Reader Question and Solution: Dog With Itchy Pink Rash on Face, Paws, and Belly – Is It Contagious?

by Julie
(Burley Idaho)

Itchy Facial and Body Rash in Dogs – What It Could Be

My friend’s dog has an itchy rash on its nose and around its eyes and has rubbed most of the fur off its face. She also has it on her paws and belly—it’s a pinkish rash. I’m hoping it’s not something my dog can catch. My friend thought it was a dog food allergy so she switched the dog food and the rash went away but then came right back. Just wondering what it might be. Her other dogs don’t have it, just the one.

What This Type of Rash Often Indicates

Julie, thank you for your thoughtful question—and it’s completely reasonable to be concerned about whether something like this could spread to your own dog. Based on your description, this pattern of rash affecting the face, eyes, paws, and belly along with itching and hair loss is very common in dogs and is most often not contagious.

Most Likely Causes

• Environmental Allergies (Atopy): This is the most common cause of symptoms like those you’re describing. Dogs with environmental allergies often develop itchy, pink rashes on the face, around the eyes, paws, armpits, and belly. Switching food may temporarily reduce inflammation but won’t resolve symptoms if the trigger is environmental.
• Secondary Yeast or Bacterial Infection: Repeated rubbing and licking can damage the skin barrier and allow yeast or bacteria to overgrow, worsening redness, itching, and hair loss.
• Contact Dermatitis: Reactions to grass, cleaning products, carpets, or bedding can cause rashes on areas that touch
  the ground or surfaces.
• Food Allergy: True food allergies are less common and usually cause year-round itching, often along with ear infections or digestive issues. The rash returning after a food change suggests food may not be the primary cause.
• Mange: Certain types of mange can cause facial hair loss and itching, but these usually affect multiple dogs in the household. Since the other dogs are unaffected, this is less likely.

Is This Something Your Dog Can Catch?

In most cases like this, the condition is allergy-related and not contagious. Environmental allergies, food sensitivities, and secondary infections caused by the dog’s own immune response do not spread to other dogs. If a contagious condition were present, other dogs would likely show symptoms.

What Your Friend Should Do

• Veterinary Examination: A vet can confirm whether this is allergy-related or infectious through skin exams or testing.
• Treat Secondary Infections: Many allergic dogs require antifungal or antibacterial treatment to fully heal.
• Long-Term Allergy Management: This may include medicated baths, prescription allergy medications, supplements, or allergy testing.
• Avoid Frequent Food Changes: Repeated diet changes can upset digestion without addressing the root cause.

This presentation is most consistent with allergies rather than a contagious condition, but veterinary evaluation is important to confirm the cause and relieve the dog’s discomfort.

Jeff
Publisher
Dog Health Guide

Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. It does not replace the advice of your pet’s veterinarian, who is the only professional qualified to diagnose and treat your pet. Always consult a veterinarian for professional medical advice about your pet’s health.