Allergic Skin
Diseases
By far the most common cause of skin disease in dogs is skin
allergy. Typically in small
breeds like Miniature Schnauzer and Pekingese, although all breeds are
susceptible. The three most common
types of skin allergies are:
Food Allergy–Food allergic
dogs usually have itchiness and hair loss in the groin, flanks, armpits,
and feet. They may rub their
face on the floor. Ear flaps may
become red and hot, and sometimes may develop chronic ear infections. Many people don’t suspect food allergies as the cause of their dogs itching
because their pet has been fed the same food all its life and has just
recently started having symptoms. However, animals can develop allergies to a particular
substance over a period of time, so this does not rule out food
allergy. Another misconception
is that dogs are only sensitive to poor quality food. If your pet is allergic to a
particular substance then this does not matter whether if it is on a well
known brand food or not.
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Although better well known brand dog food will not contain some
or all of the most common allergens.
These allergens include beef products, pork, chicken, milk, corn,
soy, whey, eggs, and preservatives.
Atopy and Inhalant allergies- Substances in the environment which can cause an allergic
reaction in dogs are much the same as those which cause reactions in
people. These include pollens,
dust mites and molds. If it
happens all year round then it may be mold or dust. If the reaction is seasonal then it
may be the pollen in the air which is causing the problem. Symptoms of inhalant allergies are
pretty much the same as that of food allergy. The animal becomes itchy, bites and chews at the feet,
and constant licking.
Secondary infection may develop from the constant scratching.
Insect Bites – Typically flea
bites can be very irritating for your animals. The flea bite itself is not what the animal is allergic
to, but the protein in the flea saliva. The itching usually starts at the rear end and spread
along its back. The animal
becomes very irritated and scratch until the skin is inflamed and infected,
and loss of hair occurs.
Studies shows that dogs which are less exposed to fleas tend to
develop Flea Allergic Dermatitis.
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