Dog Skin Allergies
Healthy skin is an indicator of overall health in your dog and is important to maintain and monitor. Numerous skin conditions exist and can be the result of parasites such as fleas, underlying diseases such as hypothyroidism or allergies to food or some other substance.
Identifying Dog Skin Allergies
To determine if your dog is suffering from an allergy to food or some other product, first locate the place on the body that the condition occurs. The following are common areas where skin reactions related to allergies take place:
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Ear canal
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External ear
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Head and face
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Paws
After identifying the skin condition’s location on the body, identify its shape. Skin conditions related to allergies are usually one or more of the following:
Causes of Dog Skin Allergies
The possible sources of dog allergies are varied and can include:
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Flea bites – These usually cause the pimple-like sores that are a common symptom of allergic reactions. Saliva from flea bites contains histamine, which leads to itching and inflammation that results in blockage of the pores.
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Insect bites – Allergic reactions to bees are relatively common, though others also exist.
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Food – Allergies to foods can vary across the board.
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Medication – Various medications can cause allergic reactions in dogs.
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Other – Anything from a brand of shampoo to a fiber in the carpet could cause an allergic reaction.
Treating Dog Allergies
Since many dog skin allergies result from food, first try switching brands. National Pet Pharmacy has many, including novel protein diets like Natural Balance Grain Free Potato & Duck Formula Dry Dog Food. If switching brands doesn’t work, try changing shampoos or other items related to grooming. If the condition still persists, take your dog to a veterinarian.
About National Pet Pharmacy
Dog food may not seem like advanced pet medicine, but dogs stay healthier when they eat the right things. National Pet Pharmacy has a complete selection of specialized dog foods from organic dog foods to breed specific foods. We believe firmly in the health of your whole pet. Health doesn’t happen accidentally. That’s why National Pet Pharmacy carries an array of products from pet medications to chew toys that keep your entire dog healthy.
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