Is your dog scratching too much? Worried about a rash on their skin? It could mean your dog is experiencing dog allergy symptoms. 

Just like humans, when certain substances contact your dog’s skin they cause allergic reactions. These reactions are symptoms of contact dermatitis.

The most common causes of contact dermatitis in dogs is grass (kikuyu, buffalo and couch) and succulent ground covers. Other causes of dog contact allergy symptoms include topical antibiotics (neomycin), vehicles used for topical preparations (propylene glycol), shampoos (chlorhexidine), flea products, carpet deodorisers and metals.

Contact allergy: what are the symptoms?

  • Severe itching usually on sparsely haired regions of the groin and genital area (plants or carpets), and scrotum (floor detergents, cement, bleach)

  • An itchy, red rash appearing 4-72 hours after contact

  • Self-trauma and chronic inflammation may lead to thickening and darkening of the skin in chronic cases

What should I do if I suspect my dog has contact dermatitis?

Suspecting dog allergy symptoms? It’s important you get a correct diagnosis. Discussing it with your local vet is a good idea. If your vet thinks your dog has contact dermatitis, they may refer you to a specialist veterinary dermatologist.

A specialist dermatologist is trained to know how to diagnose, manage and prevent relapses of skin allergy problems. A scratch-patch test may be indicated. Your dermatologist will assess the cause of the allergy, barrier dysfunction and/or infection in your pet, then devise a treatment plan for your pet so they can begin to heal.

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How do we diagnose contact dermatitis?

The best way to identify a contact allergy is to perform a scratch/patch test. Scratch or patch testing identifies allergens. 

How do I treat contact dermatitis?

The best way of treating contact dermatitis is preventing exposure to the irritant. If the irritant is a plant or grass type, you can dress your dog with protective clothing when he/she is in contact with it. If it’s a chemical, avoid exposing your dog to the chemical. When avoidance isn’t possible, topical and oral glucocorticoids can be used to treat dog contact allergy symptoms.

Have you noticed your dog experiencing allergy-like symptoms? Bring your pet in for a consultation. We treat your pet like one of our own.

Call now on: +61 08 6277 9430 (Murdoch) and (Balcatta) or email: dermnurses@adcmg.com