Canine dermatitis is a disease influenced by hereditary factorsIn other words, if one or both parents have it, it's very likely that the puppies will also end up having it sooner or later. However, we can do several things to reduce that risk and help keep our companion's skin in good condition throughout its life.
In addition to genetic factors, dermatitis in dogs can appear due to environmental allergies, food allergies, external parasitessecondary infections and even by a inadequate skin and hair careUnderstanding these causes and taking preventative measures is key to reducing outbreaks, itching, and lesions.
Read on to know how to avoid dermatitis in dogs and what daily care you can apply at home to protect your skin.
What is dermatitis in dogs and what are its causes?
Dermatitis in dogs is a skin inflammation which causes itching, redness, and often hair loss. It is not a single problem, but a group of skin conditions that can have very different origins: from allergies to parasites or infections.
One of the most frequent forms is the canine atopic dermatitis, a chronic, genetically based disease in which the dog's immune system overreacts to common allergens such as dust, pollen or certain environmental mitesIn these dogs, what would go unnoticed by others triggers a genuine skin reaction. intense itching, rednessscratch wounds and even otitis.
In addition to genetic predisposition, the following can influence the development of dermatitis:
- Environmental allergies: to pollen, mold, dust mites or other allergens present in the environment.
- Food allergies: reactions to certain animal proteins or plant ingredients in the diet.
- External parasitesespecially fleas (and their saliva), ticks, lice, and some mites that cause scabies.
- Secondary infections: bacteria or yeasts that take advantage of the wounds from scratching and aggravate the inflammation.
- Humidity and poor ventilation of the furThey promote what is known as moist dermatitis or "hot spots".
Symptoms of dermatitis in dogs: how to recognize it in time
Preventing complications, it is essential to detect the first signs of irritation on the skin. One of the easiest symptoms to identify is that the dog He scratches himself much more than usual, it bites or licks itself insistently, until it hurts itself.
Some common symptoms are:
- reddened skinhot or inflamed in specific areas.
- Wounds, scabs or small pimples with pus.
- Localized hair lossleaving bare patches or depopulated areas.
- Bad skin odor due to secondary infections.
- Excessive licking of the pawsespecially the front ones.
- Constant head shaking or ear scratching, which may indicate associated otitis.
- Body rubbing against furniture, walls or the floor to try to relieve the itching.
The areas that are most frequently affected are the Tsar, ears, armpits, English, abdomen and pinsIf you notice several of these signs, it's advisable to consult your veterinarian to identify the cause and begin a prevention and treatment plan.
Deworm your dog whenever necessary
Some types of dermatitis are caused by external parasites...like fleas. Therefore, it's necessary to keep it dewormed regularly, which is actually very simple: It will be enough to apply a pipette once a month, an anti-parasitic collar, or spray its coat with an insecticidal spray specifically for dogs..
These products help prevent flea bite allergic dermatitisOne of the most common forms of dermatitis is flea bites, in which flea saliva triggers intense itching even with just a few bites. They also protect against... ticks, Mites y licewhich can also cause skin lesions.
You can find all these products for sale at the pet shops, as well as in veterinary clinicsIt is advisable to follow the professional's instructions to choose the most suitable presentation according to the weight, the edad, the dog's lifestyle and level of exposure to parasites (for example, if it walks in rural areas or lives with other animals).
Remember that deworming should be regular throughout the year, and not just in warm seasons, to prevent the furry friend from ending up having intense itching and injuries resulting from the bites.
Avoid bathing your dog more than once a month
We know that a clean dog is a lovely animal, but You should never bathe more than once a month unless otherwise advised by a veterinarian, as we could end up with the natural protective layer of your skin. If the lipid mantle is excessively removed, the skin becomes more droughtIt is easily irritated and the risk of it developing some type of dermatitis will be very high.
You should always use Special shampoos for dogs, formulated to respect the specific pH of their skin. They should not be bathed with human shampoo, as it could be irritating or even toxic to them, and aggravate skin problems.
For dogs with sensitive skin or prone to dermatitis, a shampoo can be very helpful. dermatological or for atopic skinThese products provide hydration and relieve itching. They cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier and may contain soothing and emollient ingredients.
