Is my skin allergic to my dog

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Skin allergies in dogs: Vet's guide to signs and treatment

Is your pup incessantly itchy and scratchy? The presence of skin allergies in dogs is an uncommon but certainly uncomfortable condition that can occur at any age and in any breed.

While it may be tempting to try home remedies or over the counter medications to treat your dogs itching, these treatments rarely work and may even be harmful in some cases. Instead, its best to see your veterinarian to have the problem appropriately diagnosed and treated. From the selection of appropriate dog food for allergies to tackling environmental causes, read on to learn more about skin allergies in dogs and what you can do to help get your dog feeling better quickly.

What causes skin allergies in dogs?

Like humans, dogs can have allergies to foods, environmental allergens, or both. Both food and environmental allergies can result in cutaneous (skin) reactions.

Food allergies

A food allergy, better defined as an adverse food reaction, is an abnormal response to the ingestion of a particular food or food additive. The body incorrectly identifies the food molecules as an antigen, or a threat, and mounts an immune response against them, leading to symptoms like itchy skin or diarrhea.

Food allergies most often develop after prolonged exposure to one type of food. In dogs, the most common food allergens are beef, chicken, lamb, and wheat. Allergies to soybean, milk, eggs, corn, walnuts, and possibly peanuts have also been reported. Dogs that have developed an allergy to one type of food may also develop allergies to additional foods in the future.

Environmental allergies

Environmental allergies results from a defect in the skins epidermal barrier, which is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These epidermal barrier defects allow allergens such as pollen to penetrate the skin surface and bind to immune cells, triggering an inappropriate immune response.

This results in an inflammatory process that leaves the dog itchy, red, and uncomfortable. Common allergens in dogs include pollens, grasses, dust mites, molds, and dander.

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Symptoms of skin allergies in dogs

Food and environmental allergies look very similar and are impossible to distinguish by symptoms alone. The common symptoms of allergies in dogs include:

Chronic itching
Recurrent skin or ear infections
Hair loss, redness, and crusting of the skin
Self-trauma such as scabbing, hair loss, and saliva staining
Frequent scratching or licking

Other skin conditions can also cause similar symptoms, so if you suspect your dog may have allergies, its important to see your veterinarian first for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Your veterinarian will perform a full head to tail physical examination and may recommend some additional testing such as a skin scraping or sampling from your pets skin. Once the underlying cause of your pets itching and discomfort has been diagnosed, your vet will be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan to help get your pup feeling better.

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How are skin allergies in dogs treated?

Treating food allergies

Food allergies are both diagnosed and treated using an elimination diet trial. Your dog will be put on a special diet for a minimum of eight weeks. This diet may be a limited ingredient diet, a novel protein diet, or a prescription hydrolyzed diet. Your dog must eat this food and no other food, treats, table scraps, or flavored medications for a minimum of eight weeks.

If your dogs skin symptoms resolve during the eight week trial, then this is diagnostic for food allergies. Your dog will need to stay on a special diet for life to avoid the ingredients that he or she is allergic to.

Managing environmental allergies

Environmental allergies are more difficult to manage because your dog cant avoid pollens or dust. Environmental allergies are typically managed with prescription allergy medications.

These may be given in the form of daily pills or monthly injections. Some dogs with environmental allergies may also benefit from immunotherapy injections, where they are exposed to low levels of the allergens they are allergic to and thus slowly desensitized to them.

Your dog first must have an allergy test to determine which environmental allergens he or she is sensitive to, and then your veterinarian can special order the injections for your dog.

In both cases, your dog may also need to be treated for any skin or ear infections that have arisen secondary to the allergies. Ear infections are typically treated with topical medications, such as medicated ear cleaners or topical ointments. Skin infections typically require oral antibiotics to treat.

Your dog may also need a course of steroids or prescription allergy medication to help reduce the itching and inflammation associated with these skin infections. Treating the underlying infection will help improve your dogs itching and also make your dogs allergies more responsive to treatment.

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Can skin allergies in dogs be prevented?

Unfortunately, because allergies are caused by genetic and environmental factors, they cannot be prevented. We can only manage allergies as they occur. We can prevent flare-ups of allergies by avoiding the offending allergens, such as by feeding a prescription diet to prevent food allergy flare-ups or minimizing dust in the home to reduce environmental allergies.

And although allergies cannot be truly prevented, we do know that there is a genetic component to the development of allergies. This means it is best to avoid breeding dogs with allergies to avoid passing on this condition to the next generation of puppies.

