Canine Dermatitis: Types, Causes, and Treatment

Definition

Canine dermatitis = skin inflammation in dogs. Pruritus (itching) is the hallmark sign.

Major Types and Causes

Type	Cause	Key Features
Atopic dermatitis	Environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold)	Chronic, recurrent; face, paws, axillae; often seasonal initially
Contact dermatitis	Direct allergen/irritant contact (plants, chemicals, fabrics)	Localized to contact area
Food allergy dermatitis	Dietary protein (beef, chicken, dairy, wheat)	Non‑seasonal; GI signs possible
Flea allergy dermatitis	Flea saliva hypersensitivity	Dorsal lumbosacral, tail base; intense pruritus
Mange (scabies/demodex)	Mites (Sarcoptes, Demodex)	Scaling, alopecia; scabies intensely pruritic, contagious
Bacterial (pyoderma)	Staph. pseudintermedius (often secondary)	Pustules, crusts, epidermal collarettes
Fungal (dermatophytosis/ringworm)	Microsporum, Trichophyton	Circular alopecic lesions; zoonotic
Autoimmune (pemphigus, lupus)	Autoantibodies against desmosomes/basement membrane	Vesicles, ulcers, crusts; nose, ears, paw pads

Diagnosis and Treatment

• History, exam, skin scrapings, cytology, culture, biopsy, allergy testing (intradermal/serum), diet trial.
• Therapy targets cause: antiparasitics, antibiotics, antifungals, immunomodulators (cyclosporine, oclacitinib, lokivetmab), allergen‑specific immunotherapy, hypoallergenic diet.
• Symptomatic: topical shampoos (chlorhexidine, miconazole), antihistamines (limited efficacy), fatty acids.