Introduction

Dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin, is one of the most frustrating conditions for owners of companion dogs. In many cases, the cause of dermatitis is never discovered, and in other cases it takes long-term detective work to pin down the causative agent. Even when the cause of skin inflammation is ultimately identified, it may be impossible or inconvenient to eliminate the source from the dog’s environment. Dermatitis is usually a chronic condition, with frequent flair-ups occurring seasonally. Thankfully, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms of dermatitis in dogs.

Treatment Options for Canine Dermatitis

Before resorting to oral or injectable medications to treat the symptoms of dermatitis, pet owners should assess and address the possible underlying causes of the condition, paying particular attention to their pet’s home environment. External parasites (such as ear mites, fleas, lice and ticks) can cause dramatic itchy skin conditions in dogs. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures that can help keep these annoying pests away from our dogs, which your veterinarian can recommend. Internal parasites, such as tapeworms and hookworms, also can contribute to canine dermatitis by reducing the dog’s ability to resist and heal from infestation by external parasites. A veterinarian can recommend good treatments for these internal parasites, as well.

All companion dogs should be fed a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help dogs maintain a healthy, plush hair coat. Medicated shampoos that contain natural ingredients such as sulfur, tea tree oil, oatmeal, comfrey and/or aloe can also help to reduce itchiness, moisturize skin and heal skin sores. Dogs with severe skin inflammation or infection may need to be treated with oral, topical or injectable drugs to manage their disease. Anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines and corticosteroids are frequently used to treat the effects of dermatitis. These medications, especially steroids, can have serious adverse side effects if they are given for long periods of time. A veterinarian is the best one to give advice about appropriate medical treatment for dermatitis for any particular animal.

Prognosis

Most cases of dermatitis respond well to topical or systemic treatment. It is important to identify the cause of the condition to keep it at bay. Dermatitis in dogs normally is not a life-threatening condition. However, it can cause extreme discomfort and should be treated for the sake of the dog’s comfort and quality of life.