![]() ![]() Fleas jump onto pets to consume blood meals, so digested blood in the form of their feces (“flea dirt”) appearing like black pepper flakes is deposited on the skin. Here, we will focus on fleas and ticks.įleas commonly congregate around the head, neck, inguinal area, tail base, and perineum, which are locations where your dog will itch and scratch. Additionally, different patterns of pruritis exist depending on the location where your pet is bitten/stung, the type of insect and/or the sensitivity to the insect’s saliva or venom. Most often dogs will chew, lick, or scratch themselves as a result of dermatitis having an allergic or parasitic cause. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to the sensation of an insect bite or the allergenicity of its saliva or venom. ![]() Hair loss, redness, crusting, oozing, pigment changes (hyperpigmentation), skin thickening (lichenification), and other visible signs can occur at itchy locations.įleas, ticks, and other biting or stinging insects can cause mild to severe inflammation and discomfort. Some dogs may be allergic to certain proteins (beef, dairy, chicken, etc.) and/or grains (wheat, corn, rice, etc.).ĭogs suffering from allergic dermatitis are affected all over their bodies, but most commonly on the armpits, ears, feet, groin, legs, muzzle, and around the eyes and anus. While dogs most frequently suffer from allergies due to environmental triggers, allergic reactions to food are possible. Non-seasonal allergies aren’t exclusive to weather that supports plant growth and can be caused by dust, molds, environmental materials (wool, etc.), chemicals (air-fresheners, cleaning products, etc.), and other factors. Blooming plants and flowers, grasses, weeds, and trees are common contributors to seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies tend to be most prevalent during spring, summer, and fall, but regions that undergo frequently warm and/or humid weather can have a year-round allergy season. How Can I Tell the Difference Between Allergies and Bug Bites/Stings?ĭogs affected by allergic dermatitis may have allergies related to seasonal, non-seasonal, or food-related causes. Parasitic dermatitis, on the other hand, is associated with insect bites or stings or contact with their secretions (feces, saliva, etc.).Īs both allergic and parasitic dermatitis can have similarities in the clinical signs they produce, it’s crucial that you schedule a consultation and physical examination with your veterinarian so a full assessment can be performed, appropriate diagnostic testing is pursued, and the most appropriate treatment is prescribed. Allergic dermatitis can be caused by seasonal allergies, non-seasonal allergies, food allergies, etc. Two of the most common types of dermatitis are allergic and parasitic. Inflammation of the skin is medically referred to as dermatitis, with derma- referring to skin and -itis meaning “inflammation of.” This will often cause intense scratching in the dog. ![]() There are, of course, a variety of reasons why our beloved canines chew, lick, and scratch themselves. Itching (pruritus) is one of the most common reasons dogs go to see the veterinarian. ![]()
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