Just like humans, it’s not rare to see a dog suffering from dog skin allergies. But their response to skin allergies is different from that of humans. If you are suffering from an allergy, you might suffer from flue, sneezing, or skin allergy, but your dog may suffer from gastrointestinal problems along with allergies. Both skin and digestive systems mean a lot for dogs.

Pet owners must have a sound knowledge about dog skin allergies, from diagnosing its symptoms to paving a way to its treatment and from the foods that cause allergies to the best dog food for allergies. Allergic dermatitis and Atopic dermatitis are other names for dog skin allergies. Some dog breeds are more prone to a particular skin allergy than others.

Dogs Skin allergies

“Skin Allergy is a condition in which the immune system of an animal over-reacts to a particular substance called an allergen that may result in itching, irritation, and scratching in dogs.”

In this article, we will share all the information related to dog skin allergies, types for skin allergies, symptoms, causes, foods that cause dog skin allergies, treatment for skin allergies, and the best dog food for skin allergies.

Types and causes of dog skin allergies

1-Environmental and seasonal skin allergies in dogs

The most common reason for environmental dermatitis are certain environmental conditions like pollens, dust particles, and molds. While seasonal skin allergies are restricted to the onset of specific seasons. Just like other allergies, paws are the most susceptible parts of the body for dog skin allergies.

If a dog is used to hunting prey and staying in forest-type areas with their owners, they predominantly suffer from Environmental allergies due to pollens, sprays, weeds, grass or trees. The dogs involved in more outside activities can suffer from environmental allergies because they mostly visit dusty areas. Seasonal allergies can catch dogs with changing seasons.

2-Food allergies in dogs

If you notice that your dog is scratching or licking its body and is also suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, then unluckily consider a trip to the vet because your dog may be suffering from nasty food allergies. Food allergies in dogs can be inherited, which mostly onset at the age of 1-3 years. Dog can’t digest proteins or sometimes non-proteins part properly. But luckily, you can treat these allergies by proper use of best dog food for allergies and medication.

Causes:

You’ll be shocked that the foods that cause allergy in dogs are not rare food; in fact, it’s daily life meat, milk, pork, fish, and wheat.

Symptoms:

Itching, ear infection, foot infection, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling on the face, or hives are the main symptoms of dog skin allergies due to food allergy.

3-Flea allergies:

Dog-ridden fleas do not cause flea allergies directly, but it’s the saliva of fleas. And only a small exposure to these fleas can result in flea allergy dermatitis in dogs, and poor dogs have to suffer for days because of that sudden unlucky interaction with fleas. Although flea allergy may build out throughout the year, it is more prevalent in summer.

Causes:

A sudden single exposure to fleas may put your dogs at risk of dog skin allergies.

Symptoms:

Excessive redness at under-tail areas with itchy, scabbed, and inflamed skin are the main symptoms. Flea feces are also visible in rare cases.

4-Staphylococcus Hypersensitivity

Overreacting to normal staphylococcus bacteria on dogs’ skin leads to staphylococcus hypersensitivity in dogs. Such allergy sugars more rapidly in combination with other dog skin allergies like environmental and flea allergies. Skin allergy can turn into a dangerous disease if untreated because bacteria multiply in seconds.

Causes:

Dogs get in touch with staphylococci bacteria. But as these bacteria are very common in humans and animals, dogs bear it quickly, but in Staphylococcus Hypersensitivity, they overreact to these bacteria.

Symptoms:

Excessive Chewing, licking and scratching.

Should I worry if my dog is suffering from dog skin allergies?

Dog skin allergies are one of the most commonly encountered issues by veterinarians and pet owners. These can lead to flaky eyes, itchy skin, and sores on the skin. Under severe conditions, dogs start chewing their infected part, which can be more dangerous than you imagine. The staphylococcus hypersensitivity can lead to blood poisoning, infection in different organs, and even death if left untreated. So, if you see your dog suffering from skin allergies, immediately call your vet without any wait. Mild conditions can be handled at home without waiting for a vet.

