Canine dermatitis is a common skin condition in dogs that can be caused by a variety of factors - meaning it also has a variety of manifestations. But, as the term "dermatitis" suggests, inflammation of the skin is a common symptom in all cases, usually along with a persistent itch that often ends up looking like a sore. Although not dangerous, the conditionallergic significantly compromises the quality of life of the animal and needs certain attention.

And what are the types of dog dermatitis, anyway? What is the best remedy for canine dermatitis and the best ways to prevent the pathology? To understand everything about this skin disease in dogs, we have prepared a guide with all the information to take care of your four-legged friend's skin health. Check it out!

What is canine dermatitis?

In order to understand what dog dermatitis is in a very simple way, it is necessary to rescue some grammatical concepts. The term "dermatitis" is composed of the prefix "derma", which means "skin", and the suffix "ite", which refers to inflammation. That is, in practice, canine dermatitis is nothing more than inflammation of the dog's skin (of any kind).

One of the main signs that indicate this inflammation is when the animal begins to scratch a region of the body too much, showing that it is bothered by something. Therefore, when observing a dog itching more frequently than normal, it is good to consider a consultation with the veterinarian to check if he is suffering from canine dermatitis or some other problem.

What causes dermatitis in dogs?

Before looking for ways to treat canine dermatitis, it is essential to understand what are the causes behind the problem, which can be varied. Sometimes the dog ate something it shouldn't and this ended up triggering an allergic reaction in the body, which manifests itself through skin inflammation. The condition can develop from flea and tick bites, for example, such ascan also have a genetic origin - as in the case of canine atopic dermatitis - or be caused through direct contact with substances harmful to pets, such as cleaning products.

Therefore, in general, it can be said that each type of dog dermatitis has a specific cause associated with it. In order not to make mistakes, only a veterinarian can assess the situation and define the correct diagnosis, which is usually made based on laboratory tests and the identification of other symptoms.

What are the types of canine dermatitis?

Canine dermatitis is divided into several types and can generate some confusion because of this. As the forms of treatment vary according to the causes, as well as prevention, it is important to understand exactly what the types of dermatitis are and their specifics. Learn everything below:

1) Canine atopic dermatitis

This is the most common type of dermatitis in dogs. Of genetic origin and without cure, the manifestation of canine atopy occurs through direct contact with allergens present in the environment, such as dust, mites and pollen. Generally, dogs suffering from canine atopic dermatitis have a deficiency in the structure of the skin, having fewer ceramides that favor the entry of etiological agents that can cause the disease.cause the allergy.

It is a disease of genetic origin, so it is often passed on from parents to puppies. Some breeds of dog are more predisposed to canine atopic dermatitis, such as:

• Shih Tzu
• Maltese
• English Bulldog
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador
• Dachshund

2) Contact dermatitis

A dog with a contact allergy is one that has inflammation of the skin after coming into contact with substances considered harmful to dogs. The main agents that cause this are cleaning products, but other components present in shampoos, soaps and perfumes can also trigger this type of allergy in dogs. In addition to chemical substances, some fabrics - such aswool and polyester - often cause this type of dermatitis.

3) Allergic dermatitis to flea and tick bites

A possible infestation of parasites, such as fleas and ticks in dogs, may be the reason behind canine dermatitis. Allergic dermatitis to flea and tick bites can also be recognized by the acronym DAPP, and it happens mainly when the animal has an allergy to some component present in the saliva of these parasites. That is, it is not necessarily the bite itself that will cause the dermatitis to occur.allergy in dog, but contact with the saliva of the flea or tick.

4) Food allergic dermatitis

Food allergy in dogs is another more common problem than you might think, and it can cause skin symptoms such as itching and redness. It is something that happens when the canine organism has some food restrictions and, if the animal ingests any of the "forbidden" components, it can end up manifesting allergic reactions. In this situation, it is always good to write down everything the dog eatsas a precaution, as the pet is usually allergic to more than one ingredient.

