6 Most Common Skin Allergies in Dogs

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Common dog skin allergies

Are you concerned about your best friend having an allergic reaction? Is too much scratching causing irritation, hair loss, and discomfort to your pet? Read along to find out the common skin allergies in dogs, the causes, and what are the treatments for dog skin allergies.

Allergies have no limits, they can attack your friend no matter the age or breed. There are some precautions you can take to avoid triggering allergic reactions. In most cases, try to stick to medical help instead of resolving the issue with home remedies since determining allergies can be challenging for our canine friends. 

What are the common skin allergies in dogs? 

Allergy reactions can vary in severity, and some may even be life-threatening. When the body has an adverse reaction to a substance that is allergic, an allergy occurs.

  1. Allergic dermatitis - skin allergies - is the most common allergy dogs experience. 

Symptoms vary depending on the allergen but may include

  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Hair loss
  • Hives
  • Inflammation
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Sneezing 
  • Itchy ears
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Itchy, runny nose
  • Constant licking

These symptoms could also be a sign of a different condition. Don’t wait too long to treat your furry best friend! Make an appointment to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian. 

  1. Flea allergy dermatitis - An all too common situation is when your dog gets bitten by fleas. 

A lot of itching can lead to skin discomfort for your pet. It isn’t the flea that causes the allergic reaction but its saliva. Dogs can lose hair and develop skin infections that may require antibiotics. 

Other problems related to dog fleas

Tapeworms - These are a type of cestode, a parasitic worm that lives in the intestines of its host. They can spread through contact with infected animals and by eating infected fleas or other animals.

Symptoms of tapeworm infection include diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia. Treatment for tapeworm infection includes medication to kill the parasites and supportive care to help the pet recover from the infection. 

  1. Food Allergies

In reality, true food allergies are not as common in dogs. Perhaps you know someone who has mentioned that their pet has a food allergy. In actuality, it is food sensitivity or food intolerance that they refer to. 

A true food allergy reaction triggers an immune response - symptoms of skin conditions, gastrointestinal signs, or a combination of both. 

  • Hives 
  • Facial swelling
  • Itchiness 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea

Meanwhile, a food intolerance generates a reaction to an ingredient - with signs of gastrointestinal and dermatologic can be noticed. 

  • Vomiting & Diarrhea
  • Itchiness
  • Poor skin & coat
  • Chronic ear & foot infections
  1. Acute Allergic Reactions

These are the most alarming type of allergic reactions. Just like humans, dogs can experience anaphylactic shock - if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. If they don’t receive medical attention, it can lead to a fatal finality. Don’t skip a heartbeat anaphylactic reactions are rare in dogs. 

Some causes of acute allergic reactions are bee stings and vaccine reactions. That is why It is crucial to keep track of your dog after the administration of a new vaccine, drug, or food item. 

If you think your dog might be going through anaphylactic shock - its blood pressure drops followed by shock. 

  1. Environmental Allergies 

Dogs can also suffer the consequences of seasonal allergies. Harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, or mold can interfere with your dog’s day. They are likely to absorb through the skin - their paws are in direct contact with the ground. 

  1. Mange 

Tiny microscopic mites can cause this skin disease. There are several different types of mange. The most common is sarcoptic mange - a highly contagious skin disease that affects dogs, cats, and other animals. 

Symptoms of mange include hair loss, redness, itchiness, and scaly skin. 

How to Diagnose Allergies in Dogs 

If human allergy tests are complicated, dog allergy tests can be just the same. Your veterinarian could try to determine the cause of the allergen by performing the said test. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to determine the cause of an allergy with testing. 

In the case of food allergies, a proper diagnosis of an elimination diet can help determine the ingredient. It consists of feeding one source of protein and carbohydrates for 12 weeks. 

Flea allergy dermatitis is usually the easiest to spot. Try inspecting and identifying your dog’s body to find these, then apply a product that kills them before their bites worsen. 

Common dog skin allergies

Skin Allergies Treatment for Dogs 

Treatments for dog skin allergies differ depending on the severity of the reaction. It may include antihistamines, steroid therapy, or immunotherapy. 

There’s no cure for skin allergies sometimes. It is about managing well to avoid making the reaction worse. Whether it’s due to a specific food ingredient to battling fleas, take action to show support to your loving pet.  

Treatment for mange includes medication to kill the mites and supportive care to help the pet recover from the infection.

Remember skin allergies treatment for dogs isn’t always easy to figure out. Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows symptoms of having an allergic reaction. 

Are skin conditions keeping your dog from playing?

Skin allergies in dogs can be a discomfort for your friend and your family. Treat your dog's allergies with AniViva! 

Take care of their coat and skin health with our AniViva® Animal Gel

Common dog skin allergies

Itchy, irritated skin can leave red spots and cause hair loss. Our AniViva® Animal Gel can soothe the dry skin of your dog. What makes our product great? Our solutions blend key ingredients, cationic zinc, copper, magnesium, and others, to alleviate dull, flaky skin. 

Maintain the coat health of your pet all year long! Ask your veterinarian about AniViva®

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