Content Summary
Dermatitis in dogs is one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits, and also one of the most frustrating for families. Constant itching, recurring infections, ear infections that never seem to clear up… and the feeling that “it always comes back.”
In dermatology consultations, we often see dogs that have had skin problems for months—or even years—treated only occasionally, without ever identifying the underlying cause. The fact is, dermatitis is not a single disease, but a clinical sign that can have very different causes.
When the skin malfunctions, simply relieving the itching isn’t enough: it’s essential to understand why it’s happening. Only then can an effective and, above all, long-term treatment plan be developed.
In this article you will find:
- What do we mean by dermatitis in dogs?
- What are the most common types?
- What signs should prompt a consultation?
- How is a diagnosis made?
- When does it make sense to consult a veterinary dermatologist?
What is dermatitis in dogs?
When we talk about dermatitis in dogs, we generally refer to inflammation of the skin. But in reality, many different processes lie behind that word. The skin isn’t just “what you see on the outside.” It’s an organ with an immune function, its own microbiota, and a very delicate balance. When that balance is disrupted—due to allergies, infections, parasites, or other factors—the symptoms we see at home appear: itching, redness, wounds, or recurring infections. That’s why, in veterinary dermatology, we don’t just treat lesions, but dogs with a specific skin disease, even though at first they may all seem “the same.”
Symptoms of dermatitis in dogs
Itching is often the most noticeable symptom, but it’s not the only one, nor is it always the most important. Some dogs scratch constantly; others don’t scratch as much, but they may experience repeated skin infections, a bad odor, or changes in their coat.
In our consultations we frequently see:
- Persistent or recurring itching
- Skin redness
- Hairless areas or areas with thinning hair
- Crusts, flaking, or thickened skin
- Recurring ear infections
An important detail: the absence of intense itching does not rule out dermatitis. Some skin conditions progress more silently.
Types of dermatitis in dogs
Allergic dermatitis
It is by far one of the most common causes of chronic dermatitis in dogs. It can be related to environmental or food allergies, or flea bites. In many cases, there isn’t a single cause, but rather a combination of several, which explains why some treatments only work for a limited time.
Infectious dermatitis
Bacterial or yeast infections are usually not the root cause of the problem, but rather a consequence. When the skin is inflamed, it loses its ability to defend itself, and microorganisms proliferate easily. If the primary cause is not addressed, these infections tend to recur.
How do we diagnose dermatitis in dogs?
One of the most common mistakes is trying to treat dermatitis with successive treatments without a clear diagnosis. In veterinary dermatology, diagnosis is not based on a single test or a single visit. It requires time, follow-up, and, above all, a methodical approach.
In clinical practice we value:
- How and when the problem started
- Whether it’s seasonal
- What treatments have been tried and how the dog responded
- The actual appearance of the skin and coat
- Simple but very informative skin tests
Understanding the cause is what allows us to stop “putting out fires” and start controlling the disease.
When to seek veterinary dermatology in Barcelona
When a dog experiences persistent itching, recurring infections, or doesn’t improve with standard treatments, it’s time for a dermatological evaluation. At Veterinari del Clínic (Barcelona), we address skin problems with a specialized approach, identifying the root cause of dermatitis and designing a personalized plan for each dog and its family, with the goal of improving their long-term quality of life.
If your dog has been having skin problems for a while and you feel they aren’t getting better, a dermatology consultation can help you understand what’s going on and how to manage it better.
