Pitbull's skin rash is worsening. What's causing it and how to treat?

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

HI, thanks for using Petcoach! Poor Chloe! Thanks for the pictures they were helpful! It looks like Chloe has a skin infection based on the pictures. Pit bulls are known for having sensitive skin and allergies. The infection looks wide spread and I recommend you have her seen by your Vet. They will likely send her home with an antibiotic, something to relieve the itching/licking or chewing and possibly a medicated shampoo. If you want to try a shampoo I like the one below. I recommend bathing 2 times per week and let the lather sit on the skin for 10 mins before rinsing. https://www.chewy.com/dog/dp/110817?utm_source=google-product

Thanks for using PetCoach! This is pretty classic for good old allergies. Pit bulls are notorious for having environmental allergies. You can start by trying some Benedryl (see link below), omega 3 fatty acids (about 2,000 mg fish oil per day) and Duoxo Calm shampoo. This combo seems to work well for dogs with mild-moderate, occasional allergies. Unfortunately, many of my pitties with allergies end up needing temeril - P, apoquel, cytopoint, or other medications to control their itching. If you’re not seeing improvement in 1 week (or if worsening at any time) head to your vet for more immediate/stronger relief. https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ Best of luck to you and Rosie!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think continuing the use of a medicated shampoo would be good as he likely has secondary infections. I think this could be due to allergies and it would be crucial to identify the allergic component to try to see if he can improve. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hello, and thank you for your question. Poor Skye. My guess is this is a severe allergic reaction as well as secondary bacterial infection of the skin. If ointments and benadryl are not helping, she will require stronger, oral medications, to control the inflammation and treat the infection. This will require a visit to the veterinarian. I would recommend this visit within the next 12-24 hours, given how uncomfortable this looks for Skye. In the meantime, you could try giving Skye a bath with a gentle aloe and oatmeal type of shampoo, just to give her some temporary relief, and hope to wash off any surface allergens that may be irritating her skin. Rinse off the shampoo thoroughly with lukewarm water afterwards, and pat dry (don't rub). I hope this helps, and your little girl is feeling better soon.

Oh that rash on Mia does look bad. It's time to see a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing the rash such as allergies, fleas, or mites, and can treat her. I'd take her into a vet in the morning. Tonight, trying giving her an oatmeal bath to see if that helps temporarily soothe her skin. Best of luck.