What is canine dermatitis?
To talk about the dermatitis classes in dogs, the first thing is to be clear about what we are referring to when we refer to the term dermatitis, so dermatitis is a itching inflammation of the skin that can manifest itself in different ways (vesicles, erosions, ulcers, nodules, etc.) and that has different causes, as we will see in the following sections, in which we will focus on exposing the types of more frequent dermatitis in dogs, as well as its symptomatology and its treatment.Likewise, we will share photos of dermatitis in dogs to more easily identify the one that affects your hairy companion.
Types of dermatitis in dogs
When we talk about dermatitis in dogs we mean a condition as a whole, since there are several types that exist, each with its differential symptoms and its own treatment.This way, the Types of dermatitis in dogs that exist are:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Flea bite allergy dermatitis
- Allergy dermatitis food
- Diptheria bite dermatitis
- Acral lick dermatitis
- Acute wet dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
On the other hand, being dermatitis, the inflammation of the skin, accompanied by pruritus, can also occur due to the appearance of fungi, yeasts or mites, being a characteristic symptom of these beings.
In the following sections we will discuss in detail each of the types of dermatitis in dogs just mentioned, we will highlight their symptoms and treatments, in addition to showing image nes of each canine dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis in dogs
Among the types of dermatitis in dogs, the atopic is one of the most common presentation .It has a genetic basis and affects young dogs, from 1 to 3 years old, and usually begins to occur seasonally, to happen throughout the year, since the number of allergens to which the dog reacts is increasing.
As for the symptoms of this dermatitis in dogs, there is itching , especially in ears (ear infections are common, sometimes as a single symptom) and lower body , lost of hair in the areas of greater scratching, skin lesions, secondary bacterial infections and, very characteristic, an intense licking between the fingers that gets dark, by the oxidation of saliva with the air, the whole area.see sneezing and nasal and ocular secretion.All this picture is produced by an excessive reaction of the organism to elements , inhal attached or absorbed through the skin, which would not have to produce any reaction, such as pollen or losacaros.It would be ideal to identify what produces the reaction to avoid it, but it is usually impossible for what measures are taken such as following to reduce, if possible, exposure to potential allergens:
- Vacuum the house daily.
- Do not shake blankets or sheets or your bed in the presence of the dog.
- Reduce the maximum number of rides during windy days.
- Do not leave during the pollen concentration hours.
- If we know that there has been exposure, Banar the dog.
As a treatment, specific shampoos , disinfectants and reduce itching are usually recommended, in addition to using medication to control it in some cases and avoid secondary infections that could take advantage of damaged skin.Fatty acid supplements may also be recommended.
Flea bite allergy dermatitis (DAPP) in dogs
This type of dermatitis in dogs is very common and occurs in those that are especially sensitive to substances from fleas saliva.When these insects bite them, even if only one, the reaction is triggered, shown in the form of alopecic and lumpy areas or red pimples especially in the hindquarters, on the base of the tail, the back of the hind legs and the inner side of the thighs. A lot of itching , so that the dog is nibbling, the hair ends up falling, the skin dries out and wounds and scabs can be seen that end up becoming infected.If it is not treated, the skin darkens and thickens.
The treatment of sting allergy dermatitis will go through the flea control , which can be difficult, since there is no product to eliminate them with 100% efficiency.Even so, many dogs may continue to show itching even if they no longer have fleas.Some guidelines that we must follow to end them are:
- Treat all the animals that live together.
- Maintain the treatment throughout the year, even if we do not observe fleas.
- You have to use products that eliminate fleas in all their phases (eggs, larvae and adults) to ensure that we end up with any possibility of contact, although for this we have to use more than one product (always under vet advice erinal).
- Aspirate frequently the house and wash the beds or covers that the dog uses.
- You can use some product for the control of environmental fleas, if there is a considerable infestation, also following the professional's recommendation.

Food allergy dermatitis in dogs
Another type of dermatitis in dogs that is frequently observed in veterinary consultations is caused by food allergies, which can appear at any age.Although this type of allergy also causes digestive disorders , it is very common for them to manifest themselves in the form of dermatitis. The skin is reddened and welts appear on the ears, rump, back of the legs and lower area of the body.The dog is going to react to foods such as meats, eggs, fish or additives.Therefore, to treat this problem a hypoallergenic diet or assimilation is imposed for several weeks, which will include a small number of ingredients and No coloring, preservative or flavoring.In general, these diets are usually monoproteic to better identify the allergen.You can also make a homemade diet, always under the approval of the veterinarian.
It is also important that the dog has not tried or these ingredients in the past.If the symptoms improve, the diagnosis is confirmed, which is ratified by introducing, again, the suspect food.If the dog worsens it can be ensured that it suffers from food allergy dermatitis, in which case the diet should be maintained For more information, do not miss the following article: "Food allergy in dogs-Symptoms and treatment".

