Does dog eczema actually exist, and if so, what is the underlying cause?
The answer to this question is that this skin condition is very real, can be very damaging, and what makes it so challenging is that there are several potential underlying causes.
However, there does seem to be one very common denominator in all cases; a weak or compromised immune system.
The actual term dog eczema is much different than the same disease in humans, and in dogs it is best described as a broad term used for various skin conditions.
Most experts will describe it as not a disease but rather a syndrome that affects the outer layers of your dog’s skin that results in superficial skin irritation.
In most all cases it will become very red and itchy.
Once this irritation occurs, your dog’s skin will begin to become painful as well as very uncomfortable.
Treating this syndrome will have two central focus points; controlling the superficial lesions it causes as well as reducing the inflammation.
One of the most challenging aspects of dog eczema is eliminating secondary infections that can include fungal and yeast infections, as well as viral or bacterial infections.
Once this has been done, the next key to stopping eczema dry dog skin is to reduce the inflammation it is causing.
It will also include any types of additional reactions as the result of a weak immune system.
Unlike some dog skin conditions the symptoms are very limited and as a result, are quite easy to identify.
By far and away the most common symptom is a rash that is extremely itchy to the point of becoming dangerous.
The reason for this is that your dog will scratch so intensely that even more damage is done.
If this does occur, hair loss will also develop which in turn can very easily lead to dry and crusting skin followed very quickly by lesions.
However, some dogs may also develop bumps on the surface of their skin, and if this does occur, it is only a matter of time before they become moist and begin to discharge a liquid like substance.
Unlike the list of symptoms of dog eczema, the list of potential causes is quite extensive but in the vast majority of cases they all seem to have one very important denominator; an weak or compromised immune system.
Some type of hormonal imbalance will lead the list of potential dog eczema causes, and this is where an immune deficiency comes into play.
The reason is simple; this is the leading cause of a hormonal imbalance in dogs, especially a deficiency of vitamins E, D, and C.
Some type of kidney problem may also be the potential cause as the lack of totally flushing toxins out of their body can very easily lead to this syndrome.
Next on the list of potential causes include an allergic reaction to things such as chemicals and skin products you may use such as cologne or perfumes.
Second hand smoke is also very high of the list of potential underlying causes, as well as mold and pollen.
However, the list is still not complete as bites from fleas, mites, ticks, and lice are also potential causes, as well as very sudden changes in temperature.
The reason sudden changes in temperature is considered to be a potential cause is that this environmental change can easily trigger fugal or yeast infections to explode.
This is especially true if it goes from mild or cool to very hot and humid in a very short time frame.
This then sets the perfect scenario for fungi and yeast growth.
Treating dog eczema in some cases may involve using several different types of treatments where you combine different medications or natural treatments.
While in other cases in many be very easy to treat with only natural methods.
If this challenging skin condition is not considered to be serious, it can very easily be treated with potassium permanganate.
Although it’s most common use is as a deodorizer and is used in several water treatment plants to dissipate iron and manganese from public drinking supplies, it is also widely used as to fight fungal infections.
These are also one of the leading underlying causes of this syndrome.
The most effective way to use it is to apply the solution on cotton balls and soak the affected areas of your dog’s skin 3 to 4 times a day until it begins to recede.
Potassium permanganate also plays another very important role with this syndrome; it helps to relieve the itching.
However, alone it may not do the trick, and if this is the case “neem skin oil” placed on the affected areas after you have bathed your dog and applied the potassium permanganate, will provide another very powerful soothing agent that also attacks the eczema itching head on.
On the surface it makes no sense to use neem oil as a treatment as its primary use is as an insecticide.
However, like many natural treatments it has been used for thousands of years to treat several similar types of skin conditions in both dogs and humans.
It is made for the seeds of the tropical tree, and its soothing qualities are extremely powerful.
Other Treatments
In successfully treating dog eczema it is very important to remember that your number one objective should be two fold; to reduce the presence of fungal or bacterial infection as well as calm down the inflammation and itching.
If you cannot control these factors, the itching can become so severe that your dog will begin to actually mutilate their own skin.
Because of this, part of the combined approach should also include medicated shampoos and it is critical to look for products that contain oatmeal as well as essential oils.
Oatmeal is one of the most powerful natural agents against both fungal and bacterial infections in dogs.
The essential oils will also help in the reduction of inflammation because of their soothing effects on the skin.
Another very effective natural treatment for dog eczema is neem tea leaf oil combined with evening primrose in your dog’s food once a day.
Both of these are natural healing agents and will work wonders in reducing the inflammation and controlling the itching.
However, there is one other factor that you must include in this fight against dog eczema; building their immune system.
This is the easy part, as you will simply need to begin to give your dog powered multivitamins once day in their food as well as the herbs.
Summary
Dog eczema can be a very challenging condition, but if you attack it with this combined approach, it can be defeated very easily.
The key to both prevention and eliminating it form reoccurring is building the immune system and your dog will love the taste of powdered multivitamins.
Pet Medications for Dog Eczema
Dog Vitamin Store
Dog Skin Health