Allergic dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis is a common skin disease in dogs. It can be caused by everyday food, airborne allergens (house dust mites, pollen) or direct contact with plastic, metal or chemicals.
Symptoms of allergic dermatitis:
- intense itching;
- red, inflamed skin;
- a skin rash;
- red, inflamed ears.
Treating allergic dermatitis involves:
- identifying and avoiding the allergens;
- antihistamines and other medicines to relieve itching and inflammation;
- choosing the right food or a specialised hypoallergenic diet;
- medicated shampoos and topical and systemic treatments to heal and restore the skin.
Bacterial skin infections
Bacterial skin infections develop when an allergic reaction goes on for a long time and microorganisms get in through the damaged skin.
Common symptoms of bacterial infection:
- red skin, with or without pus-filled bumps;
- hair loss and a thinning coat;
- an unpleasant smell from the skin;
- increased itching;
- a local patch of weeping dermatitis (a hot spot) with intense itching and pain.
Treating bacterial skin infections:
- the affected areas are cleaned and disinfected;
- the affected areas are protected from injury with a protective collar or clothing;
- underlying causes such as allergies or hormonal imbalance are addressed;
- systemic and topical treatment with antibiotics and other products is prescribed.
Ringworm (fungal skin infection)
Symptoms of ringworm in dogs:
- round patches of hair loss;
- red or flaky skin;
- itching;
- a bad smell from the skin.
Treatment includes topical or systemic antifungal medicines, medicated shampoos and sprays, and good hygiene. Your vet will make an accurate diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan based on your dog's condition. Starting treatment early and keeping up good hygiene help clear the infection.
Seborrhoea
Seborrhoea is a chronic skin disease marked by heavy flaking, greasiness and itching. It comes in two types: dry and oily.
Symptoms of seborrhoea:
- flaky, dry skin (dry seborrhoea) or very greasy skin (oily seborrhoea);
- a strong smell from the skin;
- redness and inflammation;
- secondary skin infections.
Seborrhoea is treated with regular baths using medicated shampoos prescribed by your vet, moisturising the skin with emollients, a balanced diet and managing any hormonal imbalance or allergy.
How to look after your dog's skin
- Brush your dog regularly and check its skin for rashes, lumps or sores.
- Feed a balanced diet made from good-quality ingredients to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy.
- Avoid possible allergens and irritants, such as certain foods, plants and chemicals.
- Keep the places where your dog lives clean and free of parasites.
- Bathe and groom your dog with products that suit its skin type.
Recognising the symptoms and seeing a vet in good time will reduce your pet's discomfort and help avoid complications.
