How To Know If Your Dog Has Skin Allergies

What Are The Symptoms Of Dog Skin Allergies

As mentioned above, skin allergies can cause a range of symptoms. These symptoms can include:

• Unusually frequent scratching or itching
• Excessive licking
• Biting or chewing at fur or skin
• Constant rubbing of ears or face
• Swelling of the face, lips, ears, or eyelids
• Red, irritated, inflamed, or flaky skin
• Rubbing or scooting over surfaces
• Itchy or runny eyes
• Chronic ear infection

Any of these symptoms could point to a dog skin allergy thats causing issues for your pet. However, its important to keep in mind that even if your dog has one or more of these symptoms, it doesnt necessarily mean they have dog skin allergies. Rather, they could be symptoms of another illness or health problem.

This is why its so crucial to consult with a veterinarian when you recognize the above symptoms in your pet. A qualified veterinarian can diagnose the issue in your pet and tell you how to treat dog skin allergies or recommend another course of treatment if necessary.

Is Your Dog Having An Allergic Reaction Watch Out For These Warning Signs

Pollen, chemical fumes, insect bites, and certain types of food are all common allergens in humans. Symptoms range from mild annoyances, such as itchy, watery eyes, to life-threatening anaphylaxis. For the most part, its easy to tell when a fellow human is suffering from an allergic reaction. But what about a dogs allergic reaction? They might not be as immediately recognizable as your seasonal allergies, but there are signs to keep an eye out for if you suspect your dog has allergies. Well tell you what to look for, what you can do to help, and give you a general idea of how long your precious pooch will have to deal with the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

• Final thoughts on allergies

What Are The Common Allergy

A very large number of substances can act as allergens. Most are proteins of insect, plant, or animal origin, but small chemical molecules can also cause allergy. Examples of common allergens are pollens, mold spores, dust mites, shed skin cells , insect proteins such as flea saliva, and some medications.

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What Is Contact Allergy

Contact allergy is the least common type of allergy in dogs. It results from direct contact to allergens, such as pyrethrins found in flea collars, pesticides used on the lawn, grasses, materials such as wool or synthetics used in carpets or bedding, etc. Contact allergies can develop to practically anything and at any age.

“…there will be skin irritation and itching at the points of contact…”

If the dog is allergic to any of these substances, there will be skin irritation and itching at the points of contact, usually the feet and stomach. Removal of the allergen often solves the problem.

Caution: The symptoms of allergies can be confused with other disorders, or occur concurrently with them. Therefore, do not attempt to diagnose your dog without veterinary professional assistance. Be prepared for your pet to receive a full diagnostic evaluation to rule out other causes of itching and skin problems. If an allergy is diagnosed, your whole family must follow your veterinarian’s advice very closely in order to successfully relieve your pet’s discomfort.

Signs & Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs

A dog with atopic dermatitis will usually show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Its not as common for dogs over the age of 7 to develop atopic dermatitis, although a new environment can trigger new allergens. Atopic dermatitis often begins as a mild condition with symptoms not becoming clinically visible before the third year.

Recognizing the sign and symptoms is relatively easy once they begin to present themselves. If your dog exhibits any of the following, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Scratching the skin

• Licking of the body, especially the paws

• Biting the skin

• Chronic ear and skin infections

The most commonly affected areas include:

In its early stages, atopy may be mild and might not be as recognizable, but as the disease progresses, the symptoms will as well.

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How Soon Will I Get The Dog Allergy Test Results

It depends on what tests we do. If were doing the injection test with allergens, youll often have that diagnosis that same day of what the dogs allergens are. If were doing a blood test, that may take us maybe a couple of weeks to get the results back. If were doing a food trial, we often wont get results for eight to 12 weeks.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies In Dogs

In the dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized or generalized . In some cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be runny discharge from the eyes or nose. In other cases, the allergic symptoms affect the digestive system resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

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What Dog Breeds Are Prone To Canine Skin Allergies

Not all dog breeds are prone to developing skin allergies. A few breeds more susceptible to skin allergies include Beagles, Bulldogs, Dalmatians, English and Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Schnauzers, most terriers, Old English Sheepdogs and Pugs.

This list is by no means exhaustive, and it doesn’t guarantee that any breed listed will or will not develop skin allergies. It’s simply a list of dogs that are pre-disposed to atopic dermatitis.

