Introduction
Dermatitis is defined as any inflammation of the skin. It can manifest in a number of ways and is one of the most frustrating conditions for owners of companion dogs. In many cases, the cause of dermatitis is never discovered; in other cases, it takes prolonged diagnostic work to identify the causative agent.
How Dermatitis Affects Dogs
The clinical signs of dermatitis usually involve intense itchiness, which may or may not fluctuate seasonally. Dogs will scratch and paw at affected areas and rub their head on the floor to try and ease the itching. They may lick at their paws, legs and the base of their tail, and the flank, neck and “armpit” areas are often inflamed and irritated as well. Hair loss is not uncommon. “Hot spots” frequently develop, along with small or large red eruptions or other sores. Without treatment, canine dermatitis is typically progressive, regardless of the cause. The dog’s skin will become scaly, and they may develop dandruff. Dermatitis is often accompanied by ear infections and a strong, foul odor.
Causes of Canine Dermatitis
The causes of canine dermatitis are elusive and can vary widely. They include contact with irritating animal, vegetable or chemical substances, exposure to extreme heat, cold or humidity, mechanical irritation, self-trauma, malnutrition, immune-mediated conditions and infectious disease. Allergic reactions to external parasitic bites (fleas, ticks, mites, lice) and to certain types of foods, grasses, detergents, plants or other environmental allergens are among the leading causes of dermatitis in dogs. Sometimes, the underlying cause of canine dermatitis will never be discovered. In those cases, prescription medications and shampoos may be helpful to reduce the severity of the clinical signs. If left untreated, dermatitis can progress to secondary bacterial skin infections, or worse.
Preventing Dermatitis in Dogs
Prevention of dermatitis again depends upon the underlying cause of the condition. For allergic reactions to external parasites, there are many topical preventatives available. Our companion dogs should be fed a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Medicated shampoos that contain naturally soothing ingredients can also help to prevent itchiness and moisturize skin.
Special Notes
Successful treatment of canine dermatitis involves tracking down the source of the condition through a physical examination, blood tests, a thorough history and possibly skin patch tests, and then eliminating the source of the causative condition once it is identified. The prognosis for dermatitis in dogs is good, as long as the cause can be addressed. In extreme cases, severe dermatitis can develop due to an underlying health problem, and resolving the symptoms can be difficult.