Help, what do I do? My poor dog, Max, has been dealing with allergies for ages, but now I think it’s something more. Yesterday evening, I noticed this weird smell coming from his skin, and when I took a closer look, his belly and paws have these strange patches. They’re kind of red and crusty, and he keeps scratching like crazy. I’m worried it might be a fungal infection, but I’m not completely sure. We’ve been to the vet for his allergies, but this is new, and I don’t want to jump to conclusions. Has anyone experienced this before? Should I take him straight to the vet, or can I try something at home first? Any advice would be so appreciated.
Appreciate the question—let's unpack this. It sounds like you're dealing with a bit of a tough situation, but you're absolutely doing the right thing by reaching out. Dogs with a history of allergies can be more prone to fungal infections because their skin can get irritated and weakened, making it easier for fungi like yeast to take hold.
This type of infection might cause your dog to itch more than usual, or you might notice red, scaly patches on their skin. Sometimes, a musty odor is also present. To help soothe your dog at home, you can gently clean the affected skin with a mild, vet-approved antiseptic solution and make sure to keep your pet's skin dry and clean, as moisture can worsen the issue.
Keep an eye out for any worsening symptoms, like an increase in redness, swelling, or if your dog seems to be in pain. If the infection spreads or doesn’t improve with home care, it’s important to get in touch with a veterinarian. You might also notice hair loss or more severe skin changes, which should be checked out sooner rather than later.
To ensure your furry friend gets the best care, I'd recommend booking a video consult with one of our veterinarians on Dial A Vet. They can provide more personalized advice and help you with the next steps.
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