All You Need To Know About Skin Allergies in Dogs

Allergies in dogs can occur due to numerous factors, both internal and external. A dog can get allergic to the food he consumes and sometimes fleas and insect bites can also lead to skin allergies. Most pet parents get worried as they cannot figure out why their furry buddy is scratching himself. Therefore, let’s first find out the causes of skin allergies in dogs.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

One of the most common reasons for skin allergies is flea allergy dermatitis. Some dogs get allergic to flea bites, which leads to FAD in dogs. When a dog has flea allergy dermatitis, you will observe excessive scratching, inflamed and scabbed red skin.

Food Allergy

When dealing with food allergies in dogs, the easiest way is to approach the elimination diet. If your furry pal shows signs like itching, swelling or gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea after eating a certain food, check out the ingredients present in it. Some common food allergens are wheat, corn, meat, rice and soy. Thus, be on a lookout for any kind of reaction when your pooch consumes the food. By eliminating certain ingredients, you’ll be able to figure out which food item was responsible for the allergic reaction.

Mites

Mites are usually present on the dog’s skin and can severely damage the dog’s skin. It can cause severe scratching in dogs and also deteriorate their health. Sarcoptic mange is even more dangerous as it can lead to hair loss and even rashes on the skin. Mites will appear dandruff-like so it’s easy to neglect it. However, it’s crucial to treat this issue to maintain the pet’s health.

Skin Infections

Some dogs have seasonal allergies which occur due to the release of allergic pollens into the environment. Dogs who like to play outdoors are more susceptible to such infections. Moreover, a cut or rash while taking a stroll around the park can also lead to a skin infection.

Dry Skin

Certain breeds of dogs naturally have dry skin. Due to the dry, flaky and scaly skin, the dogs get exposed to allergens which make their skin sensitive and prone to allergies. To prevent this, dogs should be fed nutritious food and essential oils can also help in maintaining skin health.

What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies In Dogs?

The signs and symptoms can appear according to the cause. Some dogs might show severe reactions while others may only have acute allergic reactions. Below listed are some of the most common signs and symptoms of skin allergies in dogs.

• Vomiting
• Itching
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing
• Inflamed skin
• Excessive licking
• Swelling of face or ears

If you detect any signs of skin allergies, you need to consult the vet to rule out the possible cause.

Diagnosing Skin Allergies in Dogs

Diagnosing any kind of allergy is a complicated task in itself, even for a veterinarian. There are numerous tests available for diagnosing, but for that, you need to know what is causing this reaction. Skin infection is diagnosed in a different way than a food allergy. Therefore, your vet will rule out the cause of the allergy and suggest treatments if it’s not severe.

In case of food allergies, elimination method works best. Other than that, there are also tests that provide you with the items your furry pal is allergic to. Hence, always take your vet’s advice when dealing with any kind of skin conditions.