How to Help Your Pet With Dog Dermatitis

Dog dermatitis is a very common health issue that canines will face at some point in their lives. Skin problems have a number of causes, including chemicals that can affect every dog or allergic reactions to various substances that will affect one dog but not the next.

Look for dog dermatitis in areas that have the least amount of hair, generally the nose, stifles, feet, chin or scrotum. Sometimes it takes multiple exposures to the irritant before the dog dermatitis shows up, other times it’s a single exposure that will produce redness, swelling or moist and weepy spots or blisters. Some dog dermatitis will turn into a scaly outbreak and can crust over.

Dogs with dermatitis will sometimes lose hair in the affected area. Excessive scratching at the itchy spots will produce wounds that can become infected, which is why immediate treatment for dog dermatitis is recommended.

Many dogs will have reactions to soaps and shampoos that their owners use on them. Veterinarians caution owners to never use products made for humans on their canine counterparts – the chemicals are often far too harsh for the canine skin and can cause dog dermatitis. Alkalis, detergents and acids will also cause breakouts.

Some dogs will experience what is called allergic contact dermatitis after repeated exposure to various chemicals to which they eventually become sensitized. These rashes look like normal dog dermatitis but will spread more rapidly. Flea collars and synthetic fibers are the biggest catalyst for allergic contact dermatitis, but other irritants include paint, wool, leather, rubber dishes, wood preservatives and dyes. Some medications have been found to cause this condition.

Most allergic contact dermatitis can be treated with topical ointments that have antibiotics in them. Some veterinarians will recommend corticosteroids, which are taken orally.

Some dogs will experience canine atopy, which is a seasonal itching issue that will not produce any abnormal skin signs until the dog continually scratches at the area. It occurs in the ears and the underside of the body most often. Dogs might flap their ears with vigorous headshaking or rub their faces on the ground to try to ease the itch. The dog might also experience a runny nose and watery eyes.

For excellent, over-the-counter products that improve the health and happiness of your pets, try the  ProLabs line of products. ProLabs designed Skin Soothe to address hot spots, footpad injuries, skin fold dermatitis, incision sites and other skin conditions. The product relieves itching, is easy to spray onto the affected area(s), is not oily and won’t cause any staining. It’s steroid and antibiotic free and has no sting. Skin Soothe actually uses the power of zinc to soothe and heal the skin.