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How to understand if the dog has dermatitis and what to do about it.

Written by Silvia Capelli

September 8, 2023

Dermatitis in dogs is a widely prevalent inflammatory condition with various triggering causes. It can be moderate or severe and may result from factors causing discomfort or pain to the dog, or from others involving unpleasant guests like fleas, or skin fungi.

There are several types, among which the most common are atopic dermatitis and flea allergy dermatitis, and they can be treated both with medication and proper diet.

But let's explain in detail how to understand if your dog has dermatitis and how to intervene to solve the problem.

Causes of Dermatitis in Dogs

Dermatitis in dogs can have multiple causes, and the triggering factor determines the type of dermatitis and consequently what treatments will be suitable to restore your four-legged friend's health.

In some cases, dermatitis is triggered when the dog has a compromised immune system or suffers from other diseases.

The most common triggers of canine dermatitis are as follows:

  • Food allergies and intolerances: Many dogs are allergic or intolerant to certain foods, both fresh and packaged. Dermatitis is the most common response of the body to an allergic reaction. This type of dermatitis is often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Non-food allergies/exposure to irritants: Sometimes, substances in the environment, plants, or hygiene products can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. This dermatitis can also be contact dermatitis.

  • Parasites and insects: During their blood meal, some insects, such as fleas, inject an irritating substance under the animal's skin, causing inflammation. This dermatitis should be taken very seriously as it could mean that these parasites are present in the home environment and must therefore be eradicated as soon as possible.

  • Bacterial or fungal infections: Pyoderma, skin fungi, or Malassezia can cause dermatitis.

  • Hormonal imbalances/autoimmune diseases: There are endocrine and immune dysfunctions that can cause skin disorders, such as alopecia and dermatitis.

  • Stress: If particularly stressed, a dog can manifest its discomfort by scratching or licking compulsively, causing the onset of dermatitis.

  • Sunlight: Dogs can also get sunburned, especially if they are shaved close to the skin or are hairless dogs.

  • Systemic diseases: Diseases of the immune system.

Symptoms of Dermatitis in Dogs

Recognizing the symptoms of dermatitis in dogs is not difficult. Since this disease compromises the appearance of the skin and causes considerable discomfort for the animal, it will be easy for you to understand that, unfortunately, Fido is not feeling great.

The most frequent symptoms include:

  • Itching, moderate to severe

  • Localized hair loss or alopecia

  • Crusts on the skin

  • Conjunctivitis

  • Skin inflammation with or without scaling

  • Pustules

  • Eczema

  • Redness of the skin

  • Sneezing and rhinitis

  • Dandruff

  • Asthma

  • Bad odor of the fur

Types of Dermatitis in Dogs

There are several types of dermatitis, and it is important to be able to identify them to best treat your loyal friend.

The most common types are:

  • Atopic dermatitis in dogs

  • Flea allergy dermatitis in dogs

  • Allergic dermatitis

  • Fungal dermatitis in dogs

Be careful not to confuse dermatitis with mange! To learn more, read here.

Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by a strong inflammatory reaction and is the most common type of dermatitis after flea allergy dermatitis.

It is caused by certain allergens commonly present in the environment, such as pollen, molds, and dust mites. Generally, it is due to a genetic and hereditary predisposition.

Atopic dermatitis initially appears as an occasional or seasonal event, but then becomes chronic and manifests constantly.

It usually affects young dogs and can be accompanied not only by severe itching but also by other conditions such as conjunctivitis and rhinitis.

It can also be triggered by events that cause stress to the animal, such as moving house, the arrival of a new pet or child, or a change of ownership.

How to Treat Atopic Dermatitis?

Unfortunately, being a chronic and genetically originated disease, there is no cure, but there are treatments that can effectively reduce symptoms and substantially lessen the annoying irritation.

The treatment for atopic dermatitis mostly relies on topical anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, fatty acid supplements (omega 3), medicated shampoo, and diet.

The use of cyclosporine and antihistamines is not recommended.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

A simple flea or tick bite can trigger all the symptoms of dermatitis in dogs.

This type of dermatitis can vary in intensity and must be taken very seriously because a flea infestation can affect not only the dog but also other pets.

The symptoms are the same: itching, skin inflammation, redness, crusts, and hair loss.

In this case, it is necessary to eliminate the problem at its source, namely by getting rid of the fleas if they are still present on the animal, as well as thoroughly disinfecting all home environments and providing treatment for any other pets in the house.

How to Treat Flea Dermatitis in Dogs

Prevention is key in any treatment for this condition. It's sufficient to keep flea infestation under control with appropriate products, such as spot-on treatments (pipettes) or flea collars, and limit contact with parasites.

