Why Does Your Pit Bull Have A Rash? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
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Rashes on your Pitbull could look frightening and unsettling, yet they are very common. The spots and inflammation on your dog might be caused by anything from a simple infection to a more severe underlying problem like Cushing’s disease.
So, why does your Pit Bull have a rash? Your Pit Bull might have a rash because of many different reasons, including prolonged exposure to heat, skin infections, allergic reactions, fleas and parasites, bug bites, hormonal imbalance, and coming into contact with toxic plants such as poison ivy.
Keep reading to explore more about the common causes of rashes and how you can effectively identify and treat rashes in Pit Bulls.
Why Does your Pit Bull Have a Rash?
Pit Bulls have sensitive skin, which makes them more prone to suffering from rashes. It’s important to identify the cause of the rash in your Pit Bull to be able to treat it effectively.
So, here are the common cause of rashes in Pit Bulls:
Heat Rash
When the dog is exposed to an extremely high temperature for a long time, it will develop what’s known as a heat rash.
The dog’s skin will become irritated, red, and sensitive; consequently, bumps and blisters may begin to form.
Allergic Reactions
Pollen, dust, and fertilizer allergies could irritate the dog’s skin enough to develop a rash. Food allergies can also cause rashes.
Fleas and Other Parasites
Fleas, mites, and ticks are well-known for their ability to cause severe skin damage, irritation, and rashes.
Mites, specifically, induce sarcoptic mange that causes significant burning and rashes.
Poison Ivy and Other Toxic Plants
Urushiol, an itch-causing oily substance, is found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. A slight touch across one of these plants may release poison on a dog’s skin, more often on the belly, causing a rash.
Because your Pitbull may be allergic to specific plants, it’s helpful to know what’s growing where you go for walks or hikes; then, you can identify them to your veterinarian.
Infections
Malassezia fungus causes yeast infections in dogs, which can result in a rash. Because these infections lead the skin to stink, you’ll usually recognize the source once you smell it.
Pyoderma, which is referred to as bacterial infections of the skin, can create rashes that are dry, crusty, flaky, and irritating on your Pitbull.
Bug Bites
Insect bites irritate dogs just as much as they do humans. They are typically found on the abdomen and can create rashes and itching.
In the hotter seasons, a spray of dog-friendly insect spray can help fight irritating insect bites.
Hormonal Imbalance
Rashes in dogs can be caused by health problems that produce hormonal imbalances.
For instance, Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland, might affect the skin’s condition. A rash can also be caused by Cushing’s illness which is a hyperactive adrenal gland.
How to Identify a Rash In Your Pit Bull?
A rash may appear obvious, yet the cause may be unclear. Take your dog to the vet before considering any treatments.
Your veterinarian will thoroughly check your dog’s skin and ask you about the rash’s history, for example, when the rash first developed.
Numerous tests can assist your veterinarian in discovering the source of the rash, such as:
- Skin samples
- Blood testing to diagnose underlying medical issues
- Skin cultures for fungi and bacteria
- Allergy testing
Normally, most of the tests are not required. For instance, if your dog is stung by a bee, you will recognize the rash was caused by the bee sting.
Symptoms of Rashes in Pit Bulls
Here are the common symptoms of rashes in Pit Bulls that you should be on the lookout for:
- Skin itchy bumps that look like pimples
- Hair loss
- Skin Ulcers
- Bleeding
- Skin that is red and inflamed
- Swelling
- Scabbing skin
- Weeping skin
- Licking, biting, and chewing regularly
- Dry skin
- Bad smell
- Depression
Speaking of bad smells, I have this guide on how to make your Pitbull smell great (or maybe even amazing!), so make sure to check it out!
Rash VS Hives: How to Tell the Difference?
The below table will tell you how to differentiate between rashes and hives in your Pitbull:
| Hives | Rashes | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bumps that are red or skin-toned and can vary in size, form, and color. Pressing on the lumps may cause them to become pale and momentarily turn white. Occur in groups on any body part (the clusters may spread, or they may remain contained) Bumps may merge and become plate-sized. They may emerge briefly or for an extended period of time. | Red and swollen Alterations in skin texture a lumpy, scaly, or rough appearance. |
| Symptoms | Itching that might be severe and last for a prolonged or brief period of time | Itchy, painful, inflamed, and sore skin, skin that is hot to touch |
How to Treat Rashes in Pit Bulls?
Rashes are treated differently depending on what caused them. In certain circumstances, such as with a small bug bite, the rash may resolve on its own.
There are veterinarian medications and home remedies accessible for rashes that do not heal on their own.
Your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment option based on the degree and cause of the rash.
Medication from the Veterinarian
The following are some examples of veterinarian treatment for rashes:
- Treatments for skin infections, such as antibiotics
- Thyroid medicine is used to treat Hypothyroidism.
- Prescribed medicated shampoos
- Medications for the treatment of fleas, ticks, and mites
Home Treatments
Many dog rashes can be treated at home without needing veterinary care.
Shampoos are commonly used to treat dog skin problems at home, as well as colloidal oatmeal-containing products relieve skin inflammation, dryness, and irritation.
Over-the-counter medicinal shampoos are also available to address skin disorders that might produce rashes.
Rubbing shampoo into your Pitbull’s skin and fur helps effectively eliminate environmental irritants such as dust and pollen.
Aside from shampoo, aloe vera is also an excellent home cure for rashes. The gel from this plant calms and heals the skin.
If your Pit Bull develops a rash, consult with your veterinarian for advice on the best way to treat the rash.
How to Prevent Rashes in Pit Bulls?
Using a top-quality flea treatment all year round, giving a nutritionally balanced and healthy dog food, and keeping your Pitbull’s skin and hair with frequent washes or specialized groomings are among the effective methods to avoid skin rashes in your Pitbull.
Bathing and haircutting frequency varies according to breed and lifestyle. You can check out my guide on how often you should bathe your Pitbull here.
Skin health products for dogs could also be beneficial, but consult your veterinarian before starting any new drug or supplement.
Other preventative measures are dependent on the source of your Pitbull’s rash.
Throughout allergy season, for instance, dogs with environmental allergies could benefit from medications such as Benadryl, skin health products, or having their paws and tummy washed thoroughly after a walk to eliminate pollen.
Food intolerances in dogs may require a particular diet. In addition, dogs living in dry areas could benefit from a household humidifier.
Seek veterinarian treatment as soon as you discover a skin concern. While skin rashes are rarely emergencies, they should be treated as quickly as possible.
Related Questions
Is it common for Pit Bulls to Have Skin Problems?
It is common for Pit Bulls to have skin problems such as rashes, hives, infections, and allergic reactions. To prevent the dog from developing skin problems, you need to pay special attention to its nutrition, skincare, and hygiene.
Does Your Pit Bull’s Diet Affect Its Skin?
Your Pit Bull’s diet does affect its skin. Pit Bull have sensitive skin that’s prone to developing many conditions. To keep the dog’s skin healthy, you need to feed it balanced meals and avoid sudden changes to the dog’s diet, as this might trigger an allergic reaction.
Helpful Resources
10 of the Most Common Dog Skin Conditions
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