Dog Recurrent Skin Disease Symptom Illustrations

Doggie Dermatitis: A Visual Guide to Symptoms and Smart Tips

When it comes to our four-legged friends, skin issues can be as pesky and persistent as a bad case of fleas. Recurring skin problems in dogs, often referred to as canine dermatitis, can manifest in various ways, causing your pooch discomfort and distress. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward providing relief and ensuring your furry companion stays healthy and happy.

Visible Lesions

One of the most common symptoms of recurrent skin issues in dogs is the presence of visible lesions. These can appear as red, inflamed patches, bumps, or sores on your dog's skin. Lesions might be isolated to specific areas or spread across a larger portion of their body. They can be crusty, oozing, or even ulcerated, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the dermatitis.

Itching and Scratching

If your dog can't seem to stop scratching, it could be a telltale sign of a skin condition. Itching is a natural response to irritation, and dogs with recurrent dermatitis will often scratch excessively, sometimes to the point of causing further damage to their skin. This can create a vicious cycle of irritation and itching that's hard to break.

Loss of Hair

Another symptom to watch for is hair loss, or alopecia. This can occur in patches or affect larger areas of your dog's coat. The hair loss might be due to the dog's constant scratching or the underlying skin condition itself. In some cases, the hair may grow back once the dermatitis is under control, but in others, the damage could be more permanent.

Discoloration and Pigmentation Changes