Whippet Dog Skin Rashes

Despite their fragile look, whippets are very healthy, sturdy dogs. Cuts and dog skin rashes are probably the most common dog health problem in this breed.

The whippet silky coat is a pleasure to the touch and has the added bonus of a very easy maintenance.

The short coat of this breed will keep the house free of dirt and loose hairs. The whippet coat is odorless to boot, making this breed a favorite of lazy housekeepers.

Alas, for every advantage there is a price to pay.

The whippet skin is rather unprotected, tends to tear easily and is prone to dog skin rashes and reactions.

A hypoallergenic premium dog food and a regular baths regime will keep most skin problems in check. A monthly bath is all is required to keep your whippet coat free of allergens and impurities that can cause reactions and infections.

Always make sure to use a dog shampoo, the PH of dog and human skin is different and they require different products.

As a rule whippets are not crazy about water but in time your pet will associate bathing time with a good cuddle and a massage and will learn to appreciate this special treat.

To avoid any bad experience with a slippery bath tub, add a rubber mat for sure footing. Your dog will be more relaxed and easy to handle.

First wet the skin and then work a lather. Its important to rinse carefully to avoid dandruff and itchiness.


Calluses

Sometimes whippet and greyhound show a callus on the sternum where the bare skin touches the floor when laying down.

It may look worrying but my vet said is harmless and it doesn’t cause any discomfort to the dog.

To keep the skin supple and avoid inflammation, I apply a moisturizer with salicylic acid for blemished skin with remarkable results.

In short coated breeds as whippets is sometimes visible a bald patch at the base of the tail.

It is called stud tail although it may appear also in females and castrated males.

This bald spot is caused by an overactive or infected sebaceous gland in that area.

If no other problems are found by your vet, washing with a gentle shampoo for oily skin is often the solution to this mostly aesthetic problem.

I recently read about a natural home remedy for stud tail.

Warm some bran in an oven or pan, apply it on the tail and then gently brush it off. The bran absorbs the excess grease and is said to have antibacterial properties.

Dandruff

On dark dogs may appear dandruff. Shampoo containing sufur or tar can be of help.

As dandruff becomes more evident just after a bath, avoid bathing your whippet just the day before a dog show.

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