Dogs with skin allergies
Dogs with skin allergies top the list for reasons people take their fur-babies to the veterinarian. Skin allergies can cause a range of symptoms including rashes, sores, bumps, blisters, scabs, scaling (dandruff), hair loss, and irritated, itchy, or discolored skin. These symptoms can lead to excessive licking, scratching, biting, and chewing. Most skin allergies in dogs are caused by one of three things, fleas, the environment, and food.
Skin allergies from fleas
Fleas are external parasites that can wreak havoc on dogs. The actual fleabites can cause an allergic reaction called flea allergy Dermatitis. This type of allergy can trigger your pup to lick, chew, or scratch excessively, resulting in red and inflamed skin, sores, hotspots, and scabs. In extreme cases, dogs can actually suffer from blood loss and anemia.
There are a few ways to take care of flea allergy Dermatitis. You can give your pup an oral flea killer medication like NexGard. You can also spray your pet with a topical spray such as Curicyn’s BodyGuard Fly, Flea, Tick & Insect Repellent on a regular basis. In addition, it is important to thoroughly clean your home and yard. Sometimes it is necessary to have the house and lawn treated by a professional to eliminate the problem completely.
Skin allergies from the environment
People and dogs alike have reactions to pollens, dust mites, and mold. Diagnosing these allergies can be tricky. It is important to take note of when reactions take place. Does the problem occur year-round or during a specific time of the year? If it is year-round it could be mold or dust. If it is seasonal it could be pollens.
This type of allergy may cause your dog to rub, lick, chew, or scratch. Dogs sometimes rub their face or ears on the carpet also. It is important to be on top of skin allergies from the environment because left untreated they can open the skin to yeast and bacterial infections. A product that helps reduce inflammation and itching is Curicyn Original Formula. It is easy to apply and can be used on any external area of the animal. This includes eyes, ears, nose, etc. In addition, Curicyn will also address any yeast or bacterial infection.
Skin allergies from food
Although some dogs have true food allergies, more often, a dog has a food sensitivity. This is also known as food intolerance. Sometimes food allergies and food intolerance can develop over time. So, just because your pup has been eating the same food all its life, doesn’t mean they are not having a reaction to their food.
While symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea, your pup’s skin may also be itchy and have whelps or hives. If your pup is experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, you need to check with your veterinarian. To help eliminate itching and skin irritations, use a topical spray like Curicyn Original Formula. Of course, the best way to take care of skin allergies from food is a change in diet.
In conclusion
Obviously, the best way to take care of dogs with skin allergies is to avoid the cause of the allergen. Sometimes this is possible, but other times it is not. If the allergy is persistent or severe, allergy testing by your vet may be the best action to take. The most important thing to understand is, skin allergies not addressed can create a risk of secondary infections. So, be proactive. If you see your pup scratching, biting, chewing, or rubbing their face and ears on the carpet, check them out. Look for red, inflamed skin, hives, sores, or hotspots, and take action.
References
Burke, A. (May 21, 2020). Dog allergies: symptoms and treatment. American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
Healthy Pets (n.d.). Slideshow: skin problems in dogs. Webmd. Retrieved from https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-skin-problems-in-dogs
Pet Education (n.d.). Canine allergic dermatitis: causes and treatment options. Animal Medical Center of Southern California. Retrieved from https://animalmedcenter.com/canine-allergic-dermatitis
PetHealthZone (n.d.). Top 10 reasons pets visit vets. Nationwide. Retrieved from https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/health-conditions/top-10-reasons-pets-visit-vets/#