develops canine arthritis, there are things you can do to improve your dog’s chances of leading a normal life. There are vitamins and minerals that help the cartilage and reduce inflammation. If your dog is overweight, make a concerted effort to help him or her lose weight.hese things will help reduce the pain associated with arthritis and make your dog more comfortable.