Pet Seasonal Allergy Symptoms To Look For

Dogs and cats show similar allergy symptoms as humans, yet they experience them most through their skin. Excessive scratching likely means itchy, irritated skin. Here are a few more symptoms to watch out for:

• Scratching and biting their coat or skin
• Red, inflamed, or infected skin
• Excessive shedding
• Compulsive paw licking in dogs
• Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears
• Respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing

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How To Manage An Allergic Reaction To Dogs

Dogs are one of the most loyal and affectionate pets for families of all sizes, so what do you do if you love dogs but are allergic to them? Here, we look at what dog allergies really are, what you can do about a dog allergy, and some of the dog breeds that could be more suitable for those with dog allergies.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis And How Is It Treated

The term atopic dermatitis in the dog is often used as a synonym for atopy. The main allergens are tree pollens , grass pollens, weed pollens , molds, mildew, and house dust mites. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. However, molds, mildew, and house dust mites occur year-round. In dogs, atopic dermatitis manifests with itchy skin . Your dog may rub his face, lick his feet, and scratch the axillae .

Most dogs with atopic dermatitis start showing signs between one and three years of age. Affected dogs often react to several allergens and experience concurrent flea or food allergies. If the offending allergens can be identified by intradermal skin tests or blood tests, the dog should be protected from exposure to them as much as possible. Because most of these allergens are environmental, this is difficult, and recurrent bouts are likely. Symptoms of atopy can be controlled, but a permanent cure is not usually possible.

“Because most of these allergens are environmental, this is difficult, and recurrent bouts are likely.”

Treatment depends largely on the length of the specific allergy season. It may involve one or more of the following three therapies:

See the handout Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs for more information on this type of allergy.

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How Do Allergies Impact The Health And Well

The health and well-being of your dog are impacted by just having uncomfortableness in their body. If you have allergies as a dog, typically, you might feel uncomfortable in your skin, and it may be uncomfortable and itchy. Sometimes there are even GI symptoms associated. So its just about feeling comfortable. If youre not feeling comfortable in your own body, then youre going to have outward signs of discomfort.

What Are Canine Skin Allergies

The most common canine skin allergy is allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitisatopy for short. Allergic dermatitis is an inflammatory, persistent skin condition that occurs when a dog’s immune system overreacts to a particular allergen.

Allergens can be anything from plant pollen to mold spores to food to pests. While allergies in humans often present as nasal symptoms and hives, dogs tend to react with skin irritation and even gastrointestinal problems.

Interestingly, many dogs that suffer from have an inherited predisposition for developing them. Often, dogs begin showing signs of skin allergies before age 7, but that’s not a hard and fast rule. Just like humans, dogs can develop skin allergies at any age. In fact, many allergies actually worsen as a dog ages.1

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Talk To Your Vet About Your Dogs Allergies In Altadena Ca

With this information, you can choose whether or not to bring up the potential of allergies at your dogs next regular vet visit in Altadena, CA. Of course, if you think your dog has very severe allergies that may affect his overall health and wellbeing in serious ways, you should take him to the vet right away to have the problem addressed.

Dogs with allergies may require steroids, regular allergy medication, or other forms of treatment to help manage them. Your vet will be able to give you all the information you need about your dogs specific allergy requirements.

If you have further questions about dog allergy treatments call Altadena Pet Hospital at or book an appointment today!

How Is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed In My Dog

Diagnosing environmental allergies in dogs can be performed using two techniques: serologic testing or intradermal skin testing.

• Serologic testing: requires drawing a single blood sample to test a dogs response to environmental allergens. The blood sample is then submitted to a laboratory for analysis.
• Intradermal skin testing: A highly specialized and complex process, intradermal testing is this gold standard for diagnosing environmental allergies It involves injecting a small amount of a pure allergen under the skin and measuring the allergic response.

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What Is The Cost Of Treating Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs

The cost of treating atopic dermatitis depends on the severity of the disease and the types of treatment required. Some dogs respond well to a daily antihistamine, which might not be as costly as other prescription medications, allergy injections, treatments for secondary infections, and frequent visits to the veterinarian. At that point, costs can average a couple of hundred dollars every month.

For example, Cytopoint, an injection designed to help control itching in dogs with skin allergies, is a prescription-based medication with a cost that varies on factors such as your veterinarian, geographic location, and required dosage. On average, a vial can cost between $35 to more than $130. For dogs larger than 80 pounds, more than one vial will be needed, thus increasing the cost.

Burts Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

Burts Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo is made with natures finest, most soothing ingredients. It gently cleans your dogs skin and coat while helping to ease itching and other irritation. Its made with quality ingredients like shea butter and honey, which moisturize and keep your pups coat soft and shiny.

Because its pH-balanced, Burts Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo can be safely used on puppies and adult dogs alike. Its also 100% safe for your furry pal, as it doesnt contain any sulfates, fragrances, colorants, or other harsh chemicals that could cause further irritation.

| Medicated Shampoo.

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Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic And Antifungal Shampoo

Relieve and treat the symptoms of bacterial and fungal skin infections with Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo. These conditions are commonly caused by allergies and are thankfully easily treated. Each bottle is formulated with aloe vera, lanolin, ketoconazole, and benzethonium.

