n w tRain Scald in Dogs: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Dogs are often susceptible to rain scald, which can be caused by getting wet and then cold quickly. This article will provide information on preventing rain scald in your dog and treating dogs who have already contracted the infection.
What Is Rain Scald?
Rain scald is a skin condition caused by wetting and prolonged exposure to sunlight in dogs. It’s also known as Rain Rot or Dermatophilosis. This common skin disorder may be found on parts of the body exposed outdoors. Rain scald can cause irritation, inflammation, and infection.
Causes of Rain Scald in Dogs
Rain scald is caused by wetting and prolonged exposure to sunlight. The wetting can be from rain or general dampness due to humid conditions or swimming. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight causes the dampened fur or feathers to darken and become brittle, damaging the hair cuticles and leading to broken hairs and red, irritated skin. The outermost layer of the skin becomes thickened and scaly; this forms crusty lesions on the dog’s coat which are indicative of rain scald. This allows bacteria to colonise the damaged area, causing infection and more severe lesions.
Risk Factors for Developing Rain Scald
- Breeds with long coats: Certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Old English Sheepdogs and Irish Setters, are at higher risk for developing rain scald due to their longer coats which provide more surface area for moisture retention from rain or humidity.
- Poor grooming practices: Poor grooming practices, such as not brushing out mats regularly, can lead to water getting trapped in their coat, leaving them more susceptible to rain scald
- Parasites: Fleas and mites can leave small wounds on your dog’s skin, making it more likely for them to develop rain rot when exposed to moisture
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause your pet’s immune system to overreact, leading them more prone to developing skin infections like rain rot
Preventing Rain Scald
- Brush Regularly: Regularly brush out mats using a slicker brush. This will help remove dead fur that can trap moisture in their coat
- Keep Your Dog Dry: If you know it’s going to rain, make sure they are dried off after they come inside. If they were outside playing during humid days, make sure you towel off excess moisture before taking them back indoors
- Treat Parasites: Make sure flea infestations are treated quickly, so your pet doesn’t have any open wounds that are vulnerable when exposed to moisture
Treating Rain Scald
- Use Medicated Shampoo: Use medicated shampoos designed specifically for pets with fungal or bacterial infections. These shampoos should contain antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or chlorhexidine gluconate
- Topical Medications: Your vet may prescribe topical medications such as mupirocin ointment or gentian violet solution. This helps to treat secondary bacterial infections
- Anti-Inflammatories/Antibiotics: In severe cases, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids or antibiotics like cephalexin.
List of Preventative Measures for Rain Scald
- Brush regularly – Slicker brushes help remove dead fur. This can trap moisture leading your pup prone to developing rain rot
- Keep them dry – Towel off excess moisture after walks during rainy days or humid days
- Treat parasites – You should treat flea infestations promptly so your pet has no open wounds.
- Monitor allergens – Monitor allergens closely. Allergies can lead pets to become prone to skin infections
Wrap Up
Rain scald is a common skin condition in dogs caused by prolonged exposure to wet and sunny conditions. It can cause irritation, inflammation, and even infection if left untreated. To protect your pup from rain scald, make sure to follow the steps mentioned in this article.
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