Dog Skin AllergiesDog skin allergies, or contact dermatitis, are a major cause of skin disease in dogs. Skin allergies in dogs are caused by an allergen (or substance) that comes into contact with your dog's skin—and causes an allergic reaction.
Photo courtesy of blechdom
The allergen that causes a canine skin allergy can be a common everyday item like:
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pet doctor online. Symptoms of Dog Skin AllergiesIf your dog has allergic skin disease, you will notice that he has a lot of itching! If you look closer, you will see that his skin is red and moist in patches. You will see some lesions or sores on his feet, chin, legs, genital areas and lower abdomen. As you may have already guessed, the areas that don’t have hair are most susceptible.
Photo courtesy of Beatrice Murch Dogs allergic to flea collars will have noticeable irritation in the neck area. In order to determine the source of the problem, your dog's vet will ask you questions about anything that you think may have caused the problem. Keep track of any new experiences (like playing in the tall weeds at a picnic) or any changes in the home (new carpet or waxed the kitchen floor with a new wax) so that you can help your vet understand what your dog has been exposed to. Flea Allergy DermatitisThe most common form of contact dermatitis is flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). While there are other kinds of canine allergies to contact substances, fleas are the main cause for dogs living in areas of moderate temperatures below 5000 feet.In the US, the problem is seasonal for dogs in the north. In the south, it occurs year-round. Flea allergy dermatitis is not a sensitivity to fleas. It is actually a sensitivity to flea saliva. I know this is a fine distinction, but there is a difference. If your pet’s dog allergy problem is flea allergy dermatitis, she will experience intense itching. For dogs that are susceptible, even one tiny flea can drive her crazy! Signs of Skin Allergies in DogsIn early stages, flea saliva allergies are most noticeable on the back and tail, especially over the top of the tail, right where it joins the back. The reddened affected area then usually spreads along the back toward the head.Also look in areas where your dog’s coat is thin or he doesn’t have any hair for signs of contact dermatitis. This could be in his armpits, chin, elbows, hocks, foot pads, abdomen or his genitals. In the beginning, you will just see redness. As the problem gets worse, you will see pustules and crusty areas form. There may be some hair loss also. Behavior-wise, your dog will scratch away! He will lick or bite the affected areas. And you will find him scratching his back against your furniture and rolling on his back. Anything…to relieve the intense itching! There are some natural products that will relieve itching. I recommend trying a natural shampoo with oatmeal and aloe if your dog has a problem with dog skin allergies. If the problem is flea contact dermatitis, you need to get rid of the fleas. This can be a major project, so arm yourself a
good flea shampoo
and with flea sprays and flea killers--and stay focused on the activity! Since everyone in the house will be exposed to the chemicals used, try using natural products that won't be harmful—to any of you!
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