Precautions to prevent dog skin allergies

The first and foremost thing to do is to keep your dog safe from the sources that trigger skin allergies.

• De-flea the dog.
• Don’t involve dogs in activities during extensive pollen season. Discourage them from visiting high pollen areas.
• Please don’t take them to forests or grassy areas.
• Avoid the use of sprays, aerosols and perfumes at home.
• Clean the dog residency area
• Use a dehumidifier or activated charcoal to wipe out mold.
• Dust or vacuum clean dog’s surroundings.
• Control dust and pollens through an air cleaner with a high-quality HEPA filter.
• Use dog shampoo to calm and relieve pain.
• Supply them with the supplements or the best dog food for allergies.

Treatment

Medications:

Antibiotics and antifungal medications work well for secondary skin infections. Buy antihistamines or any medicine that sells over the counter to ward off dog skin allergies. Soak their feet in Epsom salt and cool water if the feet are infected.

Immunotherapy:

The introductory chemistry behind this therapy is to find an antigen and insert it into the dog’s body. If that antigen is related to the particular allergy the dog is suffering from, the dog will show a severe response, and we will suddenly find a way to ward off that allergy. For a reasonable period, the injection will be given so that the dog can develop immunity to that allergen.

Laser treatment:

The primary purpose of laser treatment is to stimulate the immune system for defending the body from the attack of allergens, and it reduces the healing span almost to half.

Medicated bath:

Medicated baths are also known as hypoallergenic shampoos designed to soothe after surgery and surge the healing process.

Best dog foods for allergies:

Dogs‘ Skin allergies are a nuisance for the dogs, and it’s not uncommon for pet parents to sniff around for the Best foods to prevent allergies. Nothing can cure dogs more effectively than proper food as complete supplemented food is enriched with proteins, fats, energy, antioxidants and healing agents. That is all, what a dog needs to get rid of skin allergies. Let’s try to embark on an internal mechanism to help soothe and heal dogs with the help of the best dog foods for allergies.

1-Low Fat Gastrointestinal Veterinary Diet-Royal Canine

It’s a complete package to curb all the allergy-related problems in dogs, including skin irritation, wound healing and developing the immune system.

• It is beneficial for dogs suffering from dermatological issues.
• Fatty acid makes it best fit with moderate calories and the ability to prevent allergies.
• Enhanced digestibility makes it one of the best dog foods for allergies.

2-Purina Pro Plan Focus-Salmon and Rice Formula:

Purina Pro is the antidote for of age Sensitive Skin and Stomach and thus the best dog food for skin allergies.

• Oatmeal ingredients help in the smooth running of the digestive system.
• It is rich in Omega-6 fatty acid, which is best for building up healthy skin and coat.
• Antioxidants in food are vital for proper pace of healing and strengthening the immune system is the major perk.

3-Hill’s Science-Dry best dog food for allergies:

It’s a fantastic formula to deal with a Sensitive Stomach. It solves digestion problems and helps your dog get rid of itchy skin.

• It contains Omega-6 and Vitamin-E to cure disease-ridden skin.
• It helps in the digestion of all types of food.
• Helps in the smooth functioning of the gut with the aid of prebiotic fibers by increasing the number of healthy gut bacteria.

4-ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Lamb Dog Food

ZIWI is the best dog food for allergies as it is enriched with all the natural nutrients needed for promoting a healthy body.

• Boosts flavor, and has all peak nutrition.
• Reduces inflammation and boosts up healthy skin and nutrition.
• Promotes safe digestion and being free from cheap fillers is its major advantage.

Conclusion:

Dog skin allergies are a serious and equally prevalent problem. Most pet owners can not recognize at the initial stages that their dog is suffering from severe skin issues, which can be detrimental if left untreated. So, the best way to ward it off is to visit your veterinarian and follow his instructions. Second, remove the source of the trigger and clean the environment. Third, the most effective one is to choose the best dog food for allergies to help them heal inside out.

You can read articles on dog health, nutrition, behavior and training at Dog Vet Tips.