The Retriever Expert Expert Care Tips For Your Retriever
There may be the underlying reason why your golden retriever has rash on the belly. For them, it’s uncomfortable and it can sometimes lead to excessive itching. For us pet owners, it can be unsettling for us to see our pets that are experiencing rashes. These rashes have various root causes some of them are just plain bacterial skin infections. To other pets, it can just be a springboard leading to a more severe condition such as Cushing’s disease. Regardless of how bad it is, a simple rash that’s occurring to your dog can be worrisome.
With that in mind, what are the chances that your golden retriever has something more than a rash on belly? If left unnoticed, it might turn into a skin infection that will require your local vet, to interfere. We have listed the most common causes as to why your golden retriever is having a rash on belly.
What is a skin rash?
Similar to human rash, dog rash can be very discomforting to the point your dog is going to suffer from excessive itching which can lead to possible skin infection and open wound if it continues to persist. One of the most common angles to look at as to why the dogs are having rashes is allergies. Besides bowel irregularities, rashes are one of the common responses if the pet kibble is not compatible with the dog’s diet.
Sometimes, the causes are flea bites which can irritate the skin of the dog. But most often it’s the result of allergies coming from foods such as wheat, corn, chicken, dairy, beef, and yeast. Also, it can be from chemical components or added preservatives and fillers from his kibble food.
Rashes and other simple skin conditions are fairly common health issues in golden retrievers. The fact that their thick coat makes them vulnerable to various conditions. That said, if rashes become worse and didn’t heal quickly using relief or treatment, it’s much preferred to let your dog be seen by a veterinarian. With this, the vet may be able to detect what’s the reason beneath the rash on the belly.
There are breeds that are very vulnerable to allergies which can eventually lead to a rash. These breeds are Golden Retriever, English Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Maltese, German Sheperd, and Bull Terrier.
Causes of Golden Retriever Rash on Belly (and other parts)
Quick Highlights: Causes and Symptoms
Folliculitis
A skin condition caused by bacterial infection. This occurs together with other ailments in the skin, such as injury, allergies, and mange. Folliculitis commonly appears as scaly bumps, reddish skin area, and frequent itching.
Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma)
The common suspect for this condition is an allergic reaction. Lick Granuloma can come from floors, carpets, or grass that has a chemical agent. In some rare cases, it’s due to boredom. Having this condition, your golden retriever night suffers from compulsive licking in the paws and other parts that eventually lead to inflammation. If the ailments still prevail for a longer period, your dog may suffer from hair loss due to rash.
Seborrhea (Dandruff)
Loss of hair, flaky and dry skin.
Hormonal Imbalances (Endocrine Disorders)
Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism can be linked in this category. It can be caused by a lack of proper diet. Once it begins to take effect, there will be changes in your dog such as irregular drinking and urination hair loss, flaky skin, and even rashes.
Genetic
There are certain breeds that are prone to rashes due to their genetic coding. Golden Retrievers are prone to ichthyosis, this can cause scaling on the tummy. Cocker Spaniels are vulnerable to dandruff (seborrhea).
Heat Rash
Tender skin that is reddening in one area. There can be sores, scabs, itchiness, foul odor, and tiny red bumps.
Infection (Bacterial or Yeast Infection)
Sticky discharge, scaly skin, and redness. Infection can appear on certain parts like the ear, in the underarm, between the toes on the paws, under the collar, and on the belly.
Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
Reddening of the skin and inflamed. Can appear on the chest area, belly, head, or hip.
Mange
Loss of hair on the ears, legs, and face; sores, redness of the skin, and even scabs.
Fleas and Ticks
Hair loss, itchy spots, red bumps. Often caused by flea saliva (if your dog is allergic), inflamed area seconded by a rash.
Environmental Allergy (Atopic Dermatitis)
Known as a seasonal allergy. Excessive itching may result in skin rash, which can be accompanied by watery eyes, and frequent sneezing.
