How to Treat Dermatitis in Dogs

No one likes to see their dog in pain. When they hurt, you hurt.

That’s why it’s essential to understand what kinds of ailments can cause them pain and discomfort. What may surprise you is just how similar we are to our furry friends. For example, dogs can have seasonal allergies, too! But instead of sniffling and sneezing during pollen season, our four-legged pals respond to allergens with uncomfortable skin diseases and gastrointestinal problems instead.

These dog seasonal allergies are referred to as allergy (or atopic) dermatitis.

Read on to find out how to treat allergic dermatitis in dogs with specific skin care products and treatments (and learn to identify them in the first place).

Defining canine atopic dermatitis is about understanding both the what and the why. Dermatitis is not just skin disease, it’s skin disease caused by allergies. These allergies can range from house mites to certain foods, meaning the symptoms can also vary. While it may be considered one of the common dog skin problems, it’s still irritating and uncomfortable for your pet to deal with. To get to the bottom of your dog’s allergies and dermatitis and get the most out of your visit to the vet, you’ll need to observe how their dermatitis is manifesting.

The most common problems in dog dermatitis to watch out for include:

• Hot spots
• Self-mutilation
• Patchy hair loss
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Red, raised skin
• Inflammation
• Greasy skin

Dermatitis in dogs is a genetic predisposition, meaning it affects some breeds more than others.

That’s why you should keep an eye out for any of the most common clinical signs or symptoms if your furry companion belongs to any of these breeds:

• Bulldogs
• Cocker Spaniels
• Poodles
• Old English Sheepdogs
• Golden Retrievers
• Dalmations
• Irish Setters
• Most terriers

That said, any dog can suffer from canine atopic dermatitis. That’s why, no matter your dog’s breed, watch out for these common signs of allergy dermatitis:

• Compulsive licking or lick granuloma in dogs
• Scratching of their face, paws, ears, and groin
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing

If left undetected and untreated, atopic dog dermatitis can lead to painful secondary infection complications like:

• Dermatitis spreading to other parts of the body
• Bacterial infections (like staph)
• Yeast infections in the ear (caused by the overproduction of wax due to an allergy)
• In extreme cases, chronic ear infections can lead to deafness

Not only do these added complications cause further discomfort, but they can also accelerate the effects of allergic skin disease, making it more challenging to treat. If your dog is suffering from canine dermatitis, keep an eye out for skin infection, especially in areas with more skin folds, including:

• Neck
• Groin
• Armpits
• Ears
• Paws

To treat this tricky skin condition, you have to find the source. The leading causes of the allergic dermatitis that dogs have to deal with include:

• Food
• Contact
• Inhalant
• Flea
• Yeast
• Bacterial flora allergies

In some cases, thyroid disease worsens these allergy symptoms, further complicating treatment and diagnosis. Most dogs typically start showing signs between the ages of one and six years old, so keep a close eye on their behavior when they’re still puppies.

It’s important to understand what allergen, or allergens, are causing canine dermatitis. If your dog is showing signs of atopic dermatitis, take them to their veterinarian as soon as possible. While dermatitis is rarely life-threatening, the discomfort it causes is enough to harm your animal (and your heart).

Clinical signs for allergic dermatitis are variable, so it’s important that you discuss your dog’s symptoms with your vet in detail. They will then be able to decipher these signs and suggest proper treatment.

Your vet may also run intradermal allergy testing or a blood test to identify the pesky allergens pestering your pup.

Once you have a proper diagnosis, you can start your dog’s treatment with veterinary supervision. Depending on their allergy symptoms, the cause of the dermatitis, and the extent of the skin condition, treatments include:

• If your dog is allergic to fleas, different flea control measures can nip the problem in the bud.
• For hot spot management, apply a topical treatment like  antimicrobial sprays or hydrogels.
• To treat secondary skin and yeast infections, use antifungal and antibiotic medication.
• Supplement your dog’s skin health with supplements, like Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids.
• Bathing your dog with soothing medicated pet shampoo helps heal dermal ailments and relieve itching.
• Immunotherapy in the form of a hypo-sensitizing injection can help target the offending allergens, once and for all.
• Simple environmental changes can do a world of wonders for your dog’s health. If they’re allergic to certain plants, remove them from your home or backyard to prevent environmental allergy.
• To slowly increase exposure to new carbohydrates and proteins, implement a hypoallergenic diet into your dog’s treatment plan. This will help target any food allergy that may be the culprit.

Dermatitis, while uncomfortable and frustrating, is by no means unconquerable. The key to soothing your dog’s itching and scratching is to stay vigilant with their treatment. Improper care could result in your dog's skin being scratched raw. Unfortunately, atopic dermatitis rarely goes away. However, frequent check-ups and fastidious care will keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come. Keeping an eye on the signs and symptoms of dog skin allergies can help ensure they’re getting the help they need if the allergies worsen. 

Sources: 

1. Animal Medical Center of Southern California. Canine Allergic Dermatitis: Causes and Treatment Options.  https://animalmedcenter.com/canine-allergic-dermatitis/
2. PetMD. Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.  https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_atopic_dermatitis