Unfortunately, skin problems are not uncommon among dogs. While some skin problems might be obvious and easy to treat, others might not be so easy to identify - including when it comes to rashes and fleas, and the difference between them. So, how do you tell the difference between the two, and how can you treat these issues? Read on to learn more about these common dog skin problems and what to do about them.

Dog Rashes: Signs and Treatment

There are many kinds of rashes that dogs can suffer from, and for many different reasons, ranging from allergic reactions to dry skin. Unfortunately, it's usually not possible to determine what caused a dog's skin rash simply by the way it looks. However, you might gain more insight as to what caused the rash based on your dog's symptoms and responses to the rash. Some of the rash characteristics and symptoms to note include:

• Redness of the skin
• Hair loss, bald patches or dull fur
• General itchiness (i.e., your dog scratching or chewing at the affected area or rubbing it against the floor or furniture)
• Dander, oily skin or dry, flaky skin
• Scabs, crusts, bumps or pustules appearing on the skin

Figuring out what caused the rash is important, and due to the broad range of possible causes, it's recommended that you take your dog to the vet if it's suffering from a rash. Rashes can sometimes be caused by potentially life-threatening health issues, so it's important to identify their cause.

You can help your dog get relief from the itching and discomfort caused by the rash in the meantime with an itch relief spray formulated for pets. Eye Envy® On the Spot Healing and Itch Relief Spray helps eliminate itchy and painful hot spots on dogs, and helps prevent chewing, licking and scratching, which can promote healing of the rash regardless of its source.

Signs of Fleas

Fleas are microscopic insects that can live as parasites off of most pets. These annoying pests can be tracked in from outdoors, and once they reproduce, it will require intervention to remove them. If your dog has fleas, there will be a few obvious signs that this is the case:

• Your dog is scratching, biting or chewing their skin often.
• Visible "flea dirt" (dark, granular material) appears in your dog's fur. This dirt is actually digested blood and will turn red when water is added.
• Your dog develops flea bites, or small red bumps on its skin.

Of course, you can always look for the presence of fleas themselves; fleas are visible to the naked eye, so by using an effective comb to part your dog's fur, you can look for them.

So how do you get rid of fleas? The problem of fleas can be easily solved at home with the right products. By using a flea shampoo or a moisturizing shampoo with natural flea repellant, you can eliminate fleas at their source simply by bathing your dog. Our Eye Envy® Moisturizing Pet Shampoo also contains white vinegar to help heal cracked or chapped skin and can help relieve your dog's itching, regardless of what's causing it. Then, simply follow up with a thorough vacuuming of all carpeted areas in your home to remove any eggs that might be lying in wait!