Food Allergy or Sensitivity
leathery skin, skin plaques, hyper-pigmentation, elongated marks on the skin, hives, pustules, and skin plaques. This can be seconded by diarrhea or vomiting.
Puppy Impetigo
Appears on the groins or abdomens of the puppy. Looks like acne bumps.
Contact Dermatitis
Inflamed skin, skin is reddening, crusty skin. This can appear on the legs or belly. Also, the cause of this is usually an overreaction of the immune system, it can also lead to skin inflammation.
Does your golden retriever have rash on belly?
It’s not only on the belly where rash is concentarted, it can be on the groin, hind legs, scrotum. One of the usual suspects are either mites, fleas and ticks, food allergies, impetigo, or contact dermatitis. This itch can frustrature your dog to the point the rash will likely spread in most parts of his body. Sometimes the causes are very simple and obvious. It could be lack of proper grooming, allergic to chemical agents, environmental factors, and also unhygenic surroundings.
Causes of Golden Retriever Rash on Belly (and other parts) — Partially Comprehensive
Folliculitis
Folliculitis often occurs when the hair follicles are inflamed due to bacteria. When a healthy hair follicle is suddenly shaken by an overgrowth of bacteria, it will likely cause inflammation and it will likely react leading from mild to serious cases. The common suspect for this is fungal infections, immune system deficiencies, parasitism, to name a few.
There can be a number of causes that can be linked to this kind of condition. Although this type of skin condition isn’t acquired through genes, still, most dogs are vulnerable to this problem. Among them are allergic dogs. That’s why dogs with allergies are more prone to folliculitis which yields them to greater risk.
To get a better picture of the folliculitis, it’s best to contact your veterinarian if you feel that your golden retriever has acquired one. After the initial check-up, your vet might do some physical examination and review its history in order to conclude that your furry friend has really this particular skin condition.
When it comes to treatment, the most commonly used for healing folliculitis is topical treatments. This is to alleviate the inflammation. Of course, treating this kind of skin problem will depend on the vet’s recommendation. Sometimes your vet will recommend medicated shampoos for regular baths. Also, the usual treatments are antifungal agents, antibiotics, creams, sprays, and others.
Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma)
A condition like this is due to excessive licking on the affected area. The origin of the problem comes from various sources. It can be acquired from both psychological and physical aspects. For the psychological, it can be from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and fear. For the physical, it can be derived from joint pain, infection, or allergies.
Also, there are breed dispositions regarding this ailment and usually, they appear in medium to large breeds. Specifically, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Irish Setter. Even though these breeds are mentioned, vets have also pointed that any dog breed can be affected by acral lick dermatitis.
Although there’s no correlation in regards to a rash on the golden retriever’s belly. The mere fact that it’s still a rash, poses an underlying health condition from mild to severe cases. If your pet is licking his paws very frequently, it could be a skin infection. Monitor your pet for days and see if the affected skin will cause itching hair loss and redness.
Remember to call your vet if the situation seems beyond control. That said, your vet will likely perform an x-ray if he thinks there’s something developing other than the inflamed skin. When it comes to treatment, this will differ depending on the vet’s recommendation. Usually, they are given oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. Other dogs will require to take medications that reduce obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Canine Seborrhea
Similar to folliculitis, this is also a type of skin disorder. Common symptoms of this are loss of hair, flaky and dry skin. The reason why this is occurring in your golden retriever is that the skin is producing an abnormal amount of sebum.
The common appearing symptoms are redness and inflamed skin. This can be likened to rashes due to flaky and dry skin. Canine Seborrhea will affect the neck, lips, thighs, belly, underside, and feet. You also notice the odor coming from the dog is somewhat linked to seborrhea. If you see some large chunks of dandruff, sometimes greasy or dry and smelling unusual, it may be a sign of skin disorder.
Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments when it’s primary seborrhea although. Given if it’s a vet’s diagnosis. Other than that, if there’s an underlying cause then vets can give some recommendations regarding the treatment. Fortunately, they can be managed with the help of dog skin supplements (omega-3 fatty acid), retinoids, antibiotics, corticosteroids.
Breeds that can be affected are, Labrador Retrievers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, English Springer Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, Dachshunds, among others. Bear in mind, even if these mentioned breeds are likely to be affected, any dog is likely to have this skin condition.
Hormonal Imbalances (Endocrine Disorders)
Even hormones can play a crucial role in the dog’s overall health whether good or bad. If there’s an imbalance in the hormone, it can lead to serious health problems especially if left untreated. The leading causes for this are improper diet, castration, and even genetics. Hormonal imbalances or endocrine disorders
As we have stated earlier, Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism can be linked in this category. Once it begins to take effect, there will be changes in your dog’s physique such as irregular drinking and urination hair loss, flaky skin, and even rashes. Other signs are restlessness, depression, and other problems.
Depending on the intensity of the illness, this disorder could be treated easily. If it’s just a lack of proper diet and activity outdoor, then a change in diet might be the key. Also, have your dog engage in plenty of exercises. Even an hour a day with a walk or jog in the park would be enough for them. On the other hand, if it’s serious like Cushing’s disease or related to the menstrual cycle, the only to get through in this illness is proper consultation with your vet.
You can also seek some health from holistic vets. That is if you want your dog to experience natural remedies for healing the imbalance of the hormone.
Canine Heat Rash
Normally it will start as minor skin irritation, then later it will develop into prickly red boils or pimples. Heat rash is very likened to other skin irritation. Sometimes it’s complex for us to determine what really is the underlying cause of the skin irritation, other times are easy enough. Thereby it’s always important to take heed for any health concern, be it mild or severe.
Some of the symptoms of heat rash are sores, scabs, itchiness, foul odor, and tiny red bumps or boils. Heat rash should be taken seriously. That’s why you will need to consult your vet if you think that your golden retriever has this skin disorder.
Also, treatment can be simple, all you need to do is to keep your dog in a cool place where he feels comfortable. You can also treat the sore and the redness of the skin by placing a cold, damp cloth on the affected area. Even an aloe vera will work fine which eases the inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Hot Spots
Acute moist dermatitis also known as hot spots, is the inflamed area of the skin. It can cause by various conditions and some of them are listed here. If left untreated, it can lead to infection. Most causes are self-trauma and excessive itching to the point of having an open wound.
There are numerous ways of treating the hot spots. But each of them will vary because it will likely depend on certain conditions. Fortunately, hot spots can be home treated. Treatments such as cleaning the affected area with an antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine medicated dog wipes for cleaning, prescribed topical treatment like anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial.
If the hot spots worsen, Better to bring your golden retriever to the vet to check and find out what’s happening. That said, vets will recommend you some of the prescribed medication that is applicable for their condition.
The best way to prevent hot spots on your golden retriever is to give him adequate flea control. Much better if the flea control is organic not with products that use strong chemical content. Provide regular exercise because goldens love high-energy activities both physical and mental stimulation. Above all, make sure that your furry friend is well-groomed.
Mange
Mange is caused by the tiny little creature known as mites. These mites are one of the common enemies of dogs. It’s a common skin condition in golden retrievers and in any dogs, particularly those who aren’t well-groomed such as the abused. neglected, and strays. Dogs with mange, if it’s beyond hope, will have a loss of hair on the ears, legs, and face; sores, redness of the skin, and even scabs.
As a pet owner, it’s painful and unsettling to see dogs with this kind of condition. Mites are the known culprit in this skin condition. There are two types of mange that are potentially destructive once the mites reside on the dog’s body. Namely, they are Demodectic Mange (Demodex) and Sarcoptic Mange (scabies)
Demodectic Mange(Demodex)
It will occur if the cigar-shaped mites reside deep in the hair follicles and grow beyond control. These mites are usually harmless. If the immune system of the dog is weak, it can cause harm to dogs. Usually, puppies and those who have generally weak immune systems are more prone to the Demodectic Mange.