Dermatitis caused by diphtheria (flies) in dogs
This dermatitis belongs to the types of dermatitis in dogs caused by insects, in this case it is the flies that cause it and the characteristic injury occurs, above all, on the tips of the ears erect , which will present the edges "eaten" and with wounds that will bleed very easily from the scratching of the dog and the shaking of the head, the result of discomfort.It can also appear in folds in cases of dogs with droopy ears.
During the summer, it is very typical to see dogs that live abroad.These dogs have raised ears and the diagnosis is easy because we will see the flies on the wounds and around.They usually make themselves posillas that will look black.We should try, as far as possible, to control the population of flies, as well as keep the dog in an interior space , especially during the day, at least until all wounds have healed.It is also advisable to apply insect repellent and keep the ears clean and dry, which we will have to deal with some antibiotic ointment of veterinary prescription.

Image: veterinariargentina.com
Acral lick dermatitis in dogs
In dermatitis classes in dogs too We find the so-called acral lick dermatitis , of which a psychological origin has been assumed, although there may be physical factors involved.In this canine dermatitis there is an open ulcer that the dog licks compulsively.It usually appears on the legs and in short-haired breeds.It is said to be due to a psychological disorder caused by inactivity, boredom, etc., although there may also be an injury or pain in the area and the dog It manifests it in this way.The primary cause must be sought to be able to start a successful treatment, and this can be an atopic dermatitis, a demodectic mange, a bacterial or fungal infection, a stroke or even a joint disease.All these situations can make the dog focus on the affected area.
Frequent licking causes the skin to thicken and harden , although the appearance will always be fresh by the constant humidity that produces the dog when licking.Although there is a physical cause, the frequent licking that the dog makes if it is considered of psychological origin, so it is a good idea, as part of the treatment, to cause changes in the dog's routine.

Acute wet dermatitis in dogs
This type of dermatitis in dogs is also known as hot-spot or "hot spot" .They are lesions that appear suddenly, very painful, of variable size, bad smell and pus .When licking, the dog spreads the infection.They appear anywhere in the body, especially in thick mantle breeds and just before molting.D dead hair is one of the factors that may be involved in its appearance, as well as the presence of parasites, allergies, infections or even lack of proper brushing.If the cause is identified, it will be necessary to remedy it.
Because the lesions are very painful, the veterinarian will have to disinfect them with the sedated animal.For their healing, this professional should prescribe topical and probably systematic medication.Also, it may be necessary to use a collar Elizabethan to prevent the dog from licking.

Contact dermatitis in dogs
This type of dermatitis in dogs occurs, as its name suggests, by contact with some irritating element that causes a reaction .It is typical that this occurs in the area of the chin or lips for eating in a plastic dish, for example, or in feet and parts of the body without hair (truffle, hocks, scrotum) if the reaction occurs by contact with chemical agents such as detergents, solvents, paints and even some soaps.
Red bumps and very reddened skin will be observed at the points of contact with the irritating substance.Sometimes reaction occurs only with a single exposure.Some dogs may suffer an allergic contact dermatitis, which is caused by repeated exposure to the irritant and affects a more extensive area of the body.It originates products such as antiparasitic collars, shampoos, leather, grass, some drugs or plastic or rubber feeders (which they also cause, as we saw, d contact ermatitis) As it is logical, once the causative agent has been identified, it is necessary to avoid contact with our dog.In addition, the veterinarian must prescribe medication to treat the affected skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis in dogs
Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrhea, occurs when the sebaceous glands produce a greater amount of sebum .This circumstance may occur as a result of another problem or disease, such as the appearance of fungi, an allergy, parasites, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases or a poor quality diet.It can also be a problem of genetic or hereditary origin, so that your glands do not secrete the right amount of sebum without this implies the development of another disease.
There are two types of seborrheic dermatitis in dogs, dry and oily .The difference between them is that the dry is shown in the form of scales without producing any other symptoms visible and the oily presents a greater amount of fat, causing the mantle to lose its shine, also has the flaky skin and the dog smells bad or stronger than normal.In both cases dermatitis in dogs causes itching, but in the oily this itching intensifies, causing the dog to scratch more intensely and produce wounds on the skin.
Before establishing the treatment it is necessary to identify the cause, if any Once the diagnosis is made, the veterinarian will most likely prescribe a antiseborrheic soap and vitamin supplements.Also, it is advisable to offer rich omega 3 fatty foods to strengthen the mantle.

