All About Dogs Skin Allergies

Dog’s skin allergies are a common cause of rashes, itches, hives and hair loss in dogs. Unlike other allergies, dogs’ skin allergies may be linked to seasons, or to household allergens.

Prevalence
To give you some idea of just how commonplace dog’s skin allergies are, it’s estimated that around ten percent, or one in ten dogs, will suffer from dogs skin allergies! This allergy to substances in the air, also called atopy, is therefore a very common problem for pet owners around the world.

Causes
Dogs skin allergies can be caused by a variety of common allergens, for instance, when the seasons change, they may be affected by pollen, or they may show signs of dogs skin allergy when exposed to common household compounds, including mold, dust, grass or other plants, or even feathers!

Age Range
Usually, signs of dog’s skin allergies will show up between the ages of six months and three years, although it’s not unheard of before then, and if you introduce something new after that, the dog may still display dog skin allergy symptoms.

Symptoms
Most common among dog’s skin allergies sufferers is the expected itchy skin. Another common sign is licking of paws, or rubbing the face on the carpet. If your dog displays these symptoms, combined with redness or even hair loss over time, it may be a sign of an allergy.

Looking for Clues
Sometimes, figuring out what is causing your dogs skin allergies is simple. A new kennel, blanket, dish or collar, particularly, in the case of the latter, where the itchiness and redness were around the mouth or neck respectively, would indicate the source of the dog’s skin allergy. However, it’s not always that easy and sometimes your vet will need to perform an allergy test in order to figure out the cause of your dog’s skin allergy.

Chemical Triggers
Especially if you have  a dog susceptible to dogs skin allergies, take extra care when using a new shampoo, dip, powder or other chemical, as these can often trigger an allergic reaction. Look out for reactions on areas not covered in hair, and make a point of keeping your dog out of contact of any other household chemicals, to minimize the risk of dog’s skin allergies.

Emergency Care
Itching, rubbing or licking are normal signs of dog skin allergy, and should be treated with care, however, if your dog’s face, or any part of his body that came into contact with an allergen, seems swollen or puffy, you need to get immediate veterinary attention, as this almost always indicates a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction.

Living with a dog with skin allergies is tough, but it can be done. Dog’s skin allergies are usually manageable, and there are medications, lotions and other treatments out there that can make your life, and your dogs, a little easier, at least in terms of his skin allergy! Just take care to keep him away from the items he’s allergic to, and you should do fine.

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