Five Common Causes of Skin Allergies in Dogs
People who go through allergic reactions show symptoms like stuffy nose, sniffling, and frequent sneezing. But unlike people’s allergic reactions, canines don’t usually encounter the same signs. When a pet experiences allergies, their skin becomes itchy and irritated due to the surrounding allergens.
Skin conditions in canines are very common and major problems pet parents usually seek help for. However, canine skin problems can be mild or serious apart from being frequent or uncommon. Now, let’s know the typical causes of skin allergies in dogs.
What Causes Canine Skin Allergies?
Canine skin allergies can cause frequent fidgeting, chewing, scratching, and licking. If not provided with the appropriate care, it may trigger hair loss or painful injuries that may become infected. We’ve rounded up five factors that can cause skin problems to your furry companions.
1. Yeast infection
Pets with droopy ears frequently experience yeast infections. The ears, toes, and anus of your canine are among the most vulnerable areas infected by yeast. It can cause itchy skin that might cause hair loss. A dog can be prone to yeast infection during the summer season, where humid conditions are present.
Treating canines with yeast infections needs patience. Vets commonly recommend medicated shampoos or balms to cure the condition. Looking for veterinarians to inquire about your pet’s condition? You may visit them in their clinic or contact them directly on their website.
2. Ringworms
Ringworms are infectious fungal infections. If you have seen circular patches on your canine’s skin that appear slightly sore, it’s often caused by ringworms. This circular patch can slowly develop into a bald patch when not treated immediately. Additionally, there have been several reports of dog ringworm infections infecting other animals and people.
Regardless of the severeness and contagious factor of a canine ringworm skin infection, your furry companion should be immediately treated when diagnosed with the said condition. The sooner you take your pet to a dog dermatologist to get inspected, the quicker the condition will be solved.
3. Fleas
Fleas are the common cause of skin infections in dogs. They can survive in environments where your canine plays and even in harsh conditions, making flea infections more serious. Consistent skin itching, skin sores, loss of hair, and restless behavior are the significant symptoms of flea infections in canines.
Treating flea infections includes treating their surroundings like their play area, bed, and house indoors. Wanna keep your canine far from flea and parasite infestations? Getting a pet care plan is a great idea as it also covers parasite prevention treatments to keep your pet secure from pesky pests.
4. Adverse food reactions
Like other pet types, canines are also vulnerable to food allergies. This problem is triggered when their immune system mistakes proteins for allergens. Dogs with thick skin on the ears and face can indicate a food allergy. Dogs diagnosed with food allergy show signs like consistent itching on forelegs, ears, face, diarrhea, and vomiting, especially after eating protein-rich foods. The decline in their skin quality may also result in hair loss.
5. Environmental allergens
Environmental elements like airborne allergens, mildew, mold, pollen, and dust can make your canine itchy and uncomfortable, leading to hair loss and painful lesions. In addition, dogs can also develop sensitivities and allergic reactions to perfumes, fragrant sprays, lotions, and cigarette smoke.