Signs and Symptoms of Dog Skin Allergies

When it comes to animal wellness, skin irritation is an unfortunate constant in the life of most dogs. Just like with humans, there is a multitude of external stimuli that could cause potential skin irritation. Most commonly, skin problems are related to an allergic reaction that manifests as an unpleasant and uncomfortable irritation. With proper knowledge of these skin conditions, which are often the result of allergies, they can be correctly identified and diagnosed. Whether the allergic reaction is brought on by food or the environment, skin ailments are often treatable and preventable with the right care and the right pet shampoo. This article will address and identify the signs and symptoms of dog skin allergies to help you determine if your dog is experiencing the discomfort of an aversion-related condition.

Simply put, an allergy is an immune system reaction to an external stimulant. When a foreign substance enters the body, the immune system interacts with that substance and reacts appropriately to keep the body healthy. An allergy is the result of an overreaction by the immune system, typically manifested in some kind of physical irritation.

While allergies may seem to come on all of a sudden, they are actually the result of a long period of exposure to a particular stimulant, which is also known as an allergen. Long-term exposure to a specific allergen causes the immune system distress, and it begins to flag the allergen as a threat. The immune system then triggers a response in the form of an allergic reaction, as it tries to eradicate the allergen from the body. 

As addressed in the explanation of what an allergy is, it is relatively common for a dog to develop an allergy to something as they grow older. As your dog’s immune system is repeatedly bombarded by the same stimulant, it begins to produce antibodies to protect itself from potential long-term illness. These antibodies are built up over time and develop into allergies as your dog ages. Typically, allergies brought on by external stimuli will begin to manifest after your dog has reached adulthood, but could start showing up in your dog as early as six months old. In some rare cases, it may take longer for an allergy to become a problem, and it is not uncommon for dogs to develop allergies late into their adult lives. 

For the most part, dogs are allergic to environmental stimuli. The most common allergens that a dog is susceptible to developing an aversion to are:

• Heat
• Grass
• Pollen
• Dust Mites
• Mold Spores
• Food
• Bug Bites

Medically speaking, a skin allergy is known as allergic dermatitis, which refers to the inflammation or irritation of the dermis, aka the skin. Symptoms will differ depending on the severity and classification of the allergy, but for the most part, skin allergies can be identified by one or more of the following symptoms:

• Itching
• Excessive licking – especially in the paws and feet
• Itchy ears – shaking his head back and forth
• Biting, gnawing at the skin
• Excessive chewing
• Hair Loss
• Red, inflamed skin
• Visible rashes
• Hives and other bumps
• Swollen face and paws 

There are three main points of entry for an allergen. An allergen can be introduced through breathing, eating, and direct skin contact. There are four main categories in which all of the different allergens fit. Regarding the different types of allergens that a dog could potentially be vulnerable to, allergens can most often be classified as a member of one of these four groups:

Inhaled

These are allergens that your dog breathes in. Entering through the bronchial passages, examples of these types of allergens include dust mites, mold spores, pollen, and dander. This list of inhalants is just as prevalent in dogs as they are in humans, and believe it or not, your dog can be allergic to the dander of other types of animals. While inhalants often manifest as respiratory symptoms in humans, in dogs, they are more commonly presented as some form of skin rash or other condition.

Inhaled allergens are, for the most part, seasonal. As different strains of pollen bloom in the spring and summer, you may notice your dog exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction as a result of seasonal allergies. Typical treatments for skin allergies as a result of inhaled allergens range from dog-safe antihistamines to specially formulated anti-itch shampoo.

Ingested

This is an allergen that your dog consumes. Typically, these allergens come from a food source, but could be the result of your dog eating or drinking something outside of their regular diet that you are unaware of. Maybe your dog gets into the toilet bowl or eats a specific plant while you are on your walk without you knowing. Monitoring what your dog consumes is an integral part of fighting against skin allergies in your dog.

Ingested allergens will often produce the same types of symptoms as inhaled allergens, with the potential to exhibit additional severity. Typically, your dog's food allergies will be caused by the type of allergen that triggers swelling in the face, ears, and mouth. A skin-related food allergy often exhibits itself in the extremities, i.e., the paws and feet. If your dog shows symptoms of a skin allergy, like licking his paws or irritation in the skin flaps of the ears, consider a food allergy as the potential culprit.

Implanted

This type of allergen refers to any substance that enters your dog from a source other than its own. Fleas and ticks are the biggest culprits of spreading implanted allergens. An implanted allergen is any substance that enters your dog’s bloodstream as a byproduct of another source. For example, when a flea bites your dog, their saliva gets into your dog’s blood, and subsequently, your dog’s immune system is introduced to an implanted allergen.

