Dermatitis in Dogs

Dermatitis in Dogs

Dermatitis in dogs is a common skin condition of inflammation and irritation of the skin caused by various factors such as allergies, parasites, bacterial or fungal infections.
There are several types of dermatitis that can affect dogs, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and flea allergy dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the dog’s skin comes into contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction. This can include things like chemicals, plants, or certain materials.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that is caused by a hypersensitivity to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites or mold.
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea saliva and is one of the most common causes of dermatitis in dogs.
Common symptoms of dermatitis in dogs include itchiness, redness, swelling, hair loss, and the presence of sores or scabs, scaly or crusty skin, and a foul odor.
Treatment for dermatitis in dogs will depend on the underlying cause. This can include things like avoiding the allergen, using medicated shampoos or soaps, or in severe cases, oral medications or allergy shots.

Preventive measures such as regular flea control like use Tickout, minimizing exposure to allergens, and maintaining good skin hygiene reduce the risk of dermatitis in dogs.

Dogs with folds or wrinkles in their skin, such as Bulldogs or Pugs, may require extra attention to ensure these areas are kept clean and dry to prevent dermatitis.
In severe or chronic cases of dermatitis, a veterinarian may recommend additional treatments such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs to manage symptoms and provide relief to the dog.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian if a dog is experiencing symptoms of dermatitis to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Feed your dog a high-quality dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, or supplement their diet with fish oil or flaxseed oil that promote healthy skin.

Use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive skin.

Best medicated shampoos for dermatitis in dogs

Below are the medicated shampoos to help manage your dog’s dermatitis.

1. Antifungal & Antibacterial Shampoos (For Infections)

These help treat bacterial and fungal skin infections that often accompany dermatitis.

• Chlorhexidine & Ketoconazole Shampoo (e.g., Douxo S3 Pyo, Vetoquinol Chlorhexidine)
• Miconazole & Chlorhexidine Shampoo (e.g., VetOne Ketohex)
• Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo (e.g., VetMD Medicated Antibacterial & Antifungal Shampoo)

✅ Best for: Bacterial, fungal infections, and greasy skin.

2. Anti-Inflammatory & Antipruritic Shampoos (For Itching & Redness)

These shampoos contain colloidal oatmeal, hydrocortisone, or pramoxine to soothe irritated skin.

• Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Shampoo (e.g., Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo)
• Hydrocortisone Shampoo (e.g., Zymox Topical Itch Relief)
• Pramoxine Shampoo (e.g., Vetnique Dermabliss Anti-Itch Shampoo)

✅ Best for: Dry, itchy, inflamed skin caused by allergies or environmental irritants.

3. Hypoallergenic Shampoos (For Allergies & Sensitive Skin)

If your dog has allergic dermatitis, fragrance-free and sulfate-free shampoos can help.

• Vet’s Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
• Allermyl Shampoo (Virbac)
• Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo

✅ Best for: Dogs with food or environmental allergies, sensitive skin, or frequent flare-ups.

4. Medicated Shampoos for Seborrhea (Flaky, Oily Skin)

Seborrheic dermatitis causes flaky, greasy skin with a strong odor. Sulfur & Salicylic Acid shampoos help.

• Sebolux Shampoo (Virbac)
• Dechra DermaBenSs Shampoo

✅ Best for: Dandruff, flaky, or excessively oily skin.

5. Antiparasitic Shampoos (For Mange, Fleas, & Mites)

If dermatitis is caused by mites, fleas, or mange, medicated shampoos with permethrin or lime sulfur help.

• Lime Sulfur Dip (Classic’s Lime Sulfur Shampoo)
• SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Shampoo

✅ Best for: Mites, mange, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo

One of the best medicated shampoos for dermatitis in dogs is the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo. It contains active ingredients like coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur, which help to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and control itching.

Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo

Another highly recommended shampoo is the Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo. It is effective in managing dermatitis as it contains chlorhexidine, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This shampoo helps to control bacterial and fungal infections, which often contribute to dermatitis in dogs.

Malaseb Medicated Shampoo

For severe cases of dermatitis, the Malaseb Medicated Shampoo is often recommended. It combines the antifungal agent miconazole with the antibacterial agent chlorhexidine, effectively treating both fungal and bacterial infections that can worsen dermatitis symptoms.