My senior dog has a rash near her eye and nose. What can I do?

It does appear that this is more a problem with the skin around the eyes rather than the eye itself. This is commonly seen with demodex (https://mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/demodectic-mange) infestations in juvenile dogs. It is less common with older dogs and is more of a concern with older dogs. In a puppy, these infestations will resolve on their own after a couple of months. Some require treatment with an antiparasitic. If Bear is an adult, then he will need treatment. It's also possible that this is infected by yeast or bacteria, so it's best to have a vet evaluate him to make a diagnosis. For now, it's good to flush the area with saline for 1-2 minutes three times a day. If it is getting worse, then he probably needs professional treatment to keep it from getting too bad. I hope that helps and Bear gets better soon.

If the rash and skin problems is spreading and getting worse, then it is worth see a vet. She may need a skin biopsy or sample to find out the cause. Skin tags are common in older dogs but rash that is changing is not. They may need to do blood work to see if there is an endocrine problem such as a low thyroid or cushings disease.

This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be due to a trauma an infection (bacterial or fungal) or mites.

 First of all, you will need to ask the vet to have a look at it (we can do it as well if you ask for a consultation) and perform some skin testing, 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 discovering the cause of the allergy.

 Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair the skin lesions (anti-inflammatories and/or antibiotics).

I am so sorry to hear that Buffy is experiencing these problems with her eye. Rashes around the eye are often caused by an eye infection. This is more likely if you also notice, redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye. Start by placing an e-collar or cone on Buffy to prevent scratching or rubbing. If the eye is infected it is likely painful, this will prompt Buffy to scratch or rub her eye. However, this could inflict further damage, infection or even an ulceration. Because eye concerns with dogs, such as infections, corneal ulcerations, cataracts and glaucoma, can progress rapidly, and can result in blindness, I would have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the issue. The precise medication can then be dispensed by your veterinarian. Please do not attempt to treat an eye infection at home with any over the counter medications, drops or ointments. This can lead to permanent damage and unnecessary pain or discomfort. I hope this answer was helpful and that Buffy feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both!

As your vet said This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. It is very important anyway , in order to rule out skin parasites, to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), 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). Buster collar may be useful to avoid further scratching/rubbing. 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.

That area looks very irritated and i'd be concerned there is a burn, severe irritation, or even a growth/tumor causing the hair loss and wounding of the skin. Since so much is exposed, it's a good idea to have it examined by your vet right away. Until you can get to the vet, keeping the area clean and dry and placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Sophie can help reduce irritation, however it should be seen in person.

It looks like her nose is very dry and cracked. To be safe, I would get her in to see a vet as soon as possible, especially if she's feeling sick otherwise, any unusual lethargy, refusal to eat and drink, vomiting, diarrhea could all point to this being a much more serious condition. I do recommend very gently cleaning her nose and applying a thin protective coating of Vaseline to her nose to help slow the cracking and dryness.