How to treat acute dermatitis in dogs?

When we come home from work every day and see our dog wagging its tail and greeting us cheerfully, its lovely appearance can always dispel the exhaustion of the whole day. But one day, we may be horrified to find that our dog's originally smooth and healthy skin has developed symptoms such as red patches, itching, and hair loss. It keeps scratching, and even becomes restless, with its appetite affected as well. After examination, we find that the dog has acute dermatitis, which makes the owner extremely worried and eager to know how to make the dog recover as soon as possible.

Acute dermatitis in dogs is a common skin disease with complex and diverse causes. Infections by pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and mites are common causes. For example, Staphylococcus infection can easily trigger skin inflammation, causing pustules and scabs on the dog's skin. Fungi like Malassezia will multiply in large numbers when the dog's skin resistance decreases, leading to redness and scaling of the skin. Allergies are also an important inducing factor. Food allergies, pollen allergies, dust mite allergies, etc. can all cause acute inflammatory reactions on the dog's skin. Some dogs may develop red patches and itching on their skin quickly after eating a new brand of dog food, which is likely an allergy to a certain ingredient in the dog food. Environmental factors should not be ignored either. A humid environment is conducive to the growth of pathogens, and if a dog stays in such an environment for a long time, its skin is easily invaded.

Once the symptoms of acute dermatitis in a dog are found, timely treatment is crucial. The first thing to do is to go to a regular pet hospital for a diagnosis. The veterinarian will ask in detail about the dog's living habits, recent diet, and the items it has come into contact with. Combined with professional methods such as skin scraping examination, fungal culture, and allergen testing, the cause of the disease can be determined. For example, a skin scraping examination can be used to check for parasites like mites under a microscope; fungal culture can clarify whether there is a fungal infection and the type of fungus; allergen testing can accurately identify the source of the dog's allergy. Only after the cause of the disease is diagnosed can the treatment plan be targeted.

Medication is a key part of treating acute dermatitis in dogs. If it is a bacterial infection, the veterinarian usually prescribes antibiotics, such as amoxicillin clavulanate potassium, which can effectively inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria and eliminate inflammation. The method of administration depends on the condition of the disease. For mild infections, an antibiotic ointment may be applied externally, smeared on the affected area to act directly on the infected part; when the condition is severe, oral or injectable antibiotics may be required. For fungal infections, antifungal drugs should be used, such as itraconazole, which exerts its antifungal effect in the body after being taken orally. For acute dermatitis caused by allergies, anti-allergy drugs, such as chlorpheniramine, need to be used to relieve the dog's allergic symptoms, reduce itching, and prevent the dog from scratching frequently due to itching, thus preventing further damage to the skin.

In addition to medication, skin care is equally important. Keep the dog's skin clean and dry, and bathe it regularly with a pet-specific shampoo. However, be careful not to over-clean it to avoid damaging the skin barrier. After bathing, make sure to dry it thoroughly, especially in the skin folds, to prevent moisture from remaining and breeding bacteria. For the affected area, you can clean it with normal saline or a special skin cleanser as directed by the doctor to remove the dirt and scabs on the surface of the skin, which is conducive to the absorption of the medicine. You can also put an Elizabethan collar on the dog to prevent it from scratching or licking the affected area and aggravating the inflammation.

During the dog's treatment period, the owner's company and careful care are indispensable. Seeing the dog suffering from skin discomfort, the owner feels deeply distressed. Feed the dog medicine and apply the ointment on time every day. Be gentle during the process to avoid hurting the dog. Spend more time playing with the dog to distract its attention and reduce the irritability caused by itching. Adjusting the dog's diet is also crucial. If it is a food allergy, a hypoallergenic dog food needs to be replaced; even if it is not a food allergy, you can appropriately supplement the dog with foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, such as fish oil, carrots, etc.to help repair the skin and enhance the skin's resistance.

Treating acute dermatitis in dogs is a process that requires patience and carefulness. The owner and the veterinarian should cooperate closely. From medication, skin care to diet adjustment, take care of the dog in all aspects. Eventually, the dog's skin will recover its health, regain its lively and cheerful appearance, and continue to accompany us through every wonderful day.