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Dog Skin Allergy
No one likes to see their best canine friend tormented
by a dog skin allergy. Dogs can have allergies to a variety of
substances. While food tends to be a common allergen for people, it
is less common for a dog's problems to be the result of a food
allergy. In those rare cases where it is, the most common foods to
cause problems are beef, dairy, and wheat ingredients.
Fleas cause itching of course, but can also be a source of allergic
reaction. A dog with a flea bite allergy will go almost crazy with
itching. The best thing to do in the case of a dog with a flea
allergy is to use a good internal or topical product to control the
fleas in the first place.
Many times a dog skin allergy is caused by an inhaled allergen, such
as pollen or dust mites. Instead of the red eyes and sneezing people
do, the allergy shows itself in an itchy skin rash. A dog with an
itchy skin rash will bite, chew, and lick on themselves. Places that
tend to show itchiness in a skin allergy are under the arms, on the
face, and on the feet.
Sometimes a dog with a skin allergy will lick an area, such as a
paw, so much that the saliva will cause a darkening of the hair.
Dogs can also bite at the knees and elbows so vigorously that the
coat is damaged. This is particularly common in a flea bite allergy.
Diagnosing a dog skin allergy takes a thorough evaluation of the
dog's symptoms. This is because other diseases of the skin can look
similar to allergy symptoms. One characteristic of an allergy
problem is that it usually does not appear until the dog is over a
year old. One exception to this rule is the Shar Pei, which can show
skin allergy problems much younger.
Another characteristic of an allergy is that it is likely to first
show up during the time of year when the pollen count is high. Often
the first appearance of the skin problem will be during the second
allergy season of the dog's life.
There are several breeds that are more susceptible to allergy
problems of the skin. Some of these are beagles, terriers, boxers,
pugs, cocker spaniels, and of course shar-peis.
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