Dermatitis is a common skin condition in which there is inflammation and itching of the skin. Dermatitis in dogs can be caused by a number of factors such as: poor nutrition, allergies, hypersensitivity, or pathogens. Once the cause of dermatitis has been established, you can easily help your dog overcome dermatitis.
A lack of nutrients results in itchy dry skin causing nutritional dermatitis in dogs. If your dog’s dermatitis has been induced by poor nutrition it is best to change his or her diet. Invest in quality dog food which contains natural ingredients and higher levels of protein. Feeding your pet organic dog food or home cooked dog food is also a great way to improve and maintain proper nutrition in your dog.
Hypersensitivity to the environment can cause atopic dermatitis in dogs. Often the dog is sensitive to environmental substances such as poison oak or nettle. Hypersensitivity is similar to allergic dermatitis in dogs although allergy induced dermatitis refers to skin irritation caused by allergens. If you notice your dog itching more after spending time outdoors, it is best to remove any plants or substances that may be triggering the dermatitis. Permanent removal will reduce the chances of atopic dermatitis from reoccurring.
Furthermore, if allergens such as dust, pollen, fleas or mold have been causing dermatitis in your pet, avoid and maintain minimal contact between the allergens and your pet. After your pet has spent time outdoors, bathe your pet to remove allergens from the fur. Flea allergies are the most common cause of dermatitis in dogs. If your pet has fleas, removing the fleas from your pet and home is important. For example, fleas can infest carpets and sofas. It is thus recommended to shampoo all living areas in order to completely eliminate the possibility of re-infestation in your pet.
If your pet has been feverish or experiencing a decrease in appetite while having dermatitis, it is likely that the dermatitis has been caused by a bacteria or virus. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection or may supply additional treatment if your pet has a viral infection.