Conclusion

Allergies in dogs can cause a lot of itching and discomfort, but the good news is that they can be managed. If you suspect your dog has allergies, the first step is a visit to your veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Remember to follow your veterinarians instructions closely to ensure the best outcome for your dog.

Whether your dog has food allergies, environmental allergies, or a combination of the two, there are steps you can take to manage this condition and help get your dog back to feeling his or her best again.

Skin Allergies or Bug Bites: What Does My Dog Have?

If your dog is scratching themselves more often than normal and you notice a rash or bump on their skin, its time to investigate the source of the itching. Symptoms related to itching could mean a variety of underlying issues, such as skin allergies, flea infestation, external parasites like fleas and mites, skin infections, or even skin cancer.

It's important to identify the cause of the scratching or bumps with the help of a veterinarian. Once you know what's going on, your vet can start treatment immediately.

Key Takeaways

Skin allergies and bug bites can often have similar symptoms on a pup.
It's important to identify what your dog has to treat the issue effectively.
If a skin allergy is left untreated, it may lead to a bigger issue or even an infection. Consult with your veterinarian if you're unsure what your dog has.

Types of Skin Allergies in Dogs

The most common types of skin allergies in dogs are:

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Dogs with FAD are hypersensitive to flea saliva, and even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching and skin irritation. All dogs are essentially allergic to fleas, so staying proactive on flea control preventative medication is critical to a dogs health.

Food Allergies

Certain proteins like chicken, beef, and pork in your dog's diet can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in skin problems such as itching, redness, and a rash. Your vet can help determine the source of the food allergy and recommend a food prescription diet.

Atopic Dermatitis

Also known as environmental allergies, atopic dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to triggers like plant pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or other environmental allergens. The most common symptom is profound itchiness of the face, ears, paws, armpits, and abdomen.

Contact Dermatitis

A contact dermatitis allergy occurs when your dog's skin comes into direct contact with irritants like certain plants, chemicals, or certain materials, leading to localized itching and inflammation. Eliminating the allergen source will usually resolve skin allergy symptoms.

What Do Skin Allergies Look Like on Dogs?

When dogs have skin allergies, pet parents may notice various symptoms, including:

Excessive scratchingDogs with allergies often scratch themselves excessively, especially in areas like the armpits, belly, and rump.
Redness and inflammationAllergic reactions can cause the skin to become red, inflamed, and visibly irritated.
BumpsRaised bumps or hives may develop on the dog's skin, resembling mosquito bites. These can be small, red, itchy spots or pimples that may be scattered across the body.
Hair lossExcessive scratching and chewing can lead to hair loss or thinning of the coat in specific areas. Bald patches or uneven fur growth might also be noticeable.
Sores and hot spotsDogs may develop sores or hot spots, which are inflamed and infected areas of the skin. These can be moist, red, and painful, often accompanied by oozing of pus or crusting.
Itchy earsEar infections can cause your dogs ears to be red and itchy. You may notice yellow, tan, or brown discharge in their ear canals.

Skin allergies in dogs typically require a trip to your veterinarian.

Symptoms of Skin Allergies on Dogs

In addition to physical symptoms, behavioral signs could indicate a skin allergy issue, including:

Constant licking or chewing, particularly the ears, paws, and rear end.
Rubbing themselves against furniture, carpet, or other surfaces to relieve itching and irritation.
Frequently changing positions, pacing around due to discomfort, or having difficulty sleeping.
Becoming irritable or exhibiting signs of aggression, such as yelping or growling, when a sensitive area is touched.

While skin allergies are one potential cause of excessive itching in dogs, its important to determine if a bug bite is actually the culprit.

Types of Bug Bites on Dogs

The most common types of bug bites on dogs include the following.

Fleas

Fleas are a common external parasite that can bite dogs and cause itchy, red bumps. Dogs with flea infestations may exhibit excessive scratching, hair loss, and inflamed skin.

Ticks

Ticks will attach themselves to a dog's skin and feed on their blood. Tick bites can be identified as small, raised bumps, and the tick may still be attached to the skin.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can bite dogs, causing small, itchy bumps similar to mosquito bites on humans. Dogs may scratch or bite at the affected areas. Mosquito bites can also transmit diseases such as heartworm disease, which is why heartworm preventative medication is so important.

Ant Bites

Ant bites may result in bright red papules on the skin that can cause itchiness. They are usually found on the belly or on the inside areas of the rear legs.

Spider Bites

Spider bites, depending on the type of spider, can affect dogs, leading to localized swelling, redness, and pain.

Mites

Mites such as sarcoptic and demodex mites can result in red, scaly, and crusty patches of skin, along with hair loss.

