Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Allergic dermatitis is described as the inflammation of the dog’s skin due to an allergic reaction from a triggering source.

Signs & Symptoms of Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Areas of hair loss (due to scratching or licking) where the skin is red and irritated
Scabs on the dog’s body due to excessive scratching

Causes of Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

There are many causes for allergic dermatitis in dogs, all stemming from allergens that are consumed, inhaled, or that come into direct contact with the dog’s skin. The leading cause for a reaction stems from flea bites. When a flea bites a dog, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin to prevent the dog’s blood from clotting. This reaction to the flea saliva can occur rapidly, and in some cases it only takes one flea bite to set off an intense irritation over the dog’s body. An allergy to a food ingredient can spark the same intense reaction.

Diagnosis of Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam of the dog. Because allergic dermatitis is almost always secondary to the source, expect your veterinarian to do several tests on your dog to rule out a few causes and to perform tests looking for the chief problem. Possible chief problems your veterinarian will be looking for are food allergies, fungal or bacterial infection, and external parasites such as fleas.

Treatment for Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Treatment should include antibiotics to help clear the dog’s skin of any bacteria, antihistamines to help reduce the reaction and calm the itching, and sometimes a low dose of corticosteroid is given for more severe itching and scratching.

Further treatment will be determined once the underlying process causing the dog’s dermatitis has been diagnosed.

Prevention of Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Keep your dog on monthly flea control to prevent an allergic outbreak as well as talk to your veterinarian about Limited Ingredient Diets (L.I.D) that can be helpful for pets with food allergies.