Dermatological problems are a very common reason for consultation in veterinary clinics, with more and more information and specializations in the field of dermatology, as well as products to treat symptoms. This is because, although they are not life-threatening diseases, dermatological diseases significantly affect the quality of life of dogs. So, given the importance and frequency of these conditions that care so much about caregivers and annoy dogs so much, learn more in this Article of Animal Expert about canine dermatitis: types, causes and treatments.
To talk about types of canine dermatitis, the first thing you should know is what it refers to when using the term dermatitis. Thus, canine dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that itches, which can manifest in different forms (vesicles, erosions, ulcers, nodules, etc.) and has different causes, as you will see in the following sections, in which we will explain the most common types. canine dermatitis, as well as symptoms and treatment. You can also see what canine dermatitis looks like, photos of each type to help you more easily identify what affects your furry partner.
- In types of canine dermatitis.
- Canine atopic dermatitis is the most common.
- It has a genetic basis and affects young puppies.
- From 1 to 3 years.
- Usually begins to occur seasonally.
- But then begins to occur throughout the year.
- As the amount of allergens to which the dog reacts increases.
- Pruritus.
- Especially in the ears (ear infections are common.
- Sometimes as a single symptom) and in the lower body.
- Hair loss in larger areas with itching.
- Skin lesions.
- Secondary bacterial infections and intense licking between the fingers.
- Which darkens the area by oxidizing saliva with air.
- In addition.
- You may experience sneezing and nasal and eye secretions.
- This whole image is produced by an exaggerated reaction of the body to elements inhaled or absorbed by the skin.
- Which under normal conditions should not produce any reaction.
- Such as pollen or mites.
- Ideally.
- Identify what produces the reaction to prevent it.
- But it is almost impossible.
- So some steps should be taken to minimize exposure to possible allergens:.
As a treatment, it is generally recommended to bathe the dog with specific shampoos, disinfectants that reduce itching, in some cases use medications to control it and prevent secondary infections that may benefit from already damaged skin. Fatty acid supplements may also be recommended.
This type of dermatitis in dogs is very common and occurs in those that are particularly sensitive to substances found in flea saliva. When these insects bite, even if it is only one of them, the reaction is triggered, with the appearance of alopetic areas and bumps or red grains, especially at the base of the tail, on the back of the hind legs and inside the thighs. This canine dermatitis causes a lot of itching, so the dog bites, the hairs eventually fall out. The skin dries and you can see sores and scabs become infected. If left untreated, the skin darkens and thickens.
Allergic flea bite dermatitis involves pest control, completing the deworming plan. This can be very difficult, as no product eliminates them with 100% efficiency. Still, many dogs can keep itching when they no longer have fleas. Some of the recommendations you need to follow to remove them are:
Another type of canine dermatitis commonly seen in veterinary care is that caused by food allergies, which can occur at any age. Although this type of allergy also causes digestive disorders, it is very common for it to manifest itself as dermatitis. The skin redness and marks appear on the ears, buttocks, back of the legs and lower body. The dog will react to foods such as meat, eggs, fish or additives. Therefore, to treat this problem, a hypoallergenic or assimilation diet should be proposed for several weeks, which will include a small amount of ingredients and without dyes, preservatives or aroma. In general, these diets are monoprotean to facilitate the identification of the allergen. You can also eat a home diet, always under the approval of the veterinarian.
It is important that the dog has not tried these ingredients in the past. If symptoms improve, the diagnosis is confirmed and can be verified by reintroducing the suspicious food into the diet. If the dog gets worse, you can be sure he has allergic dermatitis, in which case he should keep his diet.
This dermatitis belongs to the types of dermatitis in dogs caused by insects, in this case flies, which produce characteristic injuries, especially in the tips of the erect ears, which will present the limbs “devoured” with wounds that bleed very easily when the dog scratches and shakes the head from the discomfort it feels. They can also appear in folds, in the case of dogs with drooping ears.
During the summer it is very common to notice it in dogs that live outdoors and have raised ears, and the diagnosis is easy because it is possible to see flies in the wounds and usually form dark scabs. You should try your best to control the fly population and keep the dog indoors, especially during the day, at least until all wounds have healed. It is also advisable to apply insect repellent and keep your ears clean and dry. Treatment is usually done with an ointment for canine dermatitis that contains antibiotics, but is only used on a veterinary prescription.
In the types of dermatitis in dogs we also find the so-called dermatitis acral, by which a psychological origin is assumed, although physical factors may be involved. In this canine dermatitis, an open ulcer occurs when the dog compulsively licks. It usually appears on legs and in short-haired breeds. It can be caused by a psychological disorder due to inactivity, boredom, etc., although there may also be an injury or pain in the area and the dog manifests itself in this way. The root cause for successful treatment should be sought.
It may also include canine atopic dermatitis, outdated scabies, bacterial or fungal infection, stroke or even joint disease. All these situations can cause the dog to focus his attention on the affected area.
Frequent licking makes the skin thicker and harder, although the appearance is always fresh due to the constant moisture produced by licking the dog. Although there is a physical cause, frequent dog licking is considered psychological, so it is a good idea, as part of treatment, to seek the help of a professional specialist in canine behavior and also change some of your dog’s routines.
This type of canine dermatitis is also called hot spot or hot spot. They are lesions that appear suddenly, very painful, variable in size, with bad odor and pus. By licking these wounds, the dog prolongs the infection. They can appear anywhere on the body, especially in long-haired breeds and just before hair replacement. Dead hair is one of the factors that may be involved in appearance, as well as the presence of parasites, allergies, infections or even lack of proper brushing. If the cause can be identified, it needs to be addressed.
As these lesions are very painful, the animal must be sedated for the veterinarian to disinfect them. For healing, this professional should prescribe topical and probably systemic medications. In addition, it may be necessary to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from becoming ingested.
Learn more about canine dermatitis medicine in this Animal Expert article.
This type of dermatitis in dogs occurs, as the name suggests, by contact with an irritant element that causes a reaction. It appears mainly on the chin or lips, when eating on a plastic dish, for example, or on the feet and parts of the body without hairs (nose, ankles, scrotum) if the reaction occurs by contact with chemical agents, such as detergents. , solvents, paints and even some soaps.
You may notice reddish bumps and very red skin at the points of contact with the irritating substance. Sometimes the reaction only occurs with 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 can come from products such as pest control collars, shampoo, leather, marijuana, certain medications or plastic or rubber bottles. Once the causative agent is identified, it is necessary to avoid contact with the dog. In addition, to learn how to treat canine dermatitis, you should seek the help of a trusted veterinarian. You will be prescribed the appropriate medication to help recover the affected skin.
Finally, within the types of canine dermatitis, we mention those that affect puppies: impetigo and acne. These are small superficial skin infections that occur in dogs under one year of age. Impetigo is characterized by the presence of pus-filled blisters in the abdomen and groin. You can also see brown scabs when the bubbles burst. It is most common in animals with poor hygiene conditions. Acne can occur from 3 months. It is characterized by pustules and grains on the chin and lower lip, mainly, although it can also occur in the genital and English area. Both can be treated with canine dermatitis shampoo baths. Sometimes antibiotics are needed for acne, but usually disappear when the puppy grows.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to Canine Dermatitis: Types, Causes and Treatment, we recommend that you visit our Skin Problems section.