Implanted allergens are associated with the most severe forms of skin symptoms. Typically, allergies developed from implanted allergens, such as bug bites, will show up in the form of hives, rashes, and inflamed skin. You may need to separate your dog’s fur to correctly identify this type of allergen. Typically, dogs experiencing an itchy rash, such as hives, will exhibit behaviors like gnawing and aggressive scratching. These signs should be taken as cues for an owner to check their dog’s skin below the fur to identify any skin irritation that may be affecting the dermis.

Contact

Contact allergies are, as they sound, the result of an irritant making direct contact with your dog’s body and skin. The allergens most commonly associated with this type of classification include fertilizers, pesticides, household chemicals, and even over-the-counter dog-specific topical medicines. Sometimes it is hard to remember that your dog’s skin is vulnerable because it is covered with fur. However, your dog’s coat, as much as it is a deterrent from allergens reaching the surface, is also very good at trapping irritants below the fur, causing prolonged exposure to the skin.

While it may come as no surprise that chemicals like fertilizers and household cleaners may cause skin irritation, over-the-counter dog-specific topical treatments may be a surprise as a potential allergen. It is essential to remember that the sensitivity of each dog’s skin varies based on genetics, environment, and overall health. What may have worked on another dog in the past, or for most dogs you know, could be making your dog’s skin condition worse.

For the most part, contact allergies develop on the skin more rapidly than the other types of allergies mentioned previously. Additionally, contact allergies are the least common type of skin allergy in dogs. Even still, it is vital to introduce chemicals that come in direct contact with your dog’s skin on a trial basis to ensure that there are no adverse allergic reactions. As a friendly reminder, consider purchasing household products made with pet-friendly materials to minimize potential contact with allergy triggers. 

Unfortunately for dogs, allergies can be passed down through genetic material. Inherited allergies are more common in purebred dogs than they are in mixed breeds, but all dogs can be at risk for inheriting allergies from their parents. Often, genetic traits like allergies are passed down in purebreds because there is not enough genetic variance to eradicate the allergic predisposition from one generation to the next. Inherited allergies tend to be of the inhalant category and are usually seasonal in nature. 

Heat rash is most certainly a type of allergic reaction. While it is not categorized in one of the classifications above, heat is an external stimulant that induces an immune response from your dog. As a result, heat rash can be classified as a type of allergic dermatitis.

Usually, a dog with heat rash will exhibit the same types of symptoms as other skin allergies, including irritated skin, excessive itching, and biting or gnawing. Heat rash can be treated with many of the same solutions used for other allergies, such as regular bathing and medication.

Unlike other skin allergies, a fastidious grooming routine can make all the difference in treating heat rash. Especially if you are the proud owner of a long-haired dog in a hot and humid climate, grooming your dog’s fur is a must to keep your dog comfortable and allergy-free. There are plenty of stylish ways to make your dog look good with short hair, so be sure to stay ahead of heat rash and remove any excess fur that could potentially cause heat-induced skin irritation. 

If you recently moved to a new area, whether it is across the country or to a neighboring county, you are likely to encounter new allergens. Each microclimate that your dog encounters offers a new potential source of allergen that your dog must adapt to. Maybe it is a new strain of pollen that didn’t bloom at your last house or a new type of grass that your dog isn’t used to. Maybe you moved somewhere that is five degrees hotter on average and need tips for caring for your dog in warmer weather. While five degrees may not seem like a big difference to you, that increase in temperature could be the tipping point that causes your dog to develop an allergic rash due to overheating. New environments contain new allergens to which your dog may be susceptible, and it is essential to monitor your dog if and when you make a change to their environment.

While you may be tempted to make a rash decision (pun intended) about how to treat your dog’s skin allergy, you must seek professional medical advice from your dog’s veterinarian. Based on your dog’s symptoms and a working knowledge of his personal medical history, a vet will be able to accurately determine what is causing your dog’s skin allergy and provide a professional diagnosis. Your dog may exhibit symptoms of allergies or sensitive skin conditions that are not severe or require ongoing treatment. Your job as a dog owner is to identify when your dog is showing signs of irritation and symptoms of unusual behavior, and use that information as a springboard to seek help for your dog. The signs and symptoms of dog skin allergies listed above are an excellent guide to help you identify if your dog is struggling, but always seek the counsel of an educated medical professional before testing medications or taking action regarding your dog’s long-term health. 

Skin allergies in dogs are very common, and they can be easy to spot if you know what you are looking for. Be aware of the most common types of skin problems in dogs. If your dog exhibits any of the signs and symptoms of skin allergies, do your best to take into account any changes in your dog’s environment. Stay vigilant and attentive to the health and condition of your dog’s skin, and if any signs or symptoms of skin allergies develop, consult your vet immediately.

Sources: 

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_atopic_dermatitis
2. https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_home_remedies
3. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-skin-problems-in-dogs
4. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatment/
5. https://sitstay.com/blogs/good-dog-blog/dog-skin-allergies