Dermatitis in dogs: symptoms, remedies and treatments

It is morning, you wake up and cannot wait to say good morning to your dog, who usually responds with little licks and big tail wags. Today, however, you notice that the little heart has something strange, because he licks and scratches himself continuously, moreover, he keeps rubbing himself insistently on the sofa… What is happening?

If the dog has this behavior once in a blue moon, there is no need to worry, but if you notice that it persists, it may be a skin problem, which needs to be looked into.

Dermatitis in dogs, in fact, unfortunately presents all these symptoms: itching, redness, instinct to lick himself insistently and also loss of fur, all accompanied by a bad smell that suggests the presence of unwelcome friends such as microbes and bacteria.

The good news is that dermatitis in dogs can be successfully treated and in this article you will find a lot of useful information, starting from what dermatitis in dogs is, what symptoms to recognize are, the main causes, when it is time to contact the veterinarian and how to take care every day of the dog’s skin with a delicate and conscious hygiene routine.

What dermatitis in dogs is and why it appears

Dog dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that appears above all with redness, skin lesions and itching that leads the little heart to scratch with intensity and frequency.

When we talk about dog dermatitis, however, we are not referring to a single disease, but rather to a sort of ‘family’ of conditions that can have different causes, such as parasites, allergies, infections and also stress.

It follows that dermatitis in dogs must be observed and understood, through the study of the symptoms but also of the factors that may have caused them. How is it done? By taking the dog to the veterinarian, because this is the first step to understand where the problem comes from and how to act.

This also avoids going by trial and error and perhaps relying on remedies that could temporarily relieve the discomfort (and also the pain) felt by the furry one, but certainly not act on the cause and fully solve the problem.

The symptoms of dermatitis in dogs to recognize immediately

The number one symptom of dermatitis in dogs is itching, so it is better to be alert if our four-legged heart begins to scratch much more than usual. But it is not the only one, so it is necessary to pay attention when:

• the dog scratches much more frequently than usual and does so often and energetically;
• the dog licks and nibbles at his skin and fur, also in this case insistently and in the same spots;
• the dog rubs himself insistently on furniture and surfaces (also on the floor);
• we understand that the dog feels discomfort when a certain area is touched because he whines;
• we notice redness and red-colored irritations (and variants) on the skin;
• we notice that there are little scabs, flakes or dandruff on the skin;
• we see that the dog loses fur in some areas or, even, in a widespread way all over the body. Fur loss is, in fact, one of the main symptoms of dermatitis in dogs;
• we smell a bad odor, because dermatitis in dogs is often accompanied by a smell that recalls something wet and not dried properly (spoiler: the fault lies with microbes and bacteria);
• the skin becomes rougher and/or thicker;
• there are areas of the body that are moist, oozing or even bleeding;
• we notice small raised bumps such as little pimples, pustules and also abrasions.

The scabs of dog dermatitis can have a different appearance. If they are light-colored, it is because they may have just formed; instead, if they are dark scabs, they may be generated by blood that has dried, dirt that has accumulated or secretions from the inflamed area.

The main causes of dermatitis in dogs

There are three large families of causes of dermatitis in dogs:

• allergic dermatitis in dogs, which also includes atopic dermatitis in dogs and contact dermatitis;
• parasitic/infectious dermatitis in dogs;
• stress-related dermatitis in dogs.

Knowing them allows us to begin to understand what the causes may be by thinking about the habits, behavior and also the events that have happened to the dog recently, all this without ever failing to book a check-up visit with the trusted veterinarian.

Atopic, allergic and contact dermatitis: the differences

• Atopic dermatitis in dogs appears with an abnormal response of the body to some environmental allergens, such as pollens, molds and also to insects such as mites. It has a genetic nature and can be chronic, perhaps with periods in which the dog feels better and others in which the dermatitis flares up again. This can happen, for example, in spring when flowers produce pollen.
  
