Skin allergies are a common reason pet owners take their dogs to the veterinarian. There are various factors which contribute to dog skin allergies. Heredity is a factor as well as the breed of the dog. Allergies are an uncomfortable reaction to the exposure of food, inhalant or another element in your dog's environment. The allergen is what your dog is being exposed to that is causing this reaction. A dog must have been exposed to an allergen at least twice to be able to receive an allergic reaction towards it. The first exposure causes the immune system to initiate a problem with the allergen. The second exposure actually triggers an allergic reaction in your dog.
Causes of Skin Allergies
There are four categories which separate the different types of dog allergies:
- Caused by bites from fleas or other insect (flea allergy, dermatitis)
- Caused by inhaled allergens; for example dust mites, mold, grass, trees and weed pollens (canine atopy)
- Caused by food and drugs (food allergies)
- Caused by irritations due to direct contact to the skin (contact allergies)
Symptoms of Skin Allergies
Certain general symptoms your dog may experience due to an allergic reaction can include:
- General itchiness; possible chewing, licking and scratching
- Hair has been chewed leaving bald spots
- Skin is red and in extreme cases broken
- Damaged skin darkened and thickened
- Stopper pad of paw is bald
- Paws red and moist between toes and cysts may start forming
- Damaged areas are infected by bacteria and fungi displaying pus
- Reoccurring ear infections
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