Introduction
Skin allergies in dogs are the result of immune reactions to allergens in the dog’s environment or food. Skin allergies are classified as:
- Atopic - the dog is inhaling the allergen from the environment
- Parasitic - the dog is having an allergic reaction from exposure to parasites
- Food allergies - the dog is allergic to an ingredient in its diet
- Contact - the dog is allergic to something that comes into contact with the dog’s skin
Dogs at Risk to Skin Allergies
Allergies in dogs can occur in any breed, at any age, but some groups of dogs are at a higher risk for developing allergies. Breeds with skin folds (English Bulldog, Sharpei, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pug, etc.) seem to be at an increased risk for allergic skin reactions and infections, and dogs living in hot and humid climates are also at a higher allergen risk particularly due to the increased amount of parasites living in their environment year round.
Symptoms of Skin Allergies in Dogs
Symptoms of skin allergies include severe itchiness, red patches on the skin, ear infections, vomiting or diarrhea, weight loss, depression, sores between the dog’s paws, genital region and the base of the tail, eye infections or discharge in the eyes, and weepy hot spots.
Treating Skin Allergies in Dogs
The treatment for skin allergies include identifying the allergen which is causing the condition, treating itchy symptoms through medicated shampoos and prescription medications, addressing any secondary bacterial or fungal infections which have occurred on the skin, and reducing the dog’s immune response to the allergen through antihistamines or corticoid medications.
Outlook for Dogs with Skin Allergies
The outlook for skin allergies in dogs is mixed. For some dogs the condition is easily treated through parasite control and medicated shampoos. Other dogs may continue to experience severe symptoms and the cause of the condition may remain frustratingly elusive. For these dogs, continual medication regimens to control the allergic reaction are the only treatments available.