Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

By: Dr. Erika DePapp

Section: Overview

Allergic dermatitis is a general term to describe a group of skin allergies that may be caused by a multitude of factors in dogs.

Allergies are immune reactions to a given substance (allergen), which the body recognizes as foreign. These reactions occur following initial exposure to the allergen, with subsequent development of a hypersensitivity that causes itching and inflammation upon future exposures.

The most common classes of allergic dermatitis seen in dogs are:

  • Flea bite allergy
  • Food allergy
  • Atopy – an allergic condition caused by inhaled allergens, or absorption of allergens through the skin

    Less common are:

  • Drug reactions
  • Hormonal allergies
  • Bacterial allergies
  • Allergies to other parasites (mites, intestinal worms, ticks)
  • Contact allergies (due to topical treatments or exposure to fibers, floor polish and detergents)

    Atopy and
    flea bite allergy are usually seen in young adults, whereas food allergy can be seen at any age. There are a number of canine breeds predisposed to the development of atopy. And some animals may be prone to development of certain allergies due to genetic factors. Allergic signs may be seasonal, depending on the cause of the allergy.

    What to Watch for

  • Scratching, licking, chewing or biting the skin, feet and ears.
  • Red, raised, scaly areas on the skin
  • Bumps, crusts or pus filled vesicles on the skin
  • Increased skin pigmentation
  • Thickened skin
  • Loss of hair
  • Salivary staining (brown color)
  • Head shaking

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Atopy in Dogs

      Atopic disease (atopy) is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Food Allergy in Dogs

      Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Atopy in Dogs

      Atopic disease (atopy) is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Food Allergy in Dogs

      Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Atopy in Dogs

      Atopic disease (atopy) is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Food Allergy in Dogs

      Most pets develop allergies to food ingredients that they have been fed for a long time, usually more than two years. In fact, if your dog has an immediate adverse reaction to a new food, it is probably...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs

      Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. It is a very itchy disease and predisposes to the development of secondary skin...

      Read MoreRead More