  Some dog breeds seem to be more predisposed to atopic dermatitis, but it is good to consider that no little heart can be automatically excluded based on breed. Labradors, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Poodles, German Shepherds are, for example, among the dog breeds most exposed to this problem;
• This family of dermatitis includes allergic dermatitis, which can be caused by foods, as well as medicines or other substances. Sometimes, with the term allergic dermatitis, the “head of the family” is meant, meaning dermatitis caused by allergies in general. In any case, we can understand it as dermatitis that appears because of an allergy;
• Contact dermatitis, as the name suggests, develops in the areas that come directly into contact with something irritating for the dog. It may be, for example, unsuitable products for body care or detergents or substances present in the environment that irritate the skin so much that dermatitis appears.

The remedies for atopic dermatitis in dogs are absolutely personalized on the basis of the diagnosis that the veterinarian will make. The path may include medicines, products for skin care and precautions that avoid contact with certain irritating substances.

Parasites, fleas and mites: when the skin becomes inflamed

We will never get tired of saying how dangerous fleas, mites and, in general, dog parasites can be because, in addition to itching, their bite can cause quite serious problems such as flea dermatitis, also known as FAD (Flea Allergy Dermatitis).

In this case, the problem lies in the response that the little heart puts in place to the allergens present in the flea’s saliva. Who would ever say that the saliva of such a tiny little animal could cause such serious problems? Yet in sensitive dogs, just a few bites can be enough to cause very intense itching, which often concentrates in the lumbosacral area, on the thighs and also at the base of the tail, an area that the little heart, moreover, struggles to reach.

In all this, finding fleas is complicated and we know that the step from one or two fleas to an infestation is unfortunately short. Then there are them, the mites, infinitely small as well as annoying and dangerous, because they can cause itchy dermatitis, and there are them, the ticks, which with their bite can also generate dermatitis.

Now, having seen how parasites can irritate the skin of dogs and cats, we can defend and protect them by doing constant antiparasitic prophylaxis, which must be defined with the veterinarian taking into account the dog’s age, lifestyle, the environment he frequents and also, if this is the case, his genetic predisposition to flea dermatitis.

Malassezia dermatitis and other secondary infections

Malassezia pachydermatis is a yeast that is usually present in small quantities on the healthy skin of the dog. The balance of furry ones’ skin, however, is delicate, it can alter and, when this happens, Malassezia proliferates. At that moment the skin becomes red, becomes greasy, thickens and also emits that terrible smell of a damp cellar mixed with rancid cheese.

Yes, dog dermatitis that smells quite a lot is often the one caused by this yeast gone wild and attention, because it is not the cause of the problem, but rather the allergic, endocrinological problems, the alteration of the skin that may exist upstream.

These are all causes that the veterinarian can clarify and identify with specific exams such as the cytological one carried out with adhesive tape or a swab.

Stress and behavioral factors

One of the behaviors that we humans put into action when we are restless, nervous or stressed is scratching ourselves, and the same applies to our four-legged heart.

Anxiety, boredom, changes in the daily routine can in fact make him nervous and, in order to try to calm himself, our furry friend may lick himself and scratch himself more than normal, because this behavior helps him lower stress and calm down.

However, if the dog is too nervous and restless, he may tend to lick himself and scratch himself in a compulsive way and this can irritate the skin, causing dermatitis to appear.

In this case we talk about stress-related dermatitis in dogs and it can be identified by thinking back to the events that have happened in the most recent past.

Are we moving house? Has another animal arrived in the family? Are we ourselves going through a complicated period and perhaps have changed habits and are much more nervous and irritable?

Everything must be weighed up, because it could be the cause of a stress that the dog is experiencing and that leads him to lick himself and scratch himself with too much intensity in order to try to calm down.

It goes without saying that the solution, in this case, is to try to re-establish a good routine, to adopt a calm, reassuring and cuddly behavior with our four-legged heart, to make him understand that he is safe and that he can count on our presence.

