What foods cause skin irritation in dogs
Skin Irritation in Dogs: How to Treat It at Home
Despite the fact that its a common pathology, many dog owners may have questions regarding how to deal with it at home. Below, well take on the most frequent questions regarding this issue. Whats more, well offer options regarding how to manage it.
Skin irritation in dogs?
Given that the skin is the most extensive integumentary systems in the body,canine dermatosis can occur in different areas.Therefore, its important to carefully inspect the skin if youve noticed areas with skin irritation.
When it comes to the causes of skin irritation in dogs, there are different causes. These can range from insect bites to allergies (food allergies and others).
What illnesses produce skin irritations in dogs?
The most common skin problems have to do with insect bites, allergies, or irritations. Therefore, the most common illnesses related to the skin are:
- Dermatitis. There are different classifications when it comes to dermatitis, including parasitic, bacterial, and fungal.
- Allergic dermatitis. Food allergies are the number one cause of atopic dermatitis in dogs. The second is the most frequent skin disease in dogs, affecting between 10-15% of animals.
What behavior should pet owners watch out for?
When dogs feel uncomfortable, they express their irritation through different behaviors. Therefore, you should watch out for the behaviors below:
- Frequent scratching
- Biting the skin
- Rubbing up against other objects
How to combat skin irritation in dogs at home
The advice below can help relieve itching in animals. However, you should never administer medication without first consulting with a veterinarian.
Cold water baths
One of the best ways to calm itchy skin in dogs is with a cold water bath. Bathing isnt usually one of the things dogs enjoy most, but its important when it comes to their health.
Normally, its best to bathe dogs with warm water, and only use cold water in the summer. Thats because their body temperature is very highaveraging between 100 and 102 degrees.
Therefore, dogs are more sensitive to cold water than humans because the contrast is greater. However, to relieve itching or summer heat, you can use water thats cooler than 102 degrees.
Dermatological shampoos
Currently, you can find all sorts of shampoosaromatic, all-natural, ecological, etc. However, not all of them can be used in cases of dermatitis.
When you need to wash the skin of animals that have dermatitis, its best to use dermatological shampoos.To be more specific, shampoos that have a calming and hydrating effect.
Examples of this type of shampoos arethose that contain colloidal extracts of oatmeal and glycerine. Its also a good idea to be careful when it comes to applying them to your dogs skin.
During the bath, you should apply it to the skin by means of a gentle, energetic massage, without hurting the skin. The shampoo has to be in contact with the dogs skin for around 10 minutes in order for it to be effective.
Finally, youll rinse off the shampoo and dry your pet. Its important to avoid the use of dryers. Rather, use towels or allow your dog to air dry .
Hydrating and calming lotions
Lotions are another one of the most common and recommended remedies for skin irritation in dogs. The market offers a number of varieties, but not all of them are appropriate for these cases.
When the time comes to apply them to irritated skin,experts recommend hydrating lotions.For example, any creams that contain urea, glycerine, or essential fatty acids are beneficial.
This way, youll keep your dogs skin hydrated and avoid exposing it to other lotions that can make itching worse. However,you should keep any known allergies in mind when it comes to choosing the right lotion .
Avoid contact with certain materials
When it comes to skin irritation in dogs, veterinarians may recommend avoiding the use of certain textile materials. For example, the wool and fiber present in different elements like rugs, towels, and blankets.
Though it may not seem like it,these materials can contribute to the development of skin irritation.Therefore, in the case of outbreaks, its best to keep your dog from coming into contact with these fibers.
If you notice that your dog seems restless or is behaving strangely, you should take it to the vet.Remember, only a specialist can diagnose the cause of itching and recommend the right treatment.
Its always best to practice precaution and ask for professional advice before applying home remedies, as you dont know how each one will react.
Dog Skin Allergies: What to Know
Is your dog suddenly scratching more than ever before? Dog skin allergies are one possible reason behind canine itchiness. Heres what to know about skin allergies in dogs.
What Causes Skin Allergies in Dogs?
Also called allergic dermatitis, skin allergies are the most common type of allergic reactions in dogs. There are three major causes of skin allergies in dogs: fleas, food allergies, and atopic (or environmental) allergies.
