What to do if your dog has a fungal skin disease

Symptoms

A dog with a fungal skin disease will generally have red and flaky skin, with small abscesses beneath the skin. The affected skin is itchy, causing the dog to scratch frequently, which can lead to bleeding and wounds.

Treatment

For mild cases: Trim the hair around the affected area, disinfect with hydrogen peroxide (do not use alcohol, as it can be painful for the dog), and apply topical skin disease medications, antibiotic ointments, and anti-inflammatory creams such as hydrocortisone or prednisone. Do not use anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone, as they can cause stomach ulcers.

For severe cases: Combine topical medications, baths, and oral medications or injections. If the fungal skin disease is widespread, shave off all the dog's hair to ensure good ventilation and prevent infection. After applying the medication, it's best to put an Elizabethan collar on the dog to prevent them from licking the area.

Prevention

Keep your dog's living environment clean and regularly disinfect and clean their dishes. It's best to use dog-specific disinfectants and detergents.
Maintain your dog's hygiene and give them regular baths. Be sure to dry their fur thoroughly after each bath, as damp environments can encourage bacterial growth.
Ensure a balanced diet to boost your dog's immune system and resistance. You can choose natural ingredients for their food, or prepare homemade dog food with cooked vegetables, meat, and fruits.

Precautions

Fungal skin diseases are zoonotic, meaning dogs can transmit them to humans. Children with weak immune systems are more susceptible to infection if they frequently interact with infected dogs. Be extra cautious in this regard.