5) Acral lick dermatitis

A dog compulsively licking its paw can trigger what is known as canine acral lick dermatitis. In other words, the animal licks a certain area of the body so much that it ends up injuring the skin. It is important, however, to observe what happens first: the compulsive behavior of licking the paws (or any other area) or the wound. If the wound originates from the licking, it is likely that the dog is licking the paw.your dog has a psychological disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

6) Canine seborrheic dermatitis

Canine seborrheic dermatitis affects the most superficial part of the skin and derives from changes in the production of sebum and keratin in the dog's body. This compromises the cell renewal process that takes place every 22 days, causing inflammation in the animal's skin. It is a condition that can be primary or secondary, with primary conditions being of genetic origin and secondary ones being genetic.arising from pre-existing diseases.

7) Dermatitis due to bacterial or fungal infection

This type of canine dermatitis happens as a result of the action of bacteria on the dog's body, and also receives the name of wet dermatitis in dogs . They are wounds with an inflamed and moist appearance, characterized by painful lesions with the presence of pus and a bad smell. It is usually a manifestation that happens after trauma, scratches or even infestation of parasites that have not been treatedTherefore, bacteria, considered opportunistic, take advantage of the imbalance to increase the proliferation of new agents and make room for more serious infections.

Know the main symptoms of dermatitis in dogs

Depending on what caused the canine dermatitis, the symptoms and manifestations may have one difference or another. But, in general, it is always valid to increase the observation with your pet's health if he presents an excessive and very frequent itching in a certain part of the body. For the avoidance of doubt, write down the main clinical signs that may arise when some type of dermatitis occurs.dermatitis in dogs:

• severe itching
• redness
• hair loss
• scaling
• sores on the dog's skin with or without pus
• skin and hair discoloration
• darkening of the site
• formation of scabs
• dog licking its skin non-stop

It is also worth remembering that some more specific symptoms may also vary, for example, in the case of a food allergy, the dog may have difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhea.

Dermatitis in dogs: how to treat the problem?

A very common question among pet parents is how to cure dog dermatitis. Unfortunately, some cases have no cure - such as canine atopic dermatitis - but it is entirely possible to control their symptoms and give your four-legged friend more quality of life. Still, the best way to know how to treat dog dermatitis, the most suitable remedies and important precautions is toconsulting a veterinarian (preferably specialized in dermatology).

The use of medicine for canine dermatitis will depend on the root of the problem, that is, what caused the inflammation on the animal's skin, so only with a closed diagnosis is it possible to determine the best treatment. In any case, to alleviate the discomfort in the pet, veterinarians usually recommend specific products - such as canine dermatitis shampoo - that should be applied to the skin.dog during bathing.

So here's the tip: you can't know what medicine is indicated for canine dermatitis without knowing what the cause of the problem is. Even because, depending on the situation, other medications may also be prescribed by the veterinarian, helping to treat the underlying disease or even fighting bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Dog dermatitis: is home remedy a valid option?

There is no shortage of natural recipes on the internet that promise to be a way to treat dermatitis in dogs. But is it really worth risking something like that? Well, the recommendation is always to strictly follow the guidelines given by the veterinarian, but it is also worth talking to a professional you trust about the possibility of including treatmentsalternative and "home-made".

Among the home remedy options for bathing a dog with dermatitis, natural oils such as coconut oil and almond oil stand out. Coconut oil acts as an antiseptic, soothing irritated skin; while almond oil has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic power. Aloe vera is also commonly used to inhibit allergic reactions, helping to improve the condition of the dog.canine dermatitis.

Some precautions can help prevent canine dermatitis

It is not enough just to know what is good for dermatitis in dogs after diagnosis, the tutor also needs to understand that some preventive measures can and should be implemented to avoid this type of disorder. And you don't even need much to achieve this: with some basic care in everyday life, it is already possible to keep the problem away (at least in certain cases). Check out a short listof care to include in the routine:

1) Avoid contact of the animal with cleaning products and potentially problematic substances;

2) Invest in good flea and tick remedies to avoid possible infestations in the animal's body;

3) Take very good care of your dog's hygiene with regular bathing, weekly brushing and regular grooming;

4) After bathing the dog, dry the entire body of the animal very well to avoid the proliferation of fungi and bacteria;

5) Observe if the animal has any food allergies and offer high quality pet food;

6) Keep the environment clean and away from agents that cause canine dermatitis.