For best results, bathe your dog using Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo twice a week until his skin irritation begins to subside. Maintain regular use to keep infections at bay.

| Oatmeal Medicated Dog Shampoo.

What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Is Suffering From Food Allergies

First and foremost, make an appointment to take your dog to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a food allergy. Food allergies symptoms can mimic other diseases, so its vitally important that you have your dog checked out by a professional.

Treatment of food allergies in dogs may include medication, topical creams, dietary changes or a combination of any of these three remedies.

In rare cases, a life-threatening allergic reaction may occur and your dog may not be able to breathe. If this happens, call an emergency animal hospital right away.

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Pet Head Lifes An Itch Shampoo

Soothe your dogs itchy skin with Pet Head Lifes An Itch Shampoo. This pH-balanced and eco-friendly shampoo is made with aloe vera and oatmeal, which keep itchiness at bay. Other ingredients like wheat protein, tea tree oil, and vitamins nourish your dogs hair follicles to support skin and coat health from the outside. Chamomile soothes and calms irritated skin.

Pet Head Lifes An Itch Shampoo is made in the USA and doesnt contain any problematic ingredients. This means no sulfate, parabens, or DEA.

| Itchy Dog Shampoo.

Bronzing Around The Lips

This is most noticeable, again, in breeds with white coats. You will notice their lips, feet, or skin are pink and inflamed. This can indicate a yeast colonization, often triggered by an allergy.

What It Looks Like: Lips, jowls, and toes may be red, pink, and inflamed. Dog will itch often.

What It Means: Yeast-based infection or food allergy.

But First! Rule Out Yeast infection or sunburn

Try This

• Wipe the area with a 50/50 mix of purified water and organic apple cider vinegar.
• You can also add apple cider vinegar to your dogs water or food to reduce acidity and discourage yeast.
• Avoid many veterinary-grade solutions such as benzoyl peroxide-based products, which can dry out the skin, increasing irritation.

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What Are The Different Types Of Allergies

There are several ways of classifying allergies. Some examples of classifications include:

• The allergen: flea allergy, food allergy
• The route the allergen takes into the body: inhalant allergy, skin contact allergy, or food allergy
• The time it takes for the immune reaction: immediate-type hypersensitivity, also called anaphylaxis or shock, and delayed-type hypersensitivity
• The clinical signs: the areas of the body affected by the allergen
• Inherited forms: atopy or seasonal allergies

Natural Care Itch Relief Dog Shampoo

An itchy dog is an unhappy one. Ease irritated skin with one wash with Natural Care Itch Relief Dog Shampoo. Its made with a blend of aloe vera and tea tree oil, two naturally-derived ingredients that work to relieve itchy, dry, irritated skin. Salicylic acid also eases skin irritations while exfoliating the skin. The addition of goat milk adds hydration and moisture to prevent further discomfort.

Natural Care Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is free from dyes, parabens, and DEA. Its proudly made in the USA using the highest quality ingredients from across the globe.

| Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo.

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Is There A Cure For Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis seldom goes into remission or resolves on its own. It requires ongoing treatment.

Once the treatment options have started and your dogs itching is under control a regular checkup at our clinic every is recommended every 4 to 12 months, depending on the severity.

This will help determine the effectiveness of the treatment and to check for any adverse drug interactions.

Pet parents should always stay attentive to their dogs behaviour and ensure that they seek treatment at the first sign of skin allergy symptoms. If unaddressed, skin allergies can affect your dogs temperament constant itching can lead to frustration and ultimately, negative behavioural issues.

What Is The Best Home Remedy For Dog Mange

There are not so many home remedies for dog mange, butthe best treatments are affordable and safe.

Demodectic mange often subsides on its own. But if theinfection is severe, your dog may need some medication and skin surfacetreatment.

Since this kind of mange indicates a fragile immunesystem of your dog, the vet may conduct some additional tests to diagnose otherunderlying reasons for immunity compromise.

If there are other illnesses in your dog that affectsits immunity, treating that condition will automatically reduce the demodecticmange symptoms.

In the meanwhile, if you want to provide some reliefto your dogs itches, try dipping the affected areas in a lime-sulfur solution,after consulting the vet.

Also, keep monitoring the mite infection in your dogfrom time to time through skin scrapings under a microscope.

Sarcoptic mange management is a tad more difficult to handle as it is contagious. So, as a first step, use gloves while you care for your infected canine.

You would need to wash your dog every week for a stretch of 4 to 6 weeks with medicated scabicidal shampoo and under a vets supervision. Some mites are clever and develop resistance to some products.

Therefore, you may have to try more than one shampooto understand which works effectively to remove the Sarcoptesscabiei.

Also, keep your dog quarantined as long as hissarcoptic mange is not controlled.

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