Plastic dish dermatitis is a nose and chin irritation caused by an allergic reaction to a chemical compound in plastic.

Plastic dish dermatitis causes loss of color in your dog’s nose. Your dog's nose will be red and irritated, but it will not be ulcerated. Plastic dish dermatitis can also cause pustules (pus-filled bumps) on your dog’s chin. The impacted areas will likely be itchy and may also be painful.

Plastic dish dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction your dog has to a chemical compound in plastic. The condition is most frequently found in dogs who use plastic food and water dishes.

Since loss of color in the nose can be a symptom of several dermatological disorders, a nasal scraping, blood work, and perhaps a biopsy will be required to rule out other causes of your dog’s nose and/or chin irritation.

Using non-plastic feeding and drinking dishes will generally eliminate your dog’s exposure to the compounds which cause this condition. Your vet might also prescribe oral and topical corticosteroids to soothe your dog’s irritations. However, because dogs often try to lick off topical medications, oral medications are generally preferred.

To help prevent this condition, do not serve your dog food or water in plastic dishes.

No, you cannot catch plastic dish dermatitis from your dog.