How do dogs get acute moist dermatitis?

Dogs' health problems often concern their owners, and acute moist dermatitis is one of the diseases that makes owners worry. Understanding how dogs get acute moist dermatitis is crucial to preventing and treating this disease in a timely manner. ​

Acute moist dermatitis, also known as "hot spots," is a common and rapidly developing skin inflammation. Its typical characteristics are moist, red, and painful patches on the skin, often accompanied by hair loss. This disease not only makes dogs physically uncomfortable, but frequent scratching and licking will also affect their normal lives, and it also makes the owners see it and feel pain in their hearts. ​

So, how do dogs get acute moist dermatitis? The primary reason is often closely related to environmental factors. Hot and humid climates are a high incidence of acute moist dermatitis. In a hot environment, dogs' skin has difficulty dissipating heat, and in order to regulate their body temperature, they will sweat frequently. The humid environment makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate, and the skin remains moist for a long time, which creates ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. For example, in summer, especially in areas with high air humidity, the risk of dogs suffering from acute wet dermatitis increases significantly. If the owner does not wipe off the sweat on the dog's body in time after taking the dog out for a walk, or if the dog often plays and rolls on the wet grass, it may cause skin infection and then cause acute wet dermatitis. ​

In addition to environmental factors, the dog's own behavioral habits may also become the fuse of the disease. Excessive licking and scratching the skin are common behavioral causes of acute wet dermatitis. Dogs may lick or scratch a certain part because of itchy skin. This frequent mechanical stimulation will damage the barrier function of the skin. Once the skin barrier is damaged, external bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are more likely to invade, causing inflammation. There are many reasons for dog skin itching, and allergies are one of the important factors. Food allergies, contact allergies (such as allergies to dog beds and toys made of certain materials), pollen allergies, etc., may cause itching on the dog's skin, prompting them to lick and scratch constantly, and eventually cause acute moist dermatitis. For example, some dogs are allergic to seafood and may experience skin itching symptoms after eating. If the owner does not notice and stop the dog's licking behavior in time, it is easy to induce acute moist dermatitis. ​

In addition, potential skin diseases or other health problems may also increase the chance of dogs suffering from acute moist dermatitis. Some primary skin diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, will put the dog's skin in a sub-healthy state and reduce the skin's resistance. In this case, even a slight external stimulus may cause acute moist dermatitis. At the same time, systemic diseases such as endocrine disorders and diabetes will also affect the normal metabolism and immune function of the dog's skin, making the skin more susceptible to pathogens. For example, dogs with diabetes have long-term high blood sugar levels, which suppress their immunity and reduce their skin's resistance to bacteria and fungi. Once the skin is slightly damaged, it is easy to cause acute wet dermatitis. ​

The impact of acute wet dermatitis on the health of dogs cannot be underestimated. The pain and itching in the affected area will make dogs irritable and affect their appetite and sleep, which in turn affects their overall quality of life. Moreover, if not treated in time, the inflammation may spread further, causing more serious skin infections and may even affect the dog's overall health. ​

As dog owners, we must always pay attention to the health of dogs, try to create a dry and clean living environment for them, and avoid dogs being in a humid environment for a long time. Comb your dog's hair regularly and check if there are any abnormalities in the skin. Once you find that your dog has symptoms such as itchy skin and excessive licking, take the dog to the veterinarian in time to find out the cause and carry out targeted treatment. Early detection and intervention are crucial to preventing the occurrence and development of acute wet dermatitis. Let us use love and care to protect the health of dogs so that they can always be with us happily.