The areas of the body most affected: paws, ears, belly and muzzle

Dermatitis can appear on any part of the body, but there are some areas where it manifests more frequently:

• the paws and interdigital spaces: dermatitis on the dog’s paw is unfortunately ‘a classic’ because this is the part of the body that, first and most frequently, comes into contact with possible allergens, such as dust, irritating substances, parasites that are found in the grass or in the soil. Itching, pain, foreign bodies or small lesions can therefore be the answer to why the dog insistently licks one paw;
• the ears: half-closed, in the shade and moist, the ears are the ideal habitat where yeasts and bacteria live and can proliferate. From here comes dermatitis in the dog’s ears, because the parasites that linger in these areas can bite the skin and trigger a real storm of reactions from the little heart, who scratches, shakes his head and, above all, gives off a bad odor from the ears;
• the belly and groin: these areas are often less protected by fur and here the skin is thinner, therefore more delicate and vulnerable, which is why dermatitis on the dog’s belly is so widespread. Likewise, the muzzle and skin folds can retain moisture and secretions, hence the appearance of dermatitis on the dog’s muzzle. In brachycephalic dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, it is therefore necessary to pay a lot of attention to the cleaning of the small folds of the body, as well as to drying, which must be thorough to prevent bacterial proliferations from forming in these somewhat hidden areas.

How to understand if it is dermatitis or another problem?

How to understand if it is dermatitis or leishmaniasis? Many people ask themselves this question, which is more than legitimate, because the skin lesions that we can associate with dermatitis may also indicate other diseases such as leishmaniasis itself, Cushing’s syndrome (a hormonal disease that causes the production of excess cortisol and appears with skin lesions), hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases or other systemic disorders.

The point is that there is no home check or diagnosis that can help understand whether it is dermatitis or whether it is other dog diseases that can appear with skin problems. The only person who can define it is the veterinarian, who will evaluate the set of symptoms and will be able to prescribe the right exams and checks.

Speaking of understanding whether it is dermatitis or another problem, it is good to consider the elbow calluses of large-sized dogs. At first sight, they may look like dermatitis, both because of their appearance, and because dogs tend to lick them to rehydrate the skin and also because they probably cause discomfort.

Instead, it is hyperkeratosis, meaning a thickening of the skin that is created because it dries out and cracks due to the rubbing of the skin on the floor. Elbow calluses form especially in summer when the dog stays more in the open air, less in winter, because the little hearts usually rest on the dog bed, which has a soft base.

When to go to the veterinarian?

Let us see now and reiterate what the signs that require a timely visit to the veterinarian are:

• the dog licks and scratches himself continuously and energetically, especially in specific spots;
• we notice extensive, moist or bleeding lesions on the skin;
• we smell a persistent bad odor;
• we notice an evident loss of fur;
• we understand that the little heart feels pain on contact when he licks himself, when he scratches himself, but also if we touch him in certain spots;
• the little muzzle swells and the dog struggles to breathe;
• there is pus, secretions or pustules;
• the dog is low in spirits, down, does not eat and perhaps we think he has a fever;
• we understand that the symptoms worsen.

What will the veterinarian do during the visit?

Usually:

• he will observe the type and distribution of the lesions;
• he will collect information on when they appeared;
• he will ask for information on the dog’s habits, such as nutrition, hygiene, where he sleeps, walks or special events that have happened (for example a trip to areas where there may be more parasites or pollen);
• he may use the flea comb to verify the presence of these parasites;
• he may perform the skin smear/tape test, a painless exam with which he/she collects samples of cells, any parasites and other things on the skin and then analyzes them under a microscope;
• he may prescribe targeted checks.

How to treat dermatitis in dogs: the veterinarian’s therapies

Many people wonder how to treat dermatitis in dogs and the answer naturally depends on the cause. The veterinarian may prescribe anti-itch and anti-inflammatory medicines, antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergen-specific immunotherapy.

This is the so-called desensitizing vaccine, which is not a traditional vaccine, but rather a therapy built on the basis of the allergens that have been identified and that is administered to progressively reduce the dog’s sensitivity.

In case of Malassezia, which is a yeast, topical or systemic antifungal products may be prescribed, while bacterial infections may require therapies based both on the cause and on the extent of the dermatitis.

In this scenario, if there are parasites such as mites or fleas, it becomes essential to proceed with the application of antiparasitics that eliminate them.

Scientific research moves forward day after day and, probably, there will be increasingly effective solutions, such as a new medicine for dog dermatitis that helps solve the problem, always starting from the identification of the cause that triggered it.

