Skin infections can wreak havoc on your beloved pet’s skin and your nerves. One of the most common dog skin problems is dog hot spots and usually occurs on rump area, although they can occur on any part of the dog’s body. Hot spot on a dog can be caused by insect bites, skin cut, abrasion or wound, tick bites, inhalant allergies, contact dermatitis or bee stings. It includes a secondary bacterial infection, which can be deep or superficial. These dog skin problems occur very quickly and generally follow trauma to the dog’s skin that has some provocative cause. For instance, a dog with fleabite allergies can begin to scratch and lick at an area until a hot spot originates. Diagnosis of these skin problems in a dog includes microscopic examinations, skin biopsy, skin cultures and skin scrapings.
Natural treatment for dog hot spots differs according to the source that caused the infection. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that shields the dog’s body from any harm caused by chemicals and pollutants. Essences that are useful in the natural treatment of dog skin infection are walnut, crab apple, olive, five-flower formula and chestnut bud. To treat hot spots on a dog, the vet may prescribe topical sprays or salves, special shampoos or oral antibiotics.
There are several aliases associated with horse skin infections including pasture rot, mud itch, rain rot, grease heel and scratches. The most common skin problems found in horse are scratches and rain rots. A combination of fungal and bacterial organisms causes rain rot and scratches in horses. The areas that are most often affected in case of scratches and rain rots are the folds of skin on the back of the pastern site, heel bulbs, and rump of the horse. Characteristics of scratches in horses are usually cracked, red inflamed and oozing skin. Rain rot may also occur on the tips of horse’s ears, around the muzzle and eyes.
The sole factor in treating rain rot and scratches in horses is pasture management and often a change in stable. It is essential to keep your horse in a dry and clean stable that is well ventilated. A mild degreaser can be utilized to soak the surface in order to smoothen and eliminate crusts. Once rinsing is complete and the skin becomes dry, you can apply an antibacterial or antifungal cream. Other important components in clearing up rain rots and scratches include circulating air and sunlight.