If flea dermatitis is already present, there are treatments that can eliminate bacteria and reduce the intensity of symptoms. Treatment involves:

  • Medicated shampoo

  • Medicated skin lotions

  • Topical anti-inflammatories

  • Topical antibiotics (in cream or lotion form)

  • Systemic antibiotics (to be administered orally or by injection)

Allergic Dermatitis

This type of dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to a substance that is not well-received by the immune system, such as a food, a drug, or an insect bite.

Here too, the main symptom is itching, which can be so intense as to cause lesions due to compulsive scratching.

How to Treat Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

In this case, since there is no certainty about the triggering causes of dermatitis, the veterinarian will need to perform specific tests on the dog.

Given the possibility that it could be an allergic reaction to a food, it will be necessary to start a diet that excludes the main foods, or to perform a test for dog allergies (though these tests do not have a high level of precision).

Fungal Dermatitis in Dogs

Fungal dermatitis, or mycotic dermatitis, is caused by certain fungi, such as Malassezia, which are normally present in a dog's organism in normal quantities.

In cases of overabundance, the dog might suffer from conditions like fungal dermatitis or ear canal infections.

Often, the root of this infection is an immune system weakened by other diseases.

How to Treat Fungal Dermatitis in Dogs

For this type of dermatitis, it's necessary to proceed with specific tests to evaluate the cause of the disease and to establish the most appropriate treatment.

Generally, treatment involves the use of antifungal products, both topical and oral.

Diagnosis of Diseases Similar to Dermatitis in Dogs

The diagnosis of dermatitis in dogs is not made by simply examining the animal and its basic symptoms or abnormal behavior, but also through additional diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings, cytological exams, and hair samples, depending on the severity of the lesions and the individual symptoms of the animal.

These tests are crucial for highlighting any conditions that differ from the initial clinical picture.

Dermatitis is not the only cause of itching in dogs. The veterinarian must also rule out other diseases of bacterial or parasitic origin such as:

  • Flea infestation (Pulicosi)

  • Demodicosis

  • Ear mites (Otoacariasi)

  • Nasal worms (Pneumonyssus Caninum)

  • Cheyletiella

  • Scabies

  • Chigger infestation (Trombiculosi)

It's important to quickly diagnose the condition to prevent contagion among various pets or between dogs and humans.

Dermatitis in Dogs and Diet

When suspecting that a dog is suffering from dermatitis due to a food allergy, it's necessary to start by eliminating one food at a time from the diet.

Unfortunately, in the case of dogs fed industrial food, finding a hypoallergenic feed can be very difficult: the elimination trial should be carried out for about two months, and if the excluded food, for example, beef, was not the correct one, the process must start all over again, which could take a very long time.

However, if the dog is fed homemade food, and therefore with a very limited number of ingredients, finding the allergen could be much easier.

There are dog allergy tests available online, but they are not conclusive and can be costly.

The only option is to proceed by trial and error and hope to find the right food fairly quickly, or switch to homemade food excluding one ingredient at a time.

The diet can be supplemented with products that help reduce the symptoms of dermatitis in dogs:

  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help strengthen the immune system and improve coat health

  • Probiotics, good bacteria that help improve the animal's bacterial flora and strengthen skin defenses

  • Silicon, an important mineral for the health of tendons, bones, connective tissues, cartilage, and joints

  • Antioxidants, vitamin E, zinc, which can be supplemented with foods such as liver (only once a week because it contains a lot of vitamin A and can be harmful to your animal) or with specific supplements.

Natural Remedies for Dermatitis in Dogs

For those who prefer a more natural approach to this condition, there are natural remedies that can provide relief from the symptoms of dermatitis in dogs.

These are topical treatments of plant origin:

  • Aloe vera

  • Calendula

  • Echinacea oil

  • Mallow

  • Chamomile

These products have a good soothing action and should be applied to the reddened areas or areas of greatest itching.

Aloe vera has a strong antibiotic power and can also heal deeper scratch wounds.

Home remedies are great for relieving discomfort but do not replace a consultation with a veterinarian and any medications that may be prescribed, so do not try DIY treatments if you are not sure of the exact problem.

The causes of dermatitis are often uncertain, and only a professional can adequately help your four-legged friend.

Is Dermatitis in Dogs Contagious to Humans?

Dermatitis in dogs itself is not contagious, but since the initial symptoms do not provide certainty about their causes, it is important to consider that they might actually be due to a parasitic disease, such as ringworm.

Or that the animal might be infested with fleas, which could cause allergic reactions in humans.

A quick diagnosis is essential to start a treatment that also excludes the possibility of Fido transmitting any type of parasites to family members.

Conclusion

All the advice and information contained in this article should not replace a veterinary consultation.

This skin condition, whatever its cause, should not be taken lightly, and only a specialist consultation can help you restore your four-legged friend to health.

From the staff of khani.co.uk

If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about the care, well-being, and training of dogs, we are happy to help you. Find here lots of useful information to better understand your furry friend.

Disclaimer

The information on our site is of a general nature and does not in any way replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always turn to your trusted veterinarian.