Sarcoptic Mange
Is sometimes called “canine scabies” and they are eight-legged mites and in a circular shape. In the case of scabies, they can transfer from dog to dog and can be pass from dogs to humans, but the infestation is unlikely. Once the mites have transferred to a new dog, they will lay eggs and will wreak havoc on their new host.
The most simple and effective ways to treat mange are nice regular baths and well-maintained grooming care. You can use mite control like topical applications or oral treatments and they seem to be effective also.
Puppy Impetigo
This skin condition is likely to hit puppies of age one year and below. The impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Usually, it can be mistaken as acne because it forms as a bump. One causes why your golden retriever puppy has a rash on the belly is likely this factor.
If the impetigo is just mild cases, it can resolve on its own. An accompaniment for this condition can be topical treatments, antibiotics, ointments, and other treatments that can be prescribed by your vet.
Avoiding the rash: How To Help It
Humans and dogs have common skin problems and that is rash. They can itch the hell out of us to the point it’s casing open wounds and becoming inflamed. The fact that the skin is the barrier between the outside and inside of the body, it’s normal that there will be skin irritants that will lead to a rash. But if the situation is beyond control and can’t even be healed by topical treatments, it may be an underlying skin disorder. The common signs are blisters, redness of the skin, raised bumps, and hives.
Simple Options to Treat Your Golden Retriever Rash on Belly and Other Parts
There’s no doubt seeking a professional vet is the best way to treat, if not ease the dog’s rash. Thereby, in order to further improve the pet’s condition, it’s not bad to incorporate some natural remedies. This is to prevent any bacterial infections and prevent any incoming flare-ups. So here are some of the proven simple remedies for your dog’s rash.
Premium quality and natural kibble food
Because your golden retriever deserves nutritious food as part of their dietary needs. There are various kibble foods that have specific ingredients for dogs who have specific needs.
Most premium dog food has a label that says meat first ingredient, wholesome foods, wheat-free, no food allergens (soy, corn, sugar), and excludes any synthetic components such as GMOs, artificial flavorings, fillers, and additives.
So if your dog is a finicky eater, determine what he really needs and give them what they want. True enough, it will cost you more but it’s cheaper than bringing your dog to a vet due to a severe case which is more expensive.
Dog skin health supplements
Adding dog supplements to your dog’s diet is an excellent way to combat any skin rashes and other skin conditions. When buying a dog supplement, choose the one that focuses on skin and coat improvement.
Look for ingredients that have fish oil rich in omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed, and other beneficial nutrients for skin and coat. It’s also important to improve your dog’s gut health by giving him probiotics to support the overall immune system.
With these skin health supplements for dogs, there’s a low chance that your golden retriever will have a rash on the belly and other parts.
Dog Allergy Chews
Dog allergy chews are one way of preventing any rashes and other skin conditions. They are easy for your dog to eat because most of the allergy chews have natural flavors that they will gobble it so easily. Allergy chews give relief to dogs who have allergies draws from seasonal, food, and environmental factors.
When buying allergy chews, check the ingredients if there are colostrum and probiotics these are the main forces that promote a healthier digestive and immune system.
Final Thoughts — Golden Retriever Rash on Belly
Sometimes the golden retriever rash on the belly and other parts does not come from one source, it may come from multiple sources. The best way to fight them if the situation still under control is to make sure that your dog is healthy and well-groomed.
There is actually no better way to prevent rashes and other health conditions if you are just consistently maintaining your dog’s health. Proper diet, meeting nutritional needs, and intake of dog supplements play a vital role in diminishing any problems that may arise in your dog’s health.
Check this health fact also: What are the Golden Retriever Puppy Exercise Limits? — Health Facts!
