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My dog's rash is worse after vet's prescribed treatment. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 54 lbs

I went to Jessie’s usual vet 2x already to show them his rash. They were not concerned and sent me home with Chlorhexadine Gluconate 3% just in case. I use it as prescribed and the rash almost looks worse. I am not sure if it more than just a rash and I don’t want to waste another visit at the vet for them not to care again. So my question is, does this look more serious than just a fungal rash/ should I go back to the vet or carry on using the cream they gave me?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 25th, 2019

It does look like a skin infection but the origin (bacterial, fungal, yeast) I don't know just by looking at it. If it is bacterial, sometimes oral antibiotics are needed if topical therapy is not working. I don't know what cream you are using as I am not aware of a chlorhexidine cream, or how long you have been using it, so it's hard for me to comment much more on what you are already doing.

I personally like these chlorhexidine wipes because they also contain an anti-fungal/anti-yeast component (climabazole) and a component to help repair the skin (phytosphingosine) so it is gentle.

( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo+Auto )

If she is licking this area, it will never get better. So, if she is licking, you will need to get an E-collar (cone) for her to wear until this is healed.

So, if you want to try the medicated pads, I would do that. If there is still not resolution after a few weeks then she should go back to the vet. Skin maladies typically take quite a long time to respond completely to treatment so as long as it's not bothering her too much just continue on for a few more weeks. Treat the affected areas for at least a few days past all resolution of the lesions.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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