Itchy, irritating skin is definitely a thing on dogs. There are a number of different causes of allergies or dermatitis in dogs. Here we’ll talk about the different types of dermatitis in dogs and how to treat them using home remedies.
The condition of your dog’s skin can be improved by adding a 1/2 teaspoon of the following mixture to each feed. Mix thoroughly together 5 drops each of carrot and evening primrose oil with 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and wheat germ oil. Store in an airtight, amber-colored glass bottle.
It is surprising how little common sense some people seem able to bring to bear on the subject of feeding dogs. The dog by nature is a carnivorous animal. In a wild state, he would be living entirely on flesh and nothing else, except that he would probably bite off and swallow a few blades of grass to keep himself free from intestinal parasites.
Yet one is constantly meeting people who avoid giving much meat to their dogs and persist in feeding them a starchy diet that is wholly different from what nature intended. Many people make the mistake of giving their dog white bread and potatoes, which contain starch.
It is important that every dog owner who sees signs of skin irritation in his dog consider carefully whether the system of feeding is all that could be desired, taking care that meat and cereals are kept in a suitable proportion and are supplemented by the addition of uncooked chopped vegetables such as cabbage and carrots, which in this form can easily be sprinkled with gravy, which would ensure they’re being swallowed.
Preventive measures are the best safeguard against skin troubles, and dogs properly fed and not overfed, and given sufficient exercise will stand a good chance of avoiding this troublesome disease.
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin and fur that can be caused by allergies, parasites, fungi, or bacteria.
The most common cause of dermatitis is allergies, which makes the dog’s immune system hypersensitive to certain substances present in its surroundings. The dog starts producing antibodies against those substances and triggers an allergic reaction.
Another common reason for this condition is dry skin; when there is a lack of moisture on the skin, it becomes dry and cracked which results in inflammation on the surface of the skin.
What type of dermatitis do dogs get?
The type of dermatitis will depend on what is causing it.
1. Dandruff
Certain breeds, particularly Labs, are prone to a dry coat condition or dandruff.
In most cases, this is directly attributed to a lack of vegetable oil in the diet and the problem usually clears up in 3 weeks by mixing into the food daily about two teaspoonfuls of vegetable oil.
Likewise, dogs that go swimming a lot in saltwater deplete their coats of natural oil and benefit greatly from the addition of oil to their food.
In any dog where scratching is excessive, in the absence of bald areas, ticks or fleas, the above condition may be suspected.
2. Mange
Mange is the most serious skin disease in dogs. Mange is caused by small mites burrowing into the skin thereby damaging the roots of the hair and causing it to fall out.
Until recently the most common form of mange – demodectic mange, had a low cure rate. However, with the advent of modern treatment about 85% of cases can be treated successfully.
Generally, the first sign of mange is hair loss from the face, particularly around the eyes, and a so-called spectacled appearance frequently results. The bald areas do not appear to be inflamed as a rule and it simply looks as though the hair has fallen out. When more than 20% of the dog’s body is affected treatment becomes extremely difficult, hence the importance of an early diagnosis.
The situation frequently occurs when a healthy dog is surrounded by a number of dogs suffering from mange and as most dogs are not particularly discerning about the company they keep their owners are understandably concerned about the prospect of their pet contracting mange.
If the dog can not be kept isolated from its mangey friends the best preventative is to dose the dog weekly with one of the oral flea killing preparations that are available locally.
3. Impetigo
Most pups at some time or other suffer from impetigo during puppyhood. Impetigo is a condition where surface bacteria invade the skin and small pustules develop, usually starting on the stomach.
In advanced cases, the rash of pustules may extend over most of the body. In any young pup, this condition may be treated in the early stages by washing the pup, and the mother if present, in chlorhexidine shampoo daily for 5 days.
Disposable bedding (newspaper is best) must be provided and changed every day. If the puppy has not been vaccinated and is off its food at the time the pustules are noticed, a distemper must be suspected and a vet consulted immediately.
4. Eczema
Everything that affects the skin of a dog that cannot be identified as due to a specific parasite, is generally described as eczema.
The distinction between mange and eczema is that the former is due to a parasite, and the latter is of constitutional origin and is not considered infectious.
Eczema may be described as an inflammatory condition of the skin, causing irritation, soreness, and loss of coat, generally in patches. Any part may be affected, but it seldom extends all over the dog at one time.
Eczema is very difficult to treat, as hardly two cases react to treatment in the same way. It is best to let an experienced veterinary surgeon prescribe when you have tried without success for a week or two.
Some cases yield to a change of diet alone, others to some particular remedy.
Conclusion of treating dermatitis in dogs without vet
Dermatitis can be managed at home with some simple measures like bathing with a medicated shampoo, applying hydrocortisone cream or ointment, and giving supplements to boost immunity are some of them; however, if these do not work then consult your vet and follow his advice carefully.
Treating dermatitis in dogs at home is a good option for those who want to avoid the costs of a vet visit. However, there are some things to keep in mind when treating your dog’s skin conditions.
First of all, it’s important to remember that at-home treatments may not work as well as professional ones. If you choose to treat your dog’s allergies or other skin conditions yourself, be sure that you have time to monitor the treatment and make adjustments if necessary.
You should also consider whether your dog’s symptoms will worsen without treatment. If so, then it might be best to visit a vet clinic instead of choosing at-home options for treating dermatitis in dogs.
In addition, keep in mind that the treatments available at most drug stores or pet stores may not be effective for all types of dermatitis. For example, some types of dermatitis are caused by parasites like fleas or mites rather than allergies or other environmental factors.
While an over-the-counter medication may help with these types of issues, they won’t be able to treat them completely on their own and may need additional products like flea collars or dips if they’re available at your local pet store.
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Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp.
