If your pooch is prone to dog eczema, you’ll know how distressing the condition can be.
Inflamed, sore and reddened skin is irritating, itchy and plain unpleasant for our canine friends, with eczema manifesting as two forms:
- Wet, also referred to as hot spots or acute moist dermatitis
- And dry, characterised by inflammation, flaking and skin lesions such as papules.
Although eczema and dogs can have a complicated relationship, understanding more about this common problem can help you and your vet develop management strategies that work for your dog.
Can dogs get eczema?
Yes, they certainly can. Eczema, or dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and itching. The skin becomes sore and itchy, which leads to the dog scratching and licking at it, therefore making it worse.
Dog eczema can be separated into ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ forms. The official term for wet eczema in dogs is acute moist dermatitis, and can sometimes be referred to as ‘hot spots’. Wet eczema is caused by inflammation and infection of the skin and is easily spotted as red, angry and wet looking patches on the skin.
Eczema can occur anywhere on a dog’s body. Dog eczema on the belly is common, and on the paws and in the armpits too. You might even see eczema in dogs’ ears, which can be very painful. Certain skin conditions can commonly affect the face, sides and back.
Signs and symptoms of dog eczema
There are various signs that suggest your dog may be suffering from eczema. Here are some symptoms to look out for.
- Itching
- Excessive scratching and rubbing
- Shaking head or scratching ears
- Chewing paws
- Red skin
- Rashes / sore skin
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Scaly skin
- Greasy skin, which can often have a strong smell, in addition to red skin
What causes dog eczema?
Dog eczema can be caused by anything which irritates or damages the skin. It is then made worse as the dog licks and scratches at the sore area.
Here are some common causes:
- Allergies – allergic dermatitis is often seen in dogs, and common allergens include flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis), environmental allergens, such as pollen, grass, mites and mould (atopic dermatitis), and beef, chicken and other foods (food allergy). A damaged skin barrier and self-trauma to the skin lead to ideal conditions for dermatitis. When looking at recurring episodes of eczema, dog allergy must be considered as an underlying cause.
- Insect bites
- Parasites, such as fleas
- Injuries, even minor grazes, that do not heal properly (often due to the dog licking them)
- Infections – bacterial, yeast or fungal
- Contact irritants
Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice to look for the cause. Diagnosis is not always obvious and may require several appointments.
Management of dog eczema
Seeking veterinary advice for dogs with eczema is essential, as skin disease can be complicated and require time and expert care to resolve. Skin lesions can also progress rapidly from mild to more severe – and often harder to treat – forms. So, it’s almost always best to address skin problems as soon as you spot them!
There are various management options for dog eczema, depending on the cause, symptoms, and severity.
- Parasite treatment – if the eczema is thought to be related to fleas or other parasites, your vet will recommend an anti-parasite treatment. Dogs with sensitive skin need the very best and fastest-acting protection, so a prescription veterinary treatment will likely be needed. It is also necessary to treat the house and other pets, to prevent re-infestation.
- Managing bacterial/yeast overgrowth – if there is bacterial or yeast involvement, your dog is likely to benefit from having its skin cleaned and disinfected. This can be achieved with specific skin products, such as DOUXO® S3 PYO. Other refractory cases may need alternative veterinary treatment with oral treatments such as tablets or liquids.
- Topical support – In many cases, specific eczema shampoos or mousses can be applied to the skin. Dogs with irritated skin usually benefit from using topical products to keep their skin barrier in optimal condition. It is best to use a specific calming shampoo first to remove dirt, dead skin and any allergens such as pollen while relieving the irritation and itch. Then a non-rinse product, such as a mousse, allows the ingredient to act longer. For localised irritations, pads can be used. The DOUXO® S3 CALM line offers a complete set of products to soothe, restructure and hydrate irritated skin while protecting the local skin microorganisms
- Anti-itch therapy – Depending on the intensity of the itch, your vet may prescribe your dog medications to help relieve their symptoms, make your dog feel better, and to prevent them traumatising the skin further. There are various medications that can help control itching. Speak to your vet to find out more.
- Specific allergy treatment – eczema is commonly linked to allergies, especially in younger adult dogs. Baby dog allergy eczema may require further investigation and specialised treatment such as desensitisation therapy under the advice of your vet.
How to prevent dog eczema
Eczema is a distressing, sore, and irritating condition and it would be lovely to be able to prevent our pups experiencing it. Skin conditions can be difficult to manage, and often need a multi-pronged approach. Depending on the cause of your dog’s eczema, some of these suggestions may be helpful.
- Seek veterinary advice early: skin conditions, including wet eczema, in dogs need professional advice and management.
- Treat and prevent the cause: if you know why your dog is having eczema flares, then try and remain vigilant. Reduce exposure to known allergens, use regular anti-parasitic treatment and avoid using anything which may irritate the skin, such as a different laundry powder.
- Maintain skin health: your dog’s skin has three main barriers - microbiological, immunological and mechanical. Regular use of a product such as DOUXO® S3 CALM, which supports all three barriers, helps to give your dog the best chance at keeping their skin calm and healthy.