Types of Dog Skin Allergies
Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs
Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea bites. Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. This makes affected dogs extremely itchy, especially at the base of the tail, and their skin may become red, inflamed, and scabbed.
Dermatitis from fleas is the easiest to treat. In these cases, the dog reacts to saliva injected into the skin as the flea feeds. Its like having mosquito bites all over you.
The key with this type of allergy is that the itch is more intense over the tail head. You usually see fleas, or you may find flea dirt, which looks like black pepper on the skin surface. Vets typically treat flea allergy dermatitis by applying a product that kills fleas before they bite.
Food Allergies in Dogs
Food allergies and sensitivities can cause itchy skin, as well. Dogs dealing with food allergies often are itchy around the ears and paws. Gastrointestinal issues may appear, as well.
There are several possibilities for why food allergies develop. Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to developing allergies. The same holds true for atopic allergies.
The other contributing factor to food allergies is constant exposure to the same ingredients. For example, if you have continually fed a lamb and rice diet, continued exposure to those ingredients can cause intestinal inflammation and leaky gut syndrome (where the antigen is absorbed through the gut lining). The reaction appears in the skin, creating itchiness.
Talk to your vet about whether rotating foods in your dogs diet can help prevent them from developing allergies. Foods that commonly trigger dog skin allergies include grains (like corn, wheat, rice, barley, and oats) and chicken.
However, true food allergies may not be as common as people think, according to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC. True food allergies result in an immune response, which can range in symptoms from skin conditions (hives, facial swelling, and itchiness), gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and/or diarrhea) or a combination of both. In some rare cases, a severe 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 which ingredient may be causing the reaction.
Environmental Allergies in Dogs
Environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, and mold, can cause atopic allergic reactions or atopic dermatitis. In most cases, these allergies are seasonal, so you may only notice your dog scratching during certain times of the year. As with food allergies, 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). Dogs often scratch their ears or lick their paws.
There is some debate about how these allergens cause itchiness. The traditional theory is that your dog may inhale them, then these allergens proceed through the lungs into the bloodstream, eventually finding their way to the skin. The other possibility is that they settle on the skin and migrate between the skin cells to the lower skin layers (the dermis). Either way, an allergen reacts with an antibody, which triggers the release of a histamine, causing itchiness.
Your vet may diagnose atopic allergies with intradermal skin testing, where allergens are injected into the skin to look for reactions. They may also treat atopic allergies with medication (such as canine antihistamines, cyclosporine for dogs, or prednisone for dogs) and also with allergy injections (hyposensitization).
With all dog skin allergies, there is the risk of secondary infection. As your dog scratches, bites, and licks at their skin, they risk opening up their skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.
Dog Skin Conditions, From Belly Rashes to Scabs and Sores
Skin problems are among the most common reasons dogs end up at the veterinarians office.
A dogs skin condition can have a wide range of causes, from external parasites like fleas and mites, to allergies and serious endocrine disorders.
While some dogs skin conditions can be treated at home, any worsening skin issue or one that continues beyond one or two weeks without improvement is a good reason to head to your veterinarian.
Here are some telltale signs of common skin problems for dogs and what could be causing them.
Common Signs of Skin Problems for Dogs
Find out what could be causing your dogs skin condition and what you can do about it.
Rash (Commonly on the Belly)
A rash (redness or irritation) can occur on any part of your dogs skin but is commonly seen on the belly. Common causes of a dogs belly rash are:
Contact dermatitis, which is a reaction to coming into contact with something irritating like poison ivy, fertilizer, or lawn chemicals
Insect bites
Allergies
If contact dermatitis is suspected, wash the affected skin to remove any of the irritant that may still be present.
For a rash caused by insect bites that doesnt appear to be bothering your dog, no treatment is necessary. The spots should go away on their own.
For a rash caused by insect bites or allergies that is bothering your dog, give your dog a cool bath using a dog shampoo containing colloidal oatmeal. Contact your veterinarian if the rash persists.
Scabs
Scabs, or crusting of the skin, can be the primary problem, or it can occur after a short-lived pustule (or pimple) pops and crusts over. Scabs on dogs can be caused by:
Treatments will differ, but they may include medicated shampoos or ointments, and possibly oral antibiotics or an antiparasitic medication.
