Sep 11
11
Dog Skin Allergies
Written by Joey C Senior Dog Health Writer
Dog skin allergies are also known as allergic dermatitis. Despite the myriad of causes for the skin problem, it is very common in household pets. There is often no “cure” for dog allergies as they are hard to diagnose, and even then the allergy can be hard to monitor and prevent.
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Basic signs of dog skin allergies are a lot of scratching, open sores or raw spots, and hotspots. Although this sounds bad, dog allergies are very common and can be avoided with the correct preventative steps. Begin by altering your pet’s dog food, if no change is noticed then look at their daily routine. Is there something that could be triggering an allergic reaction? The carpet, bleaches, pollen, grass, air fresheners could all be responsible. If you observe your dog licking biting or scratching obsessively, it could be a sign that your dog is trying to tell you he has a problem.
Sometimes the preliminary allergic reaction can suffer a secondary infection. Dog skin allergies that go untreated or soothed can begin to have a bad smell associated with allergic dermatitis (skin problem caused by the allergy) called seborrhea. Seborrhea is a skin disorder in which the outer layers of the skin and the follicles are over-productive. This leads to dull fur, dandruff, and an odorous oiliness. There are special dog shampoos that can help lessen this infection but make sure to avoid frequent bathing with a harsh shampoo. It will irritate the skin and make this condition a lot worse.
Another issue that could cause an allergy is pet food. Although billions are spent in the pet food industry to create some really great dog food, there are often brands that will cut corners and use “fillers”. Sometimes these ingredients can cause your dog to itch uncontrollably. As an owner it is always best to check the ingredients label for corn, grains, wheat, soy, and by-products. These are things that could be responsible for your pet’s skin allergy. If you believe the pet food is responsible, try another brand and look for good animal proteins (beef, lamb, chicken) and omega 3 and 6 – which counter dog skin allergies.
Most high quality pet foods will make the world of difference for a large percentage of dogs with allergies and dog skin allergies. This difference should be noticed within 2-3 weeks of a changed diet. Your pooch will experience a shiny, healthy coat, a more balanced energy level, and a lot less money will be spent on medications/ointments to sooth the itch. Brands like Blue Buffalo and Natural Balance are great foods to start with when you believe your pet is allergic to their food. These brands limit the ingredients in their food so too, limit the possibility of allergens.
If no change is noticed and your dog’s skin allergy worsens, it would be best to contact a veterinarian. They can provide medicated creams and helpful advice to help your pet and their allergic reaction.
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