Other Insects

Stings by bees, hornets, or wasps usually result in localized swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the sting.

What Do Bug Bites Look Like on Dogs?

Bug bites on dogs can vary in appearance, but general characteristics may look like:

Raised bumpsThe size and color of the bumps can vary depending on the type of bug and the dog's individual reaction. They may be small, red, or slightly swollen.
Small red dots or clustersUsually found where the bugs tend to bite, such as the abdomen, groin, or armpits.
A raised, circular rashIn some cases, this can mean a tick bite. It can show up within 30 days of the bite. In other cases, a tick bite will not leave a lesion.

While skin allergies are one potential cause of excessive itching in dogs, its important to determine if a bug bite is actually the culprit.

While bug bites and allergies can share some similarities in terms of itching and redness, there are a few differences to consider:

Allergic reactions tend to be more generalized, affecting larger areas of the body, but bug bites are often localized to the site of the bite.
Allergies can have a more widespread impact on the dog's skin, causing rashes, hives, or other allergic dermatitis symptoms. Bug bites, on the other hand, usually result in smaller, distinct bumps at the bite locations.
Allergies can be triggered by various allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, while bug bites are caused by insects or spider bites.

Symptoms of Bug Bites on Dogs

Insect bite reactions can range from mild to severe and include:

Itching and local inflammation
Hives
Swelling of the ears, eyelids, or muzzle

Pale gums
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Collapse

Additional behavior and symptoms may include a dog becoming restless and agitated due to the discomfort and itching caused by the bites. They may struggle to find a comfortable position and may appear more anxious or irritable than usual. Dogs may also excessively lick or bite at the affected areas to relieve itching and discomfort caused by bug bites. This behavior can lead to further skin irritation and potential secondary infections.

Treatment of Skin Allergies and Bug Bites on Dogs

Skin allergies in dogs typically require a trip to your veterinarian. Your vet will do a thorough examination of your dog, paying particular attention to their skin and hair coat. They will also take a sample of fur and material on the surface of the skin to examine under a microscope.

Allergy testing can identify the specific allergens causing the reaction. This can be done through blood or skin tests to determine what is triggering your dog's skin allergies. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan may include medications (antihistamines, steroids), medicated shampoos, topical sprays, dietary changes like a prescription diet, or immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Typically, minor bug bites can be managed at home, following these steps:

Gently clean the affected area with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
If there is swelling or inflammation, a cold compress (a clean cloth soaked in cold water) can help decrease swelling and soothe the area for 510 minutes at a time.
Putting on an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking or biting at their skin.
With bee or wasp stings, an oral antihistamine like Benadryl can usually be given after you have talked with your veterinarian.

If the bug bite causes severe symptoms, such as excessive swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

While over-the-counter (OTC) products like topical creams or ointments may provide some relief for bug bites, it's best to consult with a veterinarian before using them. Some ingredients, like lidocaine and zinc oxide, can be toxic to dogs if ingested, or they may not be suitable for specific situations.

Keeping Your Dog Itch-Free

To keep your dog itch-free, there are several preventative measures you can follow:

Regularly groom your dog. Bathing and brushing their coat can help prevent matting and remove loose fur.
Provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet to support their overall immune system and skin health. Research suggests that omega 3 fatty acids (from fish oil) are beneficial to a dogs skin and coat.
Use veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention products like spot-on treatments, oral medications, and flea collars. Regularly check your dog for fleas and ticks, especially during peak seasons.
Regularly vacuum carpets, wash bedding, and treat indoor and outdoor areas with pet-safe insecticides.
Managing your dogs allergies may involve dietary changes, using hypoallergenic bedding, minimizing exposure to specific environmental triggers, or considering allergy shots (immunotherapy).
Limit your dog's outdoor time during peak activity periods, such as dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are more prevalent. Avoiding areas with high insect populations, tall grass, or stagnant water can also help reduce the chances of bug bites.

Dog Skin Allergies or Dog Bug Bites FAQs

Are certain dog breeds more predisposed to bug bites or skin allergies?

Some dog breeds may be more prone to skin allergies, such as English Bulldogs, Boxers, and Labrador Retrievers, due to their genetics and skin characteristics. As for bug bites, all dogs are susceptible, but those with shorter hair or lighter skin may be more affected.

Can dogs have an allergic reaction to bug bites?

Yes, dogs can have allergic reactions to bug bites. Certain dogs may be more sensitive to the venom or saliva injected during a bite, leading to an exaggerated immune response. This can result in symptoms such as intense itching, swelling, hives, or even anaphylaxis, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

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