Dermatitis in Dogs

Itchy skin, constant scratching, patches of redness – if your dog’s dealing with any of these, dermatitis could be the cause. Affecting around 1 in 10 dogs, dermatitis simply means inflammation of the skin. It’s a broad term vets use to describe symptoms linked to various skin concerns. You might also hear it called allergic skin disease or atopy – but they all describe a similar set of signs.

What is dermatitis in dogs?

Dermatitis is a general term to describe the inflammation of the skin. The inflammation in the skin causes an itching sensation. Your dog will then scratch, lick or rub the skin making it pink and sore. There are varying types of dog skin conditions, and treatment focuses on managing the underlying trigger for your dog's skin allergy. 

Types of dermatitis in dogs 

Dermatitis can be split into different groups, depending on what causes the skin inflammation: 

Flea allergy dermatitis

A dog can react to the saliva proteins found in flea bites. These proteins create an allergic reaction leading to intense itching, hair loss and secondary infections. Symptoms are seen around the base of the tail in flea allergy dermatitis, as this is where fleas and eggs are most prevalent. Find out how you can get rid of fleas in dogs. 

Environmental allergies

Dogs can be allergic to substances in the environment. This can lead to seasonal symptoms, such as pollen or grass allergies, or year round such as mite or dust allergies. Skin testing can identify which allergens your dog is reacting to.  Read more about common environmental and seasonal allergies in dogs.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopy, or CAD affects around 10% of the dog population in the UK, and is similar to the human condition Eczema. In atopic dermatitis, dogs have an allergic reaction to themselves, making CAD very hard to cure. Breeds more commonly affected include West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Bull Terriers.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an overproduction of oils from the glands on the skin, making the skin have a greasy appearance. Seborrheic dermatitis is inherited in most cases. The symptoms are managed by medications and regular bathing to remove the excess oils. 

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What causes dermatitis in dogs?

Dermatitis in dogs is caused by the individual factor causing your dog’s skin allergy. The allergen that specifically upsets your dog's immune system such as pollens or dust mites, creates an inflammatory process in the body upon contact, leading to irritation and inflammation of the skin.

It's thought that genetics are important in deciding what dogs get skin allergies, but diet, environment and parasiticide use play a part in determining the development of symptoms of allergic skin disease.  

Symptoms of dermatitis in dogs 

The symptoms of dermatitis usually fall into two groups, primary symptoms, linked to the itching itself, and secondary symptoms, caused by ongoing irritation or infection.

Primary signs are all related to that itchy sensation and may include:

• Red skin or ears
• Scratching
• Licking or overgrooming
• Head shaking
• Rolling or dragging their belly along the floor
• Rust-red staining on the paws (from saliva caused by frequent licking)

If your dog does these things often enough, it can lead to hair loss – and make them more prone to secondary infections.

Look out for signs like:

• Hair loss, patchy coat or reduced hair growth
• Flea dirt or live fleas in the coat
• Scabs, pustules, sores or ulcers
• Discharge from the ears or skin – this can appear grey, green, yellow, red or tan

How long does dermatitis last?

Dermatitis is a lifelong condition that often needs ongoing care at home – including medication or specific diets to help keep it under control.

If your dog has seasonal allergies, symptoms may disappear during cooler months and return in spring or summer. This is a seasonal pattern that will be repeated throughout your dog's life.

Is dermatitis in dogs contagious? 

No, dermatitis in dogs is not contagious. It can’t be passed between dogs – or to other animals or people. However, some secondary infections linked to allergic skin disease, such as fleas, can spread to other pets and may bite humans too.

How to treat dermatitis in dogs 

Dermatitis in dogs treatment plans need to be patient specific. Every dog has a slightly different mix of medications, shampoos and supplements that work best for them. Trial and error are used to find what works best for your dog's needs. 

Medications can be highly effective. Some treatments used to reduce the itching sensation include Apoquel, Zenrelia or Numelvi tablets, Cytopoint injections and steroid medication. If your dog has secondary infections, a vet can prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications, or topical medicinal shampoos. 

When considering how to treat dermatitis in dogs naturally, allergen avoidance is key. If your dog's skin flares up when you walk through the long grass, try walking on the beach instead. 

Bathing or washing your dog after a walk helps remove pollen and particles that your dog may react to. Learn more about what to do about hayfever in dogs and what to do about it. 

Treating flea allergy dermatitis in dogs needs religious application of flea treatment to all cats and dogs in the home. Use prescription strength flea treatment and apply according to manufacturer guidelines. Some dogs are so sensitive that even one flea bite can be enough to cause a reaction and skin itching. Even if your dog does not come into contact with others, you still need to use regular flea treatment. You can transport the fleas from the outside world on your clothes or shoes into your home, infecting your dog with fleas. 

Non-medical treatments for dermatitis in dogs 

Some natural ways to support dogs with dermatitis include regular grooming. Brushing helps remove scale, spread natural oils along the coat and support the skin’s barrier. It also improves circulation and gives your dog a boost of feel-good endorphins.

Supplements rich in omega oils for dogs can help reduce skin inflammation and improve moisture retention, strengthening the skin barrier. This can reduce the dry, flaky appearance often seen in dogs with dermatitis.

Food allergies are treated with elimination diets, such as hypoallergenic foods or novel single source protein diets. These diets can be natural and home cooked if made with a veterinary nutritionist's recommendations. 

Using homeopathic or natural remedies such as garlic or apple cider vinegar will not treat your dogs flea allergy dermatitis at home, as these products are ineffective for flea allergic dogs. Some treatment recommendations you will see on the internet, such as essential oils, can lead to toxicity , so always check with a vet to make sure what you are planning to use in your dog is safe. 

In conclusion 

Dermatitis in dogs is a long-term condition that can be managed with the right care and understanding. Identifying your dog’s specific triggers – whether environmental, dietary or flea-related – is key to reducing flare-ups and keeping their skin comfortable. With a tailored treatment plan, regular grooming and ongoing support from your vet, most dogs can enjoy a happy, active life with fewer skin concerns.