Dog Skin Allergies

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Dog skin allergies can leave owners feeling almost as miserable as their pets.

Scratching is one of the first symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Scratching is one of the first symptoms of an allergic reaction.
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What Causes Dog Skin Allergies?

Few things are more stressful than watching your pet go to town scratching and licking itself. Not knowing what to do for dog skin allergies can leave a loving owner feeling a bit helpless, but that needn't be the case.

First, let's get a basic understanding of how an allergic reaction happens.

  1. A dog is exposed to something in it's environment that triggers a response from the immune system. This can be something your pet has eaten, sniffed, or even rubbed up against.
  2. The immune system then sends out histamines in the bloodstream to attack the offending substance.
  3. The histamines have the unfortunate side-effect of causing an irritating reaction in your pet's skin, resulting in an itchy feeling that your dog seeks to remedy by scratching.
  4. Scratching only intensifies the skin irritation, causing an increase in inflammation, and unleashing a vicious cycle of itching and scratching that can result in a serious infection if not dealt with swiftly.
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Basic Types of Allergies

Let's learn more about the different types of skin allergies dogs can be subject to.

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Atopic Allergies

Atopic refers to being inhaled, so atopic dog skin allergies are caused by something the dog inhales in the environment. Much like humans, dogs can also be allergic to the standard molds, pollens, dandars, and dust mites we're all exposed to on a daily basis.

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Contact Allergies

Certain substances may cause an allergic reaction in your dog's skin when he comes in contact with them. Some dog toys are made with laytex rubber, and humans and pets alike have been known to suffer allergic reactions to this substance, breaking out in itchy hives. Grass allergies may also cause extreme itching and irritation to your pet's skin.

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Food Allergies

Some food sources will also cause an allergic reaction in dogs. One of the most common food allergens for dogs has turned out to be corn, a main component of many commercial dog foods. However, a reaction may also be caused by one or more of the other ingredients and chemicals used as preservatives.

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Parasitic Allergies

Fleas can be imitating enough, but if your pet develops a particular allergy to flea saliva, it only take the bite of one flea to do the work of ten. The itching becomes extremely intense, and once the scratching breaks the skin, your pet becomes eligible for a host of secondary skin infections.

Mite infestations beneath the skin can also cause the same visible reactions as flea allergies.

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Signs Your Dog May Have Skin Allergies

Fleas and grass can both cause skin allergies.
Fleas and grass can both cause skin allergies.

Scratching alone isn't an indication of dog skin allergies, but when scratching is persistent, accompanied by other signs of skin trauma, it's time to consider the possibility that your pet may have developed an allergy.

Signs to watch for include:

  • Persistent scratching
  • Redness, irritation, and inflammation
  • Persistent licking/biting
  • Blisters or pustules
  • Inflamed ears
  • Hot spots
  • Scaliness
  • Hair loss
  • Excessively oily skin
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How to Treat Dog Skin Allergies

Treatment for specific types of dog skin allergies can vary but they all usually follow this basic formula.

  1. Consult your veterinarian to figure out the exact cause of the allergic reaction. This may involve taking skin scrapings to aid the diagnosis.
  2. Once identified, remove the allergen, or limit exposure to it as much as possible.
  3. Thoroughly cleanse all affected areas with a medicated shampoo as directed by your vet.
  4. Apply any topical pet medications as prescribed by your vet.
  5. Follow your vet's recommendations for administering any oral medications. These might include antihistamines to interrupt the allergic reaction, and corticosteroids to put an end to the resulting itching and inflammation.
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Conclusion

Dealing with dog skin allergies is never easy, but with determination and proper veterinary care, you can get a handle on the situation and bring your pet some much needed relief.

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Comments

Hi Lisa,

You can use an old fashioned rectal thermometer to check your dog's temperature. Anything above 101 F would be considered elevated and worth reporting to your vet.

As for the sudden shedding, many dogs do shed seasonally in the spring, but if your dog was given anesthesia during the procedure to treat her ear, this can also cause excessive shedding. The good news is that it's a temporary situation, so daily brushing will help remove the loose hairs as quickly as possible.

Don't hesitate to follow up with your vet if you have any concerns about how well your dog is responding to the combination of treatments. Sever ear infections can be difficult to completely eliminate, and follow up visits may be required.

Thanks for your questions, and best wishes for your dog's speedy recovery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is a 1 year Aussie Blue Heeler, he was diagnosed with a severe inner ear infection. The vet put him under and pierced the infection growth. She has now placed him on Antibiotics, Anti-inflammatories/Pain Reliever and Ear Drops! He had a 103 fever when we took him in. How can we, at home check to see if his fever has gone down or if the recent severe shedding was a sympton of fever??

-- Contributed by: Lisa

Hi Sean,

A couple things come to mind. If your vet truly believes this is an allergy, he should perform skin testing to isolate that allergen so you know what you have to try to eliminate from your dog's diet or environment.

That said, nose issues like you describe are sometimes related to autoimmune issues. It may be worth it to have your vet look into this area too.

As for the chronic ear infections, I'd like you to read our article on that topic. You see that there are several things that cause these infections, and that there is a surgical option when all other treatments fail. Hopefully that information will be helpful in your situation.

Thanks for your question, and I hope there's a way to clear up your dog's condition.

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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