dermatological problems are a very common cause of consultation in veterinary clinics, with more and more information and specialization in the field of dermatology, as well as products to treat symptoms. And it is that, although they are not potentially fatal diseases, they do considerably affect the quality of life of our dogs. Thus, given the importance and frequency of these conditions that bother dogs and keepers so concerned, we are going to dedicate this article on our site to the different types of dermatitis in dogs, to your symptoms and possible treatments.
Canine dermatitis is a condition that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, although it is true that there are some with a greater predisposition due to their genetics. Therefore, we encourage you to continue reading to find out everything about dermatitis in dogs and how to act at the first symptom.
What is canine dermatitis?
To talk about the types of dermatitis in dogs, the first thing is to be clear about what we are referring to when we refer to the term dermatitis. Thus, dermatitis is a pruritic 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 most frequent types of dermatitis in dogs, as well as their symptoms and treatment. Likewise, we will share photos of dermatitis in dogs to more easily identify the one that affects your furry companion.
Causes of dermatitis in dogs
There are many causes of dermatitis in dogs that classify this pathology into different types, which is why it is so important to go to the clinic to determine what dermatitis it is in order to establish the best treatment. Thus, although it is usually related to an allergic reaction, as dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, accompanied by itching, it can occur for the following reasons:
- Mushrooms
- Yeasts
- Mites
- Fleas
- Food Allergy
- Contact with an allergen
- Excessive licking of a certain area
However, these are not the only causes, so now we will show the types of dermatitis in dogs that exist depending on the cause that causes them.
Types of dermatitis in dogs
When we talk about dermatitis in dogs we refer to a condition as a whole, since there are several types that exist, as we have just commented, each one with its differential symptoms and its own treatment. Thus, the types of dermatitis in dogs are:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Flea bite allergy dermatitis
- Food allergy dermatitis
- Diptera sting dermatitis
- Acral lick dermatitis
- Acute moist dermatitis
- Contact Dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Next, we will talk in detail about each of the types of dermatitis in dogs that we have just mentioned, highlighting their symptoms and treatments, as well as showing images of each canine dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis
Within the types of dermatitis, atopic dermatitis in dogs is one of the most common It has a genetic basis and affects young dogs, from 1 to 3 years of age, and usually begins to occur seasonally to occur throughout the year, as the number of allergens to which the dog reacts increases.
As for the symptoms of this dermatitis in dogs, there is itching, especially in ears (ear infections are common, sometimes the only symptom) and lower body, hair loss in areas increased scratching, skin lesions, secondary bacterial infections and, very characteristically, intense licking between the fingers that darkens the entire area due to the oxidation of saliva with air. In addition, we can see sneezing and nasal and ocular discharge. All this picture is produced by an excessive reaction of the body to elements, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, which should not produce any reaction, as it can be pollen or mites. The ideal would be to identify what produces the reaction to avoid it, but it is usually impossible, so measures such as the following are taken to reduce, as far as 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 walks as much as possible during windy days.
- Do not go out during the hours of highest pollen concentration.
- If we know there has been exposure, bathe the dog.
As a treatment, it is usually recommended to wash with specific shampoos, disinfectants and those that reduce itching, in addition to using, in some cases, medication to control it and avoid secondary infections that could take advantage of damaged skin. Fatty acid supplements may also be recommended.
Dermatitis due to allergy to flea bites (DAPP)
This type of dermatitis in dogs is very common and occurs in dogs that are especially sensitive to substances in flea saliva. When these insects bite them, even just one, the reaction is triggered, which is shown in the form of alopecic areas and red lumps or pimples especially in the rooms hindquarters, on the base of the tail, the back of the hind legs and the inner side of the thighs. It produces a lot of itching, so the dog chews, the hair ends up falling out, the skin dries up and you can see wounds and scabs that end up becoming infected. If left untreated, the skin darkens and thickens.
The treatment of dermatitis due to sting allergy will involve control of the fleas, which can be difficult as there is no product that kills them 100% effectively. Still, many dogs can continue to itch even though they no longer have fleas. Some guidelines that we must follow to eliminate them are the following:
- Treat all the animals that live together.
- Maintain the treatment throughout the year, even if we do not observe fleas.
