Just like people, dogs can have rashes and skin irritation. The first thing that a dog owner may notice is a dog scratching the area of the irritation or rash. Dogs may develop swelling or redness.

An allergic reaction is a common cause for a dog skin rash. Small bumps on the skin called hives may develop due to allergies. Hives and skin rashes from allergic reactions often clear up on their own, but a dog owner should still consult the veterinarian for instructions on how to treat dog skin rashes.

Even though a dog can develop an allergic reaction to products and dog food that the dog had been exposed to for years, the use of a new substance or exposure to new things are the likely causes. Exposure to a new dog shampoo, eating a new dog food, or changes in the dog's environment are common causes of skin allergies. The dog owner may want to try taking these new things away to see if the dog skin rash or hives go away.

A common cause for a skin rash or irritation is an allergy to flea bites. For skin rashes and irritation due to an allergic reaction to flea bites, the dog owner should treat the fleas promptly. After the fleas have been eliminated, the dog skin usually clears up and the dog's coat grows back if there has been hairloss.

A hot spot is a common skin problem for dogs. Moist dermatitis and pyotraumatic dermatitis are other names for hot spots. A hot spot may occur if a dog has a skin irritation that causes the dog to lick, scratch, or bite that area.

An allergic reaction, bacterial infection, tick bite, or flea bite are examples of potential causes of hot spots. Dogs often develop hairloss in the area of the hotspot. Licking, but eating, and scratching make this condition worse.

A veterinarian should be consulted for the best way to treat the hotspot. Hot spots are often treated by shaving the area of the hot spot and applying cool compresses. The veterinarian may prescribe the use of a special shampoo, oral medication, or topical ointment to treat the hot spot.

Fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections can cause dog skin rashes. A dog with a rash needs to be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and proper treatment for the skin rash.

Some dog shampoos and skin care products claim to be how to treat dog skin rashes. If the underlying cause of the rash is not identified by veterinarian, dog skin care products are often ineffective. Many skin infections require the use of prescribed medication from a veterinarian.