If the veterinarian indicates it, therapeutic baths can also be performed with mild antiseptics (such as chlorhexidine) to control secondary infections, always respecting the recommended frequency so as not to dry out the skin.
Dry it well to avoid problems
After each bath, it's important to dry the baby thoroughly to prevent dermatitis, paying particular attention to drying any areas of the body that show signs of it. Skin folds (such as the face, neck or groin) and areas where the fur is denser.
Moisture trapped next to the skin promotes the appearance of what is called moist dermatitis or “hot spots,” sticky, red, painful areas that often ooze and have a foul odor. They commonly appear in areas such as the cheeks, the nut, the back, thighs and root of the tail, often from one day to the next.
To avoid these injuries, We can use a towel first. to remove excess water and then a hair dryer We will keep it as far away from the dog as possible and at a moderate temperature, to avoid burns or excessive heat that could irritate the skin.
In dogs with very thick coats, it's important to ensure that moisture isn't trapped near the skin, even if the outer coat appears dry. It's also important unravel and brush your hair regularly to allow air to circulate and prevent knots from forming that trap moisture and dirt.
Feed him high-quality food
Many animal feeds are made with low quality ingredientswhich the dog doesn't really need. These ingredients can cause health problems, such as food allergies, heavy digestion or different types of dermatitis.
Food allergies are often related to certain animal proteins (such as chicken or beef) or, in some cases, with certain plant-based ingredients. For dogs with this problem, the veterinarian may recommend a elimination diet or a feed hypoallergenic with highly selected or hydrolyzed proteins.
For this reason, It is very important to feed it with feed that does not contain grains or by-productsand that it uses good quality protein and fat sources. In this way, your overall health will be excellent and your skin will have the necessary nutrients to stay strong, hydrated and with an effective skin barrier.
A quality diet, rich in essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) and antioxidants, also helps reduce skin inflammation and may decrease the frequency and intensity of outbreaks in dogs predisposed to atopic dermatitis or dry skin.
Daily care of the environment and skin to prevent outbreaks
In addition to deworming, proper bathing, and a good diet, it is essential to take care of the environment and daily routine of the dog to keep its skin as stable as possible.
Some useful measures are:
- Keep the house dust-free and ventilate frequently to reduce the load of mites and allergens.
- Wash their bed and blankets regularly with mild detergents and rinse well.
- Avoid tobacco smoke and other environmental irritants near the dog.
- Manage Stress through daily exercise, games, and stable routines, as emotional stress can worsen the itching.
- Check your skin and hair frequently to detect redness, wounds or moist areas in time.
In dogs with pronounced wrinkles or folds, such as some brachycephalic breeds, it is highly recommended clean and gently dry the folds regularly to avoid maceration and proliferation of bacteria and yeasts.
When to see a veterinarian and treatment options
Although many treatments can be applied at home, we should never self-diagnose dermatitis. The veterinarian is best qualified to assess whether it is an allergic, parasitic, infectious, or other skin condition, and what treatment is necessary in each case.
To arrive at a correct diagnosis, the professional may perform the following:
- Complete skin examination and the ear, looking for injuries and parasites.
- Skin scrapings and skin tests to rule out scabies or other infections.
- allergy tests or specific blood tests.
- Elimination diets if a food allergy is suspected.
Treatment may include deworming drugs, hypoallergenic diets, antihistamines, anti-inflammatorydermatological shampoos and, in some cases, immunotherapy to gradually desensitize the dog to certain allergens. In cases of painful, moist dermatitis, it may be necessary to trim the hair in the affected area, apply specific products, and use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the dog from licking or scratching.
With a good diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and a consistent routine of prevention at homeMost dogs prone to dermatitis can enjoy a comfortable life, with less itching, fewer infections, and much healthier skin.
Do you know any other tricks to prevent dermatitis in dogs? Caring for their skin from puppyhood, monitoring for any changes, deworming regularly, and always consulting a vet if you have any doubts are the best ways to protect your companion from this bothersome skin condition and help them maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin throughout their life.