Eczema

What are the symptoms of eczema in dogs?

The symptoms of eczema in dogs can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. The most common signs are:

• Itching: Your dog often scratches, licks or bites at the skin, especially on the ears, paws, belly or back.
• Redness: Your dog's skin is red, inflamed or sore.
• Scaling: Your dog's skin flakes or forms white or yellow flakes.
• Hair loss: Your dog loses fur in the affected areas or has bald patches.
• Crust formation: Your dog's skin forms crusts or oozes.

What are the causes of eczema in dogs?

Eczema in dogs can have various causes, which are often interrelated. The most common are

• Allergies: Your dog is allergic to certain substances in his environment or in his food, such as pollen, dust mites, flea or tick saliva, food or medication. These substances trigger an immune reaction that leads to inflammation of the skin.
• Parasites: Your dog has an infestation of parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites or fungi, which can irritate and infect his skin.
• Infections: Your dog has a bacterial or viral infection of the skin that is aggravated by scratching or licking.
• Hormonal imbalances: Your dog has a disorder of his hormones, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome or diabetes mellitus, which can lead to a change in his skin function.
• Genetic factors: Your dog has a hereditary predisposition to eczema, which can be caused by certain breeds or lines.

How can you treat eczema in your dog?

The treatment of eczema in your dog depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In any case, you should consult a vet who can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment. The possible treatment methods are:

• Medication: Your vet can prescribe medication for your dog to relieve the itching, inhibit the inflammation or fight the infection. These include, for example, antihistamines, corticosteroids, antibiotics or antifungals. These medications can be administered as tablets, injections or ointments.
• Changing food: If your dog has a food allergy, you should change their food to a hypoallergenic food that does not contain any potential allergens. You can also do an elimination diet, where you feed your dog only one protein source and one carbohydrate source and gradually add other ingredients to find out what they react to.
• Environmental modification: If your dog has an environmental allergy, you should try to reduce or avoid the allergens in their environment. This includes, for example, regularly vacuuming and washing your dog's bedding, avoiding contact with plants or animals that can trigger an allergy, or using hypoallergenic shampoos or grooming products for your dog.
• Parasite control: If your dog has a parasite infestation, you should treat him regularly with a suitable product against fleas, ticks, mites or fungi. You should also clean and disinfect his environment to prevent re-infection.
• Hormone therapy: If your dog has a hormonal disorder, he may need hormone therapy to regulate his hormone levels and improve his skin function. This therapy may consist of pills, injections or implants.
• Genetic counseling: If your dog has a genetic predisposition to eczema, you can seek advice from a veterinarian or a breeder on how to reduce the risk of eczema in your dog or its offspring.

How can you prevent eczema in your dog?

Preventing eczema in your dog is not always possible, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk or alleviate the symptoms. These include:

• Healthy diet: feed your dog a high quality food that contains all the nutrients they need for healthy skin. Avoid food additives or treats that can trigger allergies.
• Good hygiene: Bathe your dog regularly with a mild shampoo that won't dry out or irritate his skin. Dry him well and brush him to remove dandruff and loose hair. Trim his claws to prevent injuries from scratching.
• Adequate exercise: Make sure your dog gets enough exercise to relieve stress and strengthen his immune system. However, avoid extreme temperatures or humidity, which can stress his skin.
• Regular check-ups: Check your dog regularly for signs of eczema and consult a vet if necessary. The earlier you recognize and treat a condition, the better the chances of recovery.