Dermatitis in dogs is a quite common problem that can appear for different reasons and, although not potentially fatal, it negatively affects the quality of life of the animals that suffer from it. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize it and what the most appropriate treatment is.

At Kun-Kay we help you take care of your dog or cat's health by making natural supplements, rich in omega 3, bioactive ingredients, vitamins for dogs and with a taste they love. Our supplements are specially formulated to give your furry friend that extra they need to live healthy, strong, and happy. We offer nutritional solutions to balance their diet and specific proposals to provide support at specific moments, life stages, or needs. We invite you to discover them!

But that's not all. Besides accompanying you to care for and pamper your furry friend with our range of natural products, we also share simple tips to help you care for their health every day. For example, in previous articles, we told you how to recognize and act before common diseases in dogs. This time we will focus on dermatitis in dogs, a problem that, although usually not too dangerous, causes a lot of discomfort to our furry friends. Stay with us and discover what canine dermatitis consists of, its types and causes, and what you can do to help your dog. Let's go!

1. What is canine dermatitis?

Dermatitis in dogs is a skin condition (inflammation of the skin) that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. It is one of the most common skin problems in companion animals and manifests with intense itching, redness, irritation, hair loss, or the appearance of wounds. The causes can be very diverse—from food or environmental allergies to parasites, infections, or imbalances in the skin barrier—and all cause great discomfort and constant scratching in the affected dog.

2. Types of dermatitis in dogs

Depending on the origin, we can mainly distinguish between four major types of dermatitis in dogs. Let's see their key points below:

1. Allergic or atopic dermatitis: This is the most common type of dermatitis in dogs and appears because the dog has a genetic predisposition to develop allergies. You will recognize it because it causes intense itching, skin redness, the appearance of pimples or pustules, dryness, and darkening of the affected area. The affected areas in this type of dermatitis are usually the abdomen, face, paws, armpits, and groin. The allergic reaction can be triggered by one or more of these factors:
   1. Pollen from flowers.
   2. Insect bites (fleas, for example).
   3. Mites.
   4. Kibble with cereals: barley, wheat,...
   5. Ingestion of food not included in the foods dogs can eat.
2. Fungal dermatitis: Fungal dermatitis occurs especially in breeds that have skin folds such as the Shar Pei or Bulldog due to the accumulation of fat and moisture in the area. The most common fungus causing dermatitis in dogs is Microsporum canis, and in this case, symptoms are a change in skin color, hair loss, even bald spots, the appearance of purulent masses that secrete pus, and dryness. Its appearance can be due to a drop in immunity, lack of hygiene or care in the affected areas, and direct contact with infected animals.
3. Contact dermatitis: That is, a skin reaction because the dog has come into contact with some harmful substance such as paint, chlorine, disinfectants, etc. In these cases, inflammation, redness, itching, dryness, and crusts occur. Common sense tells us that the best solution is to keep your dog away from this substance that causes these symptoms.
4. Seborrheic dermatitis: This type of dermatitis can be caused by an allergy or by bathing your dog excessively, as it weakens the fat layer that protects the skin. The main symptom is that the skin starts producing more fat than necessary and emits a strong and very unpleasant odor.

3. Causes of dermatitis

As you have seen, there are many different types of dermatitis in dogs and the causes that originate them are also very diverse. As a recap, here is a list of the different causes that can lead to this condition:

1. Fungi.
2. Yeasts.
3. Mites.
4. Fleas.
5. Food allergies.
6. Pollen.
7. Contact with some allergen or harmful substance.

4. Is it contagious? How to detect it?

Dermatitis in dogs is not contagious either to other dogs or humans. However, it should be noted that if it is caused by insect bites or fungi, there is a risk that another animal may also come into contact with the same cause and develop this problem as well.

The main warning sign of canine dermatitis is excessive scratching or licking of a specific area. Your dog will suffer irritation and constant itching and will try to relieve it by scratching. Also, each type of dermatitis has specific symptoms; we recommend you check the section where we talk about them to identify the symptoms.

5. How to solve canine dermatitis?

Dermatitis in dogs is usually treated using a specific shampoo, ointments, sprays, or pills. Those problems that have an infectious component, such as those caused by fungi or mites, or are a consequence of some disease will also have a specific treatment recommended by a veterinarian focused on eliminating the cause of the problem. On the other hand, it is important to note that dermatitis with a genetic origin or caused by allergies cannot be eliminated but their symptoms can be alleviated.

Functional supplements for dogs are a fundamental support to prevent canine dermatitis and to relieve its symptoms. At Kun-Kay we have a solution specially designed to care for your dog's skin and coat, Dermakun, capable of relieving itching and reducing inflammation. It also has a healing power that promotes skin recovery; even if your dog tends to scratch. Dermakun contains Biotin and other B vitamins that regenerate the skin barrier, is also high in Omega 3 from sardine oil, and curcumin that reduce skin inflammation.

Additionally, we also offer you our superfood mix (spirulina and chlorella) to care for your dog’s health integrally: Supergreenkun. This natural supplement serves to complement, balance, and enrich your dog's diet so they can enjoy ironclad health.