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Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a term literally meaning "inflammation of the skin". It is usually used to refer to eczema, which is also known as Dermatitis eczema. There are several different types of dermatitis. Usually all of them involve an allergic reaction to specific allergens.

Dermatitis in dogs can be caused because of nutritional deficiencies, bacterial infections, hypothyroidism, allergies, hormone imbalances, and fleas, lice, mites, fly larvae, and ticks.

Dermatitis may be transient or chronic, often affecting the overall health and sheen of the coat.

Persistent itching is a very common, non-specific sign of dermatitis in dogs and cats. It is not uncommon for an affected dog to scratch or bite itself frequently. Causes of dermatitis include:

• Bacterial, fungal, yeast, or parasitic infection
• Seborrhea
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Flea bites (flea saliva is a common allergen)
• Contact with an irritating substance
• Metabolic and endocrine disorders
• Drug reactions; exposure to toxins
• Breed-specific predisposition
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Sunburn
• Cancer may give rise to excessive itching due to skin irritation

The following conditions are symptomatic of dermatitis in dogs:

• Persistent scratching.
• The appearance of a red, painful-looking sore, often overnight.
• Scaly, rough or oozing areas on the skin, usually accompanied by hair loss.

Since dermatitis is likely to result from an allergy or other ongoing irritant, the dog’s lifestyle, food intake, etc. should be reviewed closely.

If the dermatitis results from an allergic reaction to flea bites, action should be taken to rid the home of fleas.

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