Fungal dermatitis in dogs
Within fungal dermatitis, the most common is malassezia dermatitis in dogs .malassezzia is a yeast that remains naturally in the dog's body, however , when the number of this yeast increases in an uncontrolled way, it is when the infection that can develop dermatitis occurs.This increase can happen due to multiple causes, such as an allergy, a hormonal disease, the presence of parasites, etc., so it is I need to identify the reason to treat it.
The symptoms of this dermatitis in dogs are usually those of other types, that is, itching, redness of the skin and hair loss, accompanied by flaking .Also, it is common to notice that the dog smells of rancid, especially if seborrheic dermatitis also develops.The treatment is usually the use of an antifungal shampoo or ointment, depending on the severity of the clinical picture.
Poracaros dermatitis in dogs
Losacaros, like the scabies mites , also usually cause inflammation of the dermis, which leads to the appearance of dermatitis in dogs.This mite infestation causes a dermatological infection due to to which they usually feed on sebum, keratin and the skin in general.As they feed and reproduce, itching and reddening of the skin are accentuated, so that the animal does not stop scratching and biting, it becomes wounded and It shows very annoying.There is also a hair loss that can be general or localized, depending on the type of dry skin.
Poor skin dermatitis in dogs is treated according to the type of dry hair , since it will not require the same elacaro treatment that causes demodectic mange that elacaro of the ear.

Dermatitis in dog puppies
Finally, among the types of dermatitis in dogs we mention those that affect puppies. impetigo and acne .Superficial skin infections that appear in puppies of less than one year.The impetigo is characterized by the presence of blisters with pus in the area of the abdomen and English.Brown scabs can also be seen when blisters explode.It is more common in animals that are in poor hygienic conditions.Acne can appear after 3 months of age.It is characterized by pustules and pimples on the chin and lower lip , especially, although they can occur, also, in the genital area and English.Both dermatitis can be treated with baths with a specific shampoo.Sometimes, for acne antibiotics are needed, although it usually disappears when the puppy grows.
Is dermatitis in dogs contagious?
Dermatitis in dogs is not contagious , since, as we have seen, this is a disorder that is defined as inflammation of the skin.Now, when dermatitis has been caused by flea bites, certain fungi or mites, we should know that this if It can be spread.Thus, what is transferred is not dermatitis itself, but the cause that causes it.
How to cure dermatitis in dogs: treatment
Apart from specific treatments for cases of fungal dermatitis, mites or diseases, dermatitis in dogs is usually treated by using a specific shampoo, ointments or pills Likewise, in cases of hereditary or genetic atopic or seborrheic dermatitis, we must know that there is no cure.The indicated products are prescribed to relieve symptoms as much as possible and ensure that the animal enjoys a good quality of life.specific case of atopic dermatitis, it is necessary to find the allergen that causes hypersensitivity.In addition, in all cases it is necessary to control the presence of external parasites.
Shampoo for dogs with dermatitis
There are several shampoos that we can find to treat dermatitis in dogs depending on the type we face.Yes, we can opt for an anti-seborrheic shampoo, a shampoo for atopic skin, etc.In general, these products are usually composed cough for ingredients designed for sensitive skin, such as aloe vera , whose properties have the ability to relieve symptoms of dermatitis.
Ointment for dermatitis in dogs
In some cases the veterinarian may indicate the use of an ointment to calm the itching, reduce inflammation and redness.It should be applied on the affected areas and it will be the specialist who will say which is the best ointment depending on the type of dermatitis and the frequency of use.
Dermatitis pills in dogs
In the most severe cases, the administration of drugs can be used to reduce pruritus and skin inflammation.type of treatment is usually complemented with others, such as the use of shampoo or ointment and a proper diet.It should be the veterinarian who prescribes the medications.
Dermatitis in dogs: home remedies
Especially in cases of dermatitis in dogs that have no cure, such as atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, the use of home remedies is indicated to relieve symptoms naturally.that these remedies should not replace veterinary treatment .
Among the different remedies that exist, natural oils, oatmeal baths, aloe vera and good nutrition such as more effective.For more details, do not miss this article: "Home remedies for dermatitis in dogs".
This article is purely informative, at Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Dermatitis in dogs-Types, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you in our Skin Problems section.
Bibliography
- Ferrer, L.; Torre, C.; Vilaseca, L.; Sanchez, N. Canine Atopic Dermatitis (DAC) .Advance Veterinary Diets.Available at: https://www.affinity-petcare.com/veterinary/sites/default/files/dermatitis_atopica_canina.pdf
- Sagredo, P. Diagnostic approach and control of pruritus in dogs .Veterinary Center.Available at: http://axonveterinaria.net/web_axoncomunicacion/centroveterinario/54/cv_54_Enfoque_diagnostico_prurito_perro.pdf
- Ginel, P. Treatment of atopic dermatitis .Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Cordoba.
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