Red Spots
Red spots on a dogs belly during the late spring and early summer can be caused by black fly bites. These flat, red spots typically do not bother dogs and can be left untreated.
Black fly bites can be confused with ringworm spots, which do require treatment in the form of topical or oral antifungals.
Black fly bites will appear suddenly, be accompanied by other bites, be confined to the belly, and not bother the dog.
Ringworm, on the other hand, can appear anywhere, may or may not irritate your dog, and usually starts in one area as opposed to several areas appearing at once.
Small Red Bumps
Raised red bumps can be caused by several different things. If the bumps are smaller and include crusts, they may be caused by a bacterial or fungal skin infection called folliculitis. This is typically treated by your veterinarian with oral antibiotics and possibly with medicated shampoos or ointments.
Large Red Bumps
If the bumps are larger and flatter with no crusting, they may be hives caused by an allergic reaction. They are usually treated with an antihistamine and/or steroids. While usually not life-threatening, the swelling caused by an allergic reaction can obstruct the airway, so its important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Redness/Irritated Skin
Along with itching, redness and irritation are often the most common signs of allergies in dogs. Finding the cause of the allergic reaction, whether its to a food, fleas, or something in their environment, is the most effective way to treat the irritated skin.
While the root cause is being discovered, and to give your dog temporary relief, a gentle oatmeal dog shampoo or oatmeal bath can be used to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Hot Spots
A hot spot is a moist, irritated area of skin, usually with hair matted over it. Hot spots are caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. The excessive licking introduces bacteria to traumatized skin, causing the hot spot.
Hot spots are more common in hot, humid climates and will sometimes arise after a dog has been exposed to moisture from swimming or muddy/rainy weather. They are also more common in dogs with a dense undercoat.
Uncomplicated hot spots can be treated by carefully clipping the area to allow the skin to breathe and cleaning the area with medication or a topical solution recommended by your veterinarian. You can prevent hot spots by keeping your dog groomed and drying them after swimming or being in the rain.
Dry/Flaky Skin
Flaking of your dogs skin can be caused by more serious conditions like seborrhea, where a dog produces too much sebum, or cheyletiellosis, a condition caused by a mite thats also known as walking dandruff.
But these flakes can also simply be a sign of dry skin. Ensuring that your dog is fed a good-quality food that is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a good first step in maintaining their skin health. If the flaking continues, consult your veterinarian.
Itchy Skin
The two main causes of itchy skin are allergies and external parasites like fleas and mites.
Allergies
Itchiness due to allergies usually involves a dogs feet, armpits, flank, ears, and groin. Mild allergies or itchiness can be treated with a soothing dog shampoo containing oatmeal. Switching your dog to a sensitive-skin diet (which often contain fish as the main protein source and are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) can also help.
External Parasites
Fleas will more commonly cause itchiness at the base of the tail, on the stomach, and along the inner thighs. Itchiness due to fleas and mites (that cause sarcoptic mange) will needed to be treated with medications specific to the type of parasite, such as a flea preventative.
Hair Loss/Bald Patches
The causes of hair loss, excessive shedding, or bald patches in dogs are extremely varied, including:
Allergies
Ectoparasites like fleas and mange mites (demodectic mange)
Cushings disease
Pressure sores, most often seen in large breed dogs, will cause hair loss at bony pressure spots like the elbow
Genetics
Stress
Poor nutrition
Most causes of hair loss in dogs require a trip to the veterinarian to diagnose the cause. If you suspect pressure sores, ensuring your large breed dog has a cushioned place to lie down can help prevent the pressure sores.
Sores
Sores that do not have an obvious cause or are not healing properly could be the sign of a serious underlying condition such as cancer or another disorder that is preventing proper healing. These areas should be kept clean and seen by your veterinarian.
Dark Spots
Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, can be secondary to chronic inflammation, in which case, they can clear up (slowly) if the underlying condition is treated. Dark spots on dogs can also indicate a hormone-associated disorder or be a sign of skin damage from the sun, trauma, or constant friction.
See your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause of dark spots.
WRITTEN BY
Geneva Pagliai, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Geneva Pagliai was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. She received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from...
