Skin Allergy in Dogs

Skin allergy in dogs may be caused due to substances like pollen, molds, dust bites, etc. It can also be caused due to consumption of poisonous and stale foods like chocolates, macadamia nuts, yeast dough, etc. Some allergies in dogs are seasonal or due to inhalation of unwanted substances like spores, dust, dust mites, etc. At times, allergies occur overnight without any evident reason. Bacterial and yeast infection can also be a cause of skin allergy.

Symptoms of Skin Allergy in Dogs

The symptoms of skin allergy found in dogs include

• Hair loss
• Body odour
• Dry and flaky skin
• Welts and bumps on skin
• Swelling of whole body
• Inflamed skin
• Sores on the skin
• Thickening of skin
• Dry skin
• Skin disorder like ring worms
• Worms get attracted towards the wound formed due to allergy
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Rubbing of dog's face on the ground
• Development of cigar-shaped arachnids
• Constant itching and licking of skin

Types of Skin Allergy in Dogs

Skin allergy in dogs are broadly classified in five types:

Food Allergies: It is caused due to consumption of poisonous food like cookies and also if the same food is given for months. Almost 10% of allergies in dogs contribute to food allergies. It is mainly discovered in dogs whose age ranges from 2 - 6 years. Food is the most important aspect for maintaining the well-being of a dog.

Atopy Allergies: It is mainly caused due to the absorption and inhalation of unwanted chemical substances present in the air. To avoid dog allergy, the dog's environment should be kept clean. This allergy is the second most common allergy observed in dogs.

Flea Allergies: Flea allergies are caused when dog's blood is sucked by insects. Saliva of fleas can also affect the dog's skin and cause allergy. A single bite is enough to cause flea allergy. Dogs whose age ranges from 3 - 5 years are mainly affected with flea allergies.

Contact Allergies: Contact allergies are caused when a dog comes in contact with a substance that is allergic. The signs of allergy usually start showing after a period of 24 - 48 hours, after the contact with harmful substances like spores, mites, etc. Contact allergies are mainly developed in areas where the dog's hair is not dense.

Bacteria Allergies: It is caused due to non-contagious bacteria Staphylococcus which is also called as staph. The basic sign of bacteria allergy is itching. If neglected, itching persists and it can also become severe. Many bacteria live on the body of dog, and they are not harmful as long as the dog's body is resistant to them. They have adverse effect only when dogs immune system becomes weak. Blood test should be done to know the bacteria that has attacked the dog.

Cure for Skin Allergy in Dogs

Different remedies are suggested according to different allergies that the dog suffers from. A few of them are:

• If a dog is suffering from food allergy, it should be feed only once a day which helps in the process of detoxification. Foods like cookies and corn should be strictly avoided. The dog should be given proper medicine and pills for quick healing, and also it should be provided proper hydration.
• Dogs suffering from allergies develop red blotches, bald spots, hot spots, etc. In order to soothe these spots, apply a mixture of melaleuca (tea tree) oil and water.
• Natural menthol liniment is also a good remedy for spots.
• Spots can also be cured by applying a mixture of aspirin tablets and a teaspoon of alcohol.
• If the allergy still persists, a visit to the vet is a must.
• Home remedies for dog allergies are also quite useful

Precautions to Avoid Skin Allergy in Dogs

Precaution is always better than cure. With a few precautions, a dog can always be healthy, and can be kept away from skin allergies. A few of them are listed below:

• A cool bath for 10 minutes is one way to keep your dog clean.
• Another way is keeping the dog away from insects and fleas.
• Avoid its contact with harmful substances and allergens.
• Feeding the dog appropriate diet, and also dietary supplements is a must.

With proper care and nurture, a dog can be a blessing to us and can also become an integral part of our family.