- We must use products that eliminate fleas in all their stages (eggs, larvae and adults) to ensure that we eliminate all possibility of contact, even if we have to use more than one product to do so (always under veterinary advice).
- Frequently vacuum the house and wash the beds or covers used by the dog.
- You can use a product to control fleas in the environment, if there is a considerable infestation, also following the recommendation of the professional.
Food allergy dermatitis
Another type of dermatitis in dogs that is frequently observed in veterinary consultations is that 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 in the form of dermatitis. The skin turns red and welts appear on the ears, rump, back of the legs and lower body. The dog will react to foods such as meats, eggs, fish or additives. Therefore, to treat this problem, a hypoallergenic or assimilation diet 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 monoprotein in order 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 these ingredients in the past. If the symptoms improve, the diagnosis is confirmed, which is ratified by reintroducing the suspect food. If the dog worsens, it can be ensured that he suffers from dermatitis due to food allergy, in which case the diet should be maintained. For more information, don't miss the following article: "Food allergy in dogs - Symptoms and treatment".
Diptera bite dermatitis (flies)
This canine dermatitis belongs to the types of dermatitis in dogs caused by insects, in this case it is caused by flies and the characteristic lesion occurs, above all, on the tips of the erect ears, which will present "eaten" edges and with wounds that will bleed very easily from the scratching of the dog and the shaking of the head, as a result of the discomfort. It can also appear in folds in dogs with floppy ears.
During the summer, it is very typical to see dogs that live outside like this. These dogs have raised ears and diagnosis is easy because we will see the flies on the wounds and around them. Scabs are usually made that will look black. We should try, as far as possible, to control the population of flies, as well as keep the dog indoors, especially during the day, at least until that all wounds have healed. It is also advisable to apply insect repellent and keep the ears clean and dry, which we will have to treat with some veterinary prescription antibiotic ointment.
Acral lick dermatitis
In dog dermatitis classes we also 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 that it is 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 manifests it that way. The primary cause must be sought in order to initiate successful treatment, and this can be atopic dermatitis, demodectic mange, a bacterial or fungal infection, a blow, or even joint disease. All of these situations can cause the dog to focus its attention on the affected area.
Frequent licking causes skin to thicken and harden, although the external appearance will always be fresh due to the constant humidity that the dog produces when licking itself. Although there is a physical cause, the frequent licking that the dog does is considered psychological in origin, so it is a good idea, as part of the treatment, to promote changes in the dog's routine.
Acute moist dermatitis
This type of dermatitis in dogs is also known by the name of hot-spot or "hot spot" They are some lesions appearing suddenly, very painful, variable in size, bad odor and pus When licked, the dog spreads the infection. They appear anywhere on the body, especially in thick-coated breeds and just before shedding. 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 have to be remedied.
Because the lesions are very painful, they will need to be disinfected by the veterinarian while the animal is sedated. For its cure, this professional must prescribe topical and, probably, systemic medication. Also, it may be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from licking itself.
Contact Dermatitis
This type of dermatitis in dogs is caused, as its name suggests, by contact with an irritating element that causes a reaction It is typical for this to occur in the area of the chin or lips from eating on a plastic plate, for example, or on feet and hairless parts of the body (nose, hocks, scrotum) if the reaction is caused by contact with chemical agents such as detergents, solvents, paints and even some soaps.
You will see Red bumps and very reddened skin at the points of contact with the irritating substance. Sometimes reaction occurs only with a single exposure. Some dogs may suffer from allergic contact dermatitis, which is caused by repeated exposure to the irritant and affects a larger area of the body. It is caused by products such as antiparasitic collars, shampoos, leather, grass, some drugs or plastic or rubber feeders (which also cause, as we saw, contact dermatitis). Logically, once the causative agent has been identified, we must prevent it from coming into contact with our dog. In addition, the veterinarian should prescribe medication to treat the affected skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis in dogs, also known as seborrhea, occurs when the sebaceous glands produce a greater amount of sebum This circumstance can happen as a consequence of another problem or disease, such as the appearance of fungi, an allergy, parasites, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases or a poor quality diet. Likewise, it can occur as a problem of genetic or hereditary origin, so that your glands do not secrete the adequate amount of sebum without this leading to 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 appears in the form of scales without producing any other visible symptoms and the oily one has a greater amount of fat, causing the coat to lose its shine, it also has scaly skin and the dog smell bad or stronger than normal. In both cases, dermatitis in dogs causes itching, but in oily dermatitis this pruritus intensifies, causing the dog to scratch more intensely and produce skin wounds.
