Dog sores are among some of the common canine health problems. Such skin lesions can be caused by various factors ranging from simple injuries to serious medical conditions like cancer. A basic understanding about the various causes for dog skin sores may prove beneficial for dog owners. It is always advisable to take your dog to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment, if the animal develop skin sores. However, for minor injuries, you may try some home remedies for dog sores.

More About Dog Sores

As mentioned above, dog sores are canine skin lesions that can be caused by various reasons. Some of them are found to be caused by simple skin injuries, while others are caused by internal medical conditions or dermatological problems. In some cases, you may find a combination of these causes. So, dog sores can be due to skin injury caused by sharp objects, flea bites or insect bites. Such sores can also be caused by allergies that can cause intense itching along with skin hives. The affected dog will lick and scratch the skin incessantly, so that the hives transform to lesions.

Some of the commonly found dog skin sores are hot spots or acute moist dermatitis that is characterized by raw skin lesions. Mostly seen in dogs with long and dense coat, this condition can be caused by mites, fleas and allergies. Canine mange is another skin problem that can cause dog skin sores and crust formation. These sores are also characterized by hair loss in patches. Even canine scabies is caused by mites and is manifested with red spots. Blastomycosis is another condition that causes dog skin sores that may cause crusting and secretion. This is a fungal infection that may gradually lead to breathing trouble and lethargy.

Pancreatic and liver problems can cause sore paws or lips. Even diabetes is one among the causes of canine skin sores. Cancer is one of the uncommon causes of skin sores in dogs. If left untreated, dog skin sores may also develop secondary infections. So, early diagnosis and treatment for dog sores is always recommended.

How to Treat Dog Sores

Now you know that dog skin sores are of different types and the mode of treatment may vary with the cause. It is not at all advisable to use medications meant for humans, on dogs. However, there are certain home remedies that can be tried for treating canine skin sores. These remedies are recommended for sores that develop due to minor cuts or scratches. Even these skin lesions need immediate medical attention, if they are highly inflamed and fail to respond to home remedies.
  • First of all, muzzle the dog. This is very important as the animal, who is in pain, may try to bite you, as you examine and clean the sores.
  • The second step is to wash the sore with an antibacterial soap. In case, the dog is a long-haired one, you have to trim the hair around the sores.
  • Once cleaned, pat dry the sores and apply a small amount of antibiotic cream over them (3 to 4 times a day). Home remedies for dog sores include apple cider vinegar (diluted with equal amount of water).
  • Another home remedy for dog skin sores is saline solution. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and apply this on the sores (3 to 4 times a day).
  • It has also been observed that damp tea bags (for at least five minutes) placed over dog skin sores help in curing the conditions. It is said that this is due to the presence of tannin in tea.
  • It is always advisable to place a collar around the neck of the affected dog, as the animal may have a tendency to lick, scratch or bite the sores, making it worse and difficult to heal.
  • For faster healing, leave the sores uncovered. Apply the antibiotic cream or any of the above said home remedies at an interval of around two to three hours.
  • Some people try bag balm as a home remedy for dog skin sores caused by minor cuts and scratches. In case of mange, a common dog skin problem, a mixture of olive oil ( cup), goldenseal powder and garlic powder (2 tablespoons each) is used.
  • Wormwood oil is one of the popular home remedies for dog sores caused by hotspots. A mixture of thyme oil and olive oil is also said to be effective. Some people add brewer's yeast to the animal's food, for faster healing.
You may try these remedies, in case the sores are minor in nature. In such cases too, it is always better to take your dog to the vet, for proper diagnosis, so as to rule out any dermatological disease or underlying condition. If the dog responds to home remedies, well and good. If not, take the animal to the vet, at the earliest. Medical attention is unavoidable, if the dog develops other symptoms.