Instructions
Observe your dog for atopy. Atopy is more commonly known as itching. Ten to 15 percent of the canine population suffers from atopy and the most common diagnosis is skin allergy. Atopy may appear in dogs as early as 2 months for certain breeds. However, it is more common to see it develop in dogs that are 6 months to 7 years old. About 70 percent of canines are between 1 and 3 years old when affected with atopy.
Check your dog's feet, flanks, groin, armpits, face and ears for several different signs. These areas are the most commonly affected parts on your dog. Check for skin erythema, which is redness to the skin. You may also see abnormal alopecia, or hair loss, in these areas. You may notice a darkening of the fur as well from your dog's saliva staining the fur, and a condition called hyperpigmentation, that is a darkening of the skin in dogs with allergies. All these conditions develop from your dog scratching, licking, biting, chewing and rubbing these common areas.
Keep a close eye for unexplained open sores and scabs on your dog. When then begin to develop, it's a sign that your dog needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. These sores can become infected and can be caused by other problems and conditions than just skin allergies. When associated with skin allergies, these sores and scabs are caused by your dog continuing to scratch and chew to the point that it breaks the skin.
How to Know if Your Dog is Suffering from a Skin Allergy
Like humans, dogs can suffer from skin allergies from exposure to elements that they have a hypersensitivity to. While skin allergies are not life threatening, they can cause skin and ear infections. If you suspect your dog may have an allergy, it is important to have a veterinarian diagnosis your dog. Skin allergy symptoms can be similar to other skin conditions and other infections.