Before establishing treatment, the cause, if any, must be identified. Once the diagnosis is made, the vet will most likely prescribe a anti-seborrheic soap and vitamin supplements. Likewise, it is advisable to offer foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids to strengthen the coat.
Fungal dermatitis
Within fungal dermatitis, the most common is Malassezia dermatitis in dogs Malassezzia is a yeast that remains natural in the dog's body, however, when the number of this yeast increases uncontrollably, it is when the infection occurs that can develop dermatitis. This increase can occur for multiple reasons, such as an allergy, a hormonal disease, the presence of parasites, etc., so it is necessary 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 Likewise, it is common to notice that the dog smells 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.
Dermatitis due to mites
Mites, such as scabies mites, also often cause inflammation of the dermis, leading to dermatitis in dogs. This infestation of mites causes a dermatological infection because they usually feed on sebum, keratin and the skin in general. As they feed and reproduce, the itching and redness of the skin increase, so the animal does not stop scratching and biting itself, injuring itself and being very upset. There is also hair loss that can be general or localized, depending on the type of mite.
Dermatitis due to mites in dogs is treated depending on the type of mite, since the mite that causes it will not require the same treatment demodectic mange than the ear mite. In this video, the professionals at San José Veterinaris explain the types of scabies and their treatments.
Dermatitis in puppies of dogs
Finally, within the types of dermatitis in dogs we mention those that affect puppies. They are impetigo and acne These are mild superficial skin infections that appear in puppies less than one year old. Impetigo is characterized by the presence of blisters with pus in the abdomen and groin area. Brown crusts may also be seen when the blisters burst. It is more frequent in animals that are in poor hygienic conditions. Acne can appear from 3 months of age. It is characterized by pustules and pimples on the chin and lower lip, especially, although they can also occur in the genital area and groin. Both dermatitis can be treated with baths with a specific shampoo. Antibiotics are sometimes needed for acne, but it usually goes away as the puppy gets older.
Is dermatitis in dogs contagious?
Dermatitis in dogs is not contagious, since, as we have seen, this is a disorder that is defined as the inflammation of the skin. Now, when the dermatitis has been caused by the bite of fleas, by certain fungi or mites, we must know that this can be spread. In this way, what is transferred is not the dermatitis itself, but the cause that causes it.
Is dermatitis in dogs contagious to humans?
Again, NO Dermatitis itself cannot be spread, but it is true that there are certain scabies mites that cause canine dermatitis, which can affect humans. These are sarcoptic, otodectic, cheyletiella and notoedric mange.
How to cure dermatitis in dogs: treatment
Apart from specific treatments for cases of dermatitis due to fungi, 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. In the specific case of atopic dermatitis, it is necessary to find the allergen that produces the 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 are dealing with. Thus, we can opt for an antiseborrheic shampoo, a shampoo for atopic skin, etc. In general, these products are usually made up of ingredients designed for sensitive skin, such as aloe vera, whose properties have the ability to relieve the symptoms of dermatitis.
Ointment for dermatitis in dogs
In some cases the veterinarian may indicate the use of an ointment to soothe itching, reduce inflammation and redness It should be applied on the affected areas and it will be the specialist who will decide 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, drugs may be used to reduce itching and skin inflammation This type of treatment is usually be complemented with others, such as the use of shampoo or ointment and a proper diet. It must be the veterinarian who prescribes the medications.
Dermatitis Spray for Dogs
This is another of the formats in which we can find the different treatments for dermatitis in dogs. For some tutors, it is easier to apply a spray than an ointment or administer a pill, for example, which is why these products are also prescribed with the aim of calming itching, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation and, in general, help the animal restore its skin barrier.
In any case, it should be the veterinarian who indicates the best product to treat dermatitis in dogs, always having explored its causes.
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. Of course, we must bear in mind that these remedies should not replace veterinary treatment
Among the different remedies that exist, natural oils, oatmeal baths, aloe vera and a good diet stand out as the most effective. For more details, don't miss this article: "Home remedies for dermatitis in dogs".
