What do dog allergy bumps look like

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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Types of Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them

Have you heard someone tell you that their dog has allergies? Has your veterinarian suggested that allergies could be a problem for your dog? Do you suspect that your dog has allergies? If so, then youve probably realized that allergies in dogs are not quite as simple as we might wish. For starters, there are several different types of allergies that could be causing your dogs symptoms.

Allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the bodys immune system, which, of course, people and pets can suffer from. There are quite a few different types of allergies in dogs. Skin allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergens all pose challenges for dogs and their owners, and to make things more complicated, the symptoms of all these different types of allergies can overlap.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

The symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the cause. A dog that goes into anaphylactic shock, for instance, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is very different from a skin condition.

In general, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of an allergic reaction.

Itchiness
Hives
Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
Red, inflamed skin
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sneezing
Itchy ears
Chronic ear infections
Itchy, runny eyes
Constant licking

Some of these symptoms could also be a sign of another condition. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice changes in their behavior to get an accurate diagnosis.

Types of Allergic Reactions in Dogs

Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

Skin allergies in dogs, known as allergic dermatitis, is the most common type of allergic reaction in dogs. Skin allergies in dogs are mainly caused by one of three things: fleas, food allergies, and atopicor environmentalallergies.Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites, and some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause their skin to become red, inflamed, or scabbed because their skin will feel extremely itchy. Its the easiest type of allergic dermatitis to treat, since you can apply flea medication for dogs to help heal their skin.

Another cause of skin allergy in dogs is from food allergies and sensitivities. Just like humans can be allergic to certain foods or ingredients, dogs can be allergic, which can cause itchy skin. Dogs with food allergies usually have itchy ears or paws, sometimes along with gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says that food allergies are not as common as you might think. True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from hives, facial swelling, and itchiness to gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea or a combination of both.

Environmental allergens can also affect the skin and be the cause of allergic dermatitis. Things like dust, pollen, fungus, and mold can cause these reactions, but in most cases, these allergies are seasonal. As with food allergies that affect the skin, the most commonly affected areas are the paws and ears (but also include the wrists, ankles, muzzle, underarms, groin, around the eyes, and in between the toes).

All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at his skin, he risks opening up his skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.

Urticaria, or Hives, in Dogs

Also known as urticaria, hives on dogs are very itchy but are not life-threatening. Hives appear as a reaction anywhere from 6 to 24 hours after exposure to allergens. This consists of itchy, swelled skin, that usually looks like a red rash. Its easiest to spot hives on dogs that are hairless or have short coats. Dogs with longer hair can get them too, but its more likely that youd be able to fee the hives rather than see them. Your vet will prescribe an antihistamine in order to treat urticaria in dogs.

Edema of Face or Throat

Swelling of the throat or face looks severe, but its actually almost never fatal. This area of swelling, which can also include swelling of the eyelids or ear flaps, is known as angioneurotic edema. Its actually pretty easily treated, and despite how it looks, its a good sign in terms of allergic reactions.

If your dog has edema of any of these areas, the time for a fatal allergic reaction has most likely passed, and they arent in as much danger. Angioneurotic edema occurs anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours after exposure to an allergen, and can also come with hives.A veterinarian will often give dogs with this reaction an antihistamine injection. Untreated, it may take a day or two for the swelling to subside.

Anaphylactic Shock

Perhaps the most alarming of all the types of allergic reactions in dogs is anaphylactic shock. Like people, dogs can go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen. This happens when antibodies produced by the host react negatively to the allergen, dropping your dogs blood pressure rapidly and sending them into shock. This can be fatal if not treated, but luckily, anaphylactic reactions are rare in dogs.

This can be a response to any allergen, most commonly bee or wasp stings, or vaccine reactions. Because of this, your vet will always recommend keeping a close eye on your dog after theyve been given any new vaccine, drug, or food item, as they might be allergic.

If a dog has had a past incident and survived, the owner may carry an epipen, but sometimes the first occurrence can lead to death. Fortunately these reactions are very rare in dogs.

In some rare cases, a severe food allergy reaction resulting in anaphylaxis can occur, similar to severe peanut allergies in humans. The best way to diagnose and treat a food allergy is to work with your veterinarian to manage your dogs symptoms and discover the ingredient causing the reaction.

Diagnosing Allergies in Dogs

Flea allergy dermatitis is typically the easiest allergy to diagnose. It is usually diagnosed by identifying fleas on your dogs body and applying a product that kills fleas before they can bite to see if that solves the issues.

The first thing your veterinarian will do in allergy testing is rule out any other condition that could be causing your dogs symptoms. If your veterinarian feels that an allergy is a likely cause, they may propose allergy testing to try and determine the cause of the allergen that is causing the reaction. However, keep in mind it may not always be possible to determine the cause of an allergy with testing.

If you have ever undergone allergy testing, then you know that diagnosing allergies is often complicated. Its the same for dogs, but its worth it to understand what to stay away from when it comes to your dog.Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet. A food trial consists of feeding a dog one source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks.

Treating Allergies in Dogs

The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen, which may not always be possible. They type of treatment depends on the type of allergy your dog has. For example, the best way to treat flea allergy dermatitis is to kill the fleas, whereas the best way to treat a food allergy or food intolerance is a change in diet.

Depending on the cause and severity of your dogs allergic reaction, your veterinarian will prescribe different things. For hives, they might suggest antihistamines, cortisones, medicated shampoos, whereas with food allergies they might suggest fish oil or other Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. For skin allergies, they might prescribe dog-safe anti-inflammatory wipes or shampoo on skin to provide irritation relief.

In addition to any lifestyle changes that might be necessary, your veterinarian may also prescribe an allergy relief medication for your dog that will help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction, such as itching and any secondary skin infections that might have developed as a result of the irritant.

If your dog has a severe allergic reaction, your best course of action is to get them to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.

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.

Featured Image: iStock.com/dimarik

References

Diaz, S. Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. 2022.

Atopic Dermatitis (Canine). Veterinary Information Network. 2020.