Nutrition and dermatitis: what to avoid and what to prefer

What should a dog with dermatitis, or who is prone to it, eat? There is no ‘good’ answer for all furry ones, such as administering kibble for dog dermatitis. Rather, a lot of goodwill and love are needed to understand which diet is best for him, that keeps him in health and prevents the appearance of allergies and, consequently, of dermatitis.

First of all, it is essential to ask the opinion of the veterinarian or nutritionist, especially if the dog is sensitive to dermatitis and even more so if there is the suspicion that the dog’s dermatitis is due to nutrition.

In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe an elimination diet, a very structured protocol that does not allow exceptions, but that makes it possible to bring clarity to which foods can trigger adverse reactions in the little heart.

Daily management: Yuup!’s advice

Can dermatitis be treated with a bath? The answer, unfortunately, is no, but the correct daily hygiene routine can do a great deal to keep skin and coat healthy, moreover, it can support and accompany the veterinary path.

From the groomer’s point of view, observing the dog counts as much as the way he is washed and groomed. When professionals wash the little hearts, brush them, cut their fur and dry them, they can in fact check the skin carefully and understand whether there are any changes, problems such as redness, little scabs and also whether the odor has something strange about it.

Moreover, if dermatitis has already been diagnosed, groomers can choose the appropriate products, such as those formulated for sensitive skin, which make the difference compared to an aggressive cleanser, and advise on the frequency of the sessions, also and above all if baths at home are alternated.

How to wash a dog with dermatitis

Once the skin is healthy and healed from dermatitis, we can intervene with a topical-use cosmetic product such as the Soothing and Lenitive Skin Lotion, precisely to soothe and reduce redness for irritated and dehydrated skin.

We also recommend using our line for sensitive skin with delicate and vegan-friendly shampoo and conditioner, such as the Oatmeal Shampoo, made with natural ingredients and ideal for the most sensitive and delicate skin. Or the Pure hypoallergenic line with 99% natural ingredients, based on certified extracts from organic farming of Calendula, Oat and Chamomile.

Let us remember that if we are looking for a shampoo for a dog with dermatitis, it is very important to consider that human products, perfumed products or products with an aggressive composition are absolutely banned, and here you can find a guide on how to choose the right shampoo for sensitive or irritated skin.

Attention, moreover, to the frequency of the bath, which must be carefully weighed based on the type of skin and coat, as well as on the type and state of the dermatitis if it is ongoing.

Brushing and fur care for sensitive skin

We will never get tired of saying that brushing is the queen of the hygiene and beauty routine of furry ones.

Regularly brushing the dog in fact helps eliminate dead fur, dust and residues that can bother the skin, even suffocate it by creating irritations. Brushing also helps air the coat and, not least, to realize if there is something unusual, such as changes in the skin or even thinning of the fur.

Brushing yes, therefore, with constancy, love, and with the awareness that each coat needs his technique, the adequate tools and the care to treat the skin with the utmost attention, especially if it is sensitive.

A too energetic brushing could, in fact, irritate the skin, break the fur or, even worse, detach any little scabs or worsen ongoing irritations. In dogs with sensitive and reactive skin, therefore, it is good to proceed with calm, separate the fur well to check the skin.

Let us always remember that daily fur care based on its type is what allows both to keep it strong, beautiful and in health, but also to preserve the skin.

Taking care every day of the skin of the dog with dermatitis

In this article we have better understood what dog dermatitis is and, above all, we have seen that it can be managed well with the correct diagnosis of the veterinarian and with an attentive daily routine.

If the furry one has sensitive skin, especially if he is genetically exposed to the appearance of dermatitis, it is important to choose solutions that respect and protect the skin, such as Yuup! products dedicated to sensitive and reactive skin, which can become allies of the hygiene routine and grooming.

Let us never forget that veterinary care is essential, because it addresses the cause and treats our four-legged heart! At the same time, the daily gestures of hygiene that we can reserve for our four-legged friend help him and accompany him with all the delicacy and attention that his skin deserves.

If you are looking for useful tips for the care and well-being of your four-legged little heart, here you will find many articles to keep the dog’s skin and fur healthy and beautiful.