Deprive a dog: signs (with photo) and treatment

Lichen is a skin disease caused by fungi or viruses. Many types of lichen are quickly transmitted to other animals and humans, so it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. But for this it is necessary to know what type of ailment attacked the dog.

Types of lichen in dogs describing symptoms

Ringworm in dogs (trichophytosis). The disease causes a fungus that spreads instantly over the skin of the whole body. The first sign is the appearance of oval spots, on the site of which the hairline soon falls out, scales form.

Pink lichen in dogs. This non-dangerous disease causes a viral infection, which manifests itself with a decrease in immunity, digestive disorders. Small (no more than 2 cm) pink spots appear on the skin, in the center of which you can see a whitish-yellow coating. Places of the rash are very itchy. Often, everything goes away after a few weeks, but for a speedy recovery, you need to reinforce the body with vitamins and minerals. Doctors did not agree on whether this type of ailment is transmitted to humans. However, modern medicine increasingly says no.

Weeping lichen in dogs, or weeping eczema. It is not transmitted to other living creatures, since it is related to allergies. It manifests itself with a decrease in immunity, severe stress. An itchy rash appears on the body, in the place of which bursting bubbles soon form. A clear or yellowish liquid flows from them. Such spots look like burns.

Pityriasis versicolor in dogs. First, the fungi are localized on the body and head of the animal in the form of red spots, and eventually change color (often become yellowish brown). Scales may form in these places. The fungus is able to instantly spread to other animals and humans.

Shingles in dogs. It is rare. The disease causes the herpes virus. Between the ribs and in the groin, the skin itches and seems to prick, and after a few hours or days, bubbles form in these places, which subsequently burst and crust.

As you can see, lichen spots are very similar. Therefore, it is not always possible to accurately determine the type of disease by eye. So it is better not to rely on your intuition, but to resort to laboratory methods and entrust your tailed friend to a veterinary dermatologist.

How to treat lichen in a dog - the most effective means

Among the general principles of treatment, specialists distinguish the following:

Trimming hair around affected areas. So it will be easier for you to process the desired areas. But note: all manipulations should be carried out with gloves so as not to become infected.

Skin treatment with a cotton swab dipped in a solution of chlorhexidine or iodine.

Rubbing ointment or cream. For the treatment of fungal species (ringworm, pityriasis), topical preparations such as Miconazole, Clotrimazole, Tiabendazole, Sinoderm, Fungin, NM-BK are usually prescribed. With weeping eczema, the affected areas are treated with Zinc, Ichthyol or Sulfur-tar ointment. Herpes zoster is treated with Acyclovir.

Strengthening immunity. Watch out for the animal’s nutrition. In the diet of the dog should be a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. A, E, C, D, group B, as well as zinc and selenium are especially important for skin health.

Now you know what lichen looks like in dogs. Therefore, you can certainly help your four-legged friend. However, it is better not to self-medicate and if you find the first symptoms of skin diseases, consult a veterinarian. Thanks to analyzes (scrapings), it will be possible to more correctly diagnose and cure a pet more quickly. In addition, with extensive lesions, local therapy may not be enough, in which case the doctor will additionally prescribe tablets for oral or injection use.