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Effective Solutions for Dog Contact Dermatitis Relief

19. December 2024
Contact dermatitis in dogs can manifest in two primary forms: allergic dermatitis and irritant derma

Contact dermatitis in dogs can manifest in two primary forms: allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis.

Before an allergic reaction occurs, a period of sensitization is typically required, during which the immune response is triggered. Generally, sensitization can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to develop. This means that substances that were previously harmless may suddenly cause an allergic reaction at a later time.

Contact allergies are a delayed response, usually appearing 24 to 48 hours after exposure to an irritant. The symptoms are similar to those experienced by humans with contact allergies.

Common symptoms of contact allergies include itching and papules (red, swollen bumps). Itching can be quite severe, and the paws and mouth are the most commonly affected areas. Sometimes, the inner ears can be affected, particularly in breeds with hanging ears that come into contact with plants and grass. It's worth noting that in households with multiple pets, it's rare for more than one animal to exhibit an allergic reaction.

Now, let's discuss irritant reactions. This type of dermatitis is immediate, meaning it doesn't require a period of sensitization because it's not immunemediated. Therefore, an abnormal reaction can occur upon the first contact with a substance on a pet's skin. If there are multiple animals in the home, all of them may develop a skin reaction upon exposure to the substance.

Irritant reactions are more painful than itching and can lead to the formation of blisters and ulcers. The distribution of lesions depends on the nature of the causative substance and the manner of contact.

Secondary bacterial skin infections can arise from trauma and inflammation.

Here are some typical symptoms of contact dermatitis in dogs:

Itching

Papules

Secondary superficial bacterial infections

Increased hyperpigmentation

Hardened skin

Thickened skin

Blisters and ulcers, which are more painful than itching

Diagnosing contact dermatitis in dogs involves a thorough history. You'll be asked to describe any recent exposure to medications, chemicals, shampoos, and dips. It's also helpful to provide information about carpet cleaning, deodorizers, and chemicals used indoors and outdoors. However, if the reaction is allergic, many products may be difficult to exclude due to the requirement for a sensitization period.

Medical treatment for dogs with skin diseases is usually a stepbystep process. Your veterinarian will rule out more common conditions, such as worm and mange diseases by skin scraping, ringworm by fungal culture, and bacterial skin infections by using antibiotics to test for reactions, before diagnosing a less common condition like contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is primarily diagnosed by observing the response to treatment and the recurrence of symptoms over time.

Patch testing can be used to determine sensitivity to suspected chemical or plant allergens. Before the patch test, you'll need to remove hair from your dog's chest wall and apply various samples of suspected chemicals and plants directly to the skin, then wrap it securely to ensure prolonged contact. After 48 hours, remove the bandage and examine the skin for reactions. Positive signs include redness, small papules (swelling), or blisters.

Treatment for contact dermatitis in dogs includes:

The most direct and immediate treatment is to remove the dog from the irritant.

If contact allergy is suspected, confine your pet to a safe environment to prevent further contact with the suspected substance. Isolation should begin after a thorough bath, as particles of the substance may remain on the skin, prolonging clinical symptoms.

Compliance is crucial. If the dermatitis is believed to be caused by contact with plants, use specialized dog boots and clothing to protect the skin and only walk your dog in safe, specific areas until the dermatitis lesions heal, which usually takes 1014 days.

Secondary bacterial skin infections are common in dogs with contact allergies or irritant reactions. You may be advised to use antibiotics for at least 34 weeks.

In severe cases, a course of antiinflammatory medication, such as prednisone, may be necessary to provide comfort for your pet. Oral medications are generally safer than injectables and should be the first line of treatment. Side effects of this therapy include increased appetite, thirst, and frequent urination. Try to avoid exposure to allergens as much as possible during treatment, as repeated use of corticosteroids can lead to a decrease in efficacy.

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