Dermatitis (Skin Allergies)

Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that is usually associated with allergies. Allergies are just as common in dogs as they are in humans. Sometimes canines suffer from flea allergic dermatitis where an allergic hypersensitivity to flea saliva is caused. Dermatitis usually presents with raw skin, rashes and hair loss.

 

Causes:

• Animal dust

• Airborne pollens 

• Grasses

• Weeds 

• Trees

• House dust

• House dust mites

• Mold spores (Both indoor and outdoor species)

• Fleas

 

Symptoms:

When a dog has Dermatitis they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• General discomfort

• Aggressive itching

• Rubbing up against the floor or furniture

• Licking the affected area

• Biting the affected area

 

Physical:

• Raw skin, rashes, swelling and hair loss in any of the following locations;

  • Ears

  • Wrists

  • Ankles 

  • Muzzle

  • Underarms

  • Groin

  • Around the eyes

  • Between the toes 

 

Prevention:

• Make sure your house is cleaned regularly to prevent the build up of house dust.

• If your dog gets fleas, take him/her to the vet immediately. Once he/she has been treated for the fleas make sure to wash his/her bed (and yours) in very hot, soapy water so your dog does not re-catch them.

• If your dog comes home from a walk and is dirty, make sure to give them a bath as soon as possible to prevent allergies from occuring. 

• If your dog shows any sign of acute Dermatitis (slight itching and hair loss) bath your dog in cool water with an anti-itch shampoo.