Healthy Pet Today
  • Cats
  • Cat Breeds
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
    • Cat Health
    • Dog Health
  • Cats
  • Cat Breeds
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
    • Cat Health
    • Dog Health

Healthy Pet Today

Dog Health

Eczema In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

by admin March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
Eczema In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

Eczema in dogs is an itchy, irritating inflammation of the skin that often causes dogs to scratch, lick, or chew, leading to worsened symptoms. There are two forms of the condition in dogs; wet eczema and dry eczema, both of which can cause different symptoms.

If you see the signs of dry or wet eczema in your dog, you must talk to your veterinarian so they can diagnose the cause and form a treatment plan. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for eczema in dogs.

Symptoms of eczema in dogs

Symptoms of eczema in dogs can vary somewhat based on whether the condition is wet or dry eczema. Wet eczema, for example, results in moist discharge from the affected area, while dry eczema causes flaky, sometimes wrinkled skin. Both cause severe itchiness and when dogs try to relieve the itch by scratching or chewing, they can end up causing self-inflicted wounds that are open to infections.

The symptoms worsen as the condition progresses and as dogs lick, chew, or scratch at the affected areas.

Here are some of the symptoms often seen in dogs who suffer from eczema:

  • Redness or rash
  • Severe itchiness
  • Licking, scratching, or chewing at the skin
  • Rubbing against furniture or other surfaces
  • Alopecia
  • Signs of pain
  • Hot spots
  • Matted, moist hair
  • Oozing discharge
  • Crusty or scaly skin
  • Dry, flaky skin or dandruff
  • Skin discoloration
  • Thickened skin
  • Lesions
  • Open wounds or sores
  • Secondary infection

Often symptoms of eczema are similar to other problems, like mange or normal skin allergies, which is why you must seek a vet’s diagnosis.

Causes of eczema in dogs

There are several possible causes of eczema in dogs. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy.

Atopy is an allergic response where the immune system has an abnormal reaction to a certain substance, causing inflammation. This is particularly common in dogs who are hypersensitive to flea bites.

Here are some other reasons a dog might develop eczema:

  • Parasites or mites
  • Food allergies or sensitivity
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Impacted anal sacs or anal sac disease
  • Licking at an area that is in pain
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Exposure to irritating chemicals, plants, or other substances
  • Extreme weather
  • Viral, bacterial, or fungal infection

Certain breeds are more at risk of developing canine eczema, including the Chinese Shar Pei, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Breeds that have wrinkled skin are more likely to develop the condition, as well.

Treatments for eczema in dogs

Treatment for eczema in dogs usually begins with finding the cause of the condition and removing it. For many dogs, this means getting the right treatment for fleas, mites, ticks, or parasites. In other cases, food allergens must be removed from the diet, or other irritants like chemicals, perfumes, household cleaners, or other products must be eliminated from dogs’ environments.

Vets may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids or NSAIDs to relieve symptoms. One of the goals of treatment is to reduce skin irritation, whether or not the cause of the eczema can be found.

Medicated shampoos that have oatmeal and essential oils can reduce itchiness and help fight bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary infection is present, and antihistamines may provide some relief from allergy symptoms.

If your dog is affected, you’ll need to work closely with your vet to find the cause and remove it from your dog’s environment. Follow prescribed treatment for the full duration of the prescription and keep an eye on your dog’s condition.

Some natural treatments can help reduce symptoms of allergies that can cause eczema, but you should always discuss these with your vet first before you try them on your dog.

This post appeared first on dogtime.com

previous post
Stomatitis In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
next post
Lipomas (Fatty Lumps And Tumors) In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

You Might Also Like

Dexmedetomidine for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

April 10, 2025

Peripheral Vitreous Degeneration (PVD) in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes,...

December 29, 2024

Mange in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

April 13, 2025

Puppy Impetigo in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

September 9, 2024

Dexmedetomidine for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

May 24, 2025

Scleritis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

January 10, 2025

Spinal and Vertebral Birth Defects in Dogs: Symptoms,...

February 8, 2025

Ketoconazole for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

December 14, 2024

Lipomas (Fatty Lumps And Tumors) In Dogs: Symptoms,...

March 11, 2025

Heat Stroke in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

January 9, 2025

    Enter Your Information Below To Receive Latest News And Articles




    Your information is secure and your privacy is protected. By opting in you agree to receive emails from us. Remember that you can opt-out any time, we hate spam too!

    Popular

    • 1

      Travis Kelce Said This About Brother Jason’s New ‘Aggressive’ Puppy

      September 20, 2024
    • 2

      Yeast Infection in Cats (Malassezia Dermatitis): Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

      September 20, 2024
    • 3

      Why Does My Cat Smell Like Rotten Eggs? Our Vet Discusses Reasons & Tips

      August 14, 2024
    • 4

      Grey Persian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

      December 19, 2024
    • 5

      10 Cat Breeds That Look Like Siamese Cats (With Pictures)

      August 14, 2024
    • 6

      Lymphoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

      December 24, 2024
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    healthypettoday.com is the definitive destination for pet enthusiasts. This all-inclusive hub is packed with valuable information on every aspect of pet life. Explore detailed profiles on pet breeds, expert tips on care and training, heartwarming pet stories, and the latest pet-related news. Whether you're an experienced pet owner or just starting out, Tail and Tales is your one-stop source for everything you need to know about pets.

    "EVERY DAY IS BRIGHTER WITH A PET BY YOUR SIDE"

    Copyright © 2025 healthypettoday.com | All Rights Reserved