How to treat eczema skin disease in dogs?

When a lively and lovely dog at home is troubled by eczema, the owner's concern and anxiety are palpable. Dogs can't verbalize their physical discomfort and can only express their pain through constant scratching, licking, or listlessness. Every owner hopes to help their dog get rid of the illness as soon as possible and regain its former vitality. So, how exactly should eczema in dogs be treated? This requires us to understand deeply and take comprehensive measures from multiple aspects.

I. Basic Treatment: Improving the Living Environment

1、Maintaining Dryness and Cleanliness

A humid environment is a breeding ground for eczema. Therefore, it is crucial to create a dry living space for dogs. Regularly clean the dog's kennel and replace the bedding with clean ones. Avoid placing the kennel in dark and damp corners. If the area where the dog lives is relatively humid, a dehumidifier can be used to control the humidity within an appropriate range. For example, during the plum - rain season in southern China, when the air humidity is high, special attention should be paid to dehumidifying the dog's kennel, and desiccants can be used to assist in keeping it dry. At the same time, frequently clean the areas where the dog moves to reduce the breeding of dust and bacteria, providing a clean environment for the dog.

2、Properly Adjusting the Temperature

Temperature also has an impact on a dog's skin health. An overly hot or cold environment can irritate the dog's skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms. In summer, take measures to prevent heatstroke and cool down the dog. Avoid keeping the dog in a high - temperature environment for a long time. The kennel can be placed in a cool and ventilated place, or an air conditioner can be used to adjust the indoor temperature. In winter, pay attention to keeping the dog warm. Provide the dog with warm cushions and thick clothing to prevent the skin from being irritated by the cold.

II. Medication Treatment: Targeted Symptom Relief

1、Topical Medications

Glucocorticoid Drugs

For eczema with relatively severe symptoms, veterinarians may prescribe glucocorticoid ointments. These drugs have anti - inflammatory and anti - allergic effects and can quickly relieve symptoms such as skin redness, swelling, and itching. However, when using them, it is necessary to strictly follow the veterinarian's advice and control the dosage and duration of use, as long - term use may cause some side effects, such as thinning of the skin and pigmentation.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Drugs

If eczema is accompanied by bacterial or fungal infections, corresponding antibacterial and antifungal drugs are required. For example, for eczema caused by a bacterial infection, ointments containing antibiotic ingredients can be used; for fungal infections, antifungal ointments are used. These drugs can effectively kill pathogens and promote skin healing.

Antipruritic Drugs

When a dog is unbearably itchy due to eczema, antipruritic drugs can help relieve the discomfort. Some lotions containing calamine can be applied to the affected area to relieve itching and have astringent effects. In addition, there are some pet - specific antipruritic sprays that are convenient to use and can quickly reduce the dog's itching sensation.

2、Oral Medications

Antihistamine Drugs

When a dog's eczema is caused by an allergy, antihistamine drugs can block the allergic reaction and relieve skin symptoms. Common antihistamine drugs include chlorpheniramine and cetirizine. However, the specific type and dosage of the drug need to be determined by a veterinarian based on factors such as the dog's weight and age.

Antibiotics

If eczema has caused a severe bacterial infection, leading to systemic symptoms such as fever and listlessness in the dog, a veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics for treatment. Antibiotics can inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria and help the dog fight the infection. But it is also necessary to use them strictly according to the doctor's instructions to avoid abuse and the development of drug resistance.

III. Dietary Adjustment: Strengthening the Body's Resistance

1、Selecting the Right Dog Food

The quality of dog food has an important impact on a dog's skin health. For dogs with eczema, it is necessary to select dog food that is nutritionally balanced and of high quality. Some dog foods are rich in fatty acids, such as Omega - 3 and Omega - 6. These fatty acids help maintain the skin's barrier function and reduce the inflammatory response. At the same time, avoid choosing dog food with excessive additives and preservatives to prevent aggravating the dog's physical burden.

2、Supplementary Nutrients

In addition to dog food, some nutrients can be appropriately supplemented for dogs. Vitamins C and E have antioxidant effects and can enhance the dog's immunity and promote skin repair. In addition, probiotics can regulate the dog's intestinal flora, improve digestive function, and indirectly improve the skin's health. These nutrients can be added to the dog's food, or special pet nutritional supplements can be selected.

IV. Daily Care: Promoting Skin Recovery

1、Regular Bathing

Regular bathing helps keep the dog's skin clean, but attention should be paid to the frequency and method of bathing. Bathing too frequently can damage the oil layer on the dog's skin, causing dry skin and exacerbating eczema symptoms. Generally, in summer, the dog can be bathed 1 - 2 times a week, and in winter, 1 time every 2 - 3 weeks. When bathing, use a mild pet - specific shampoo and avoid using human bath products, as their pH may not be suitable for the dog's skin. After bathing, dry the dog with a towel in a timely manner and use a hair dryer to thoroughly dry the fur to prevent bacteria from breeding due to moisture.

2、Preventing Scratching

Dogs scratch their skin due to itching, which can easily lead to skin breakage and secondary infections. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent dogs from scratching. An Elizabethan collar can be put on the dog to prevent them from licking and scratching the affected area. At the same time, trim the dog's nails in a timely manner to prevent long nails from scratching the skin.

Each dog is an indispensable member of the family, and their health touches our hearts. When a dog develops eczema, we should approach it with professional knowledge and endless patience. By comprehensively applying the above - mentioned treatment methods and providing all - round care and love for the dog, we believe that the dog will surely overcome eczema, bloom with a happy smile again, and accompany us through more beautiful times.