Pit Bulls and Allergies

The Dog's Development

• A puppy can develop allergy symptoms after the age of 1 year, when exposure to allergens increases. A dog that showed no initial symptoms of allergies can develop symptoms years later. Even familiar food can cause reactions such as skin problems, breathing and gastrointestinal problems.

Symptoms of Allergies

• Symptoms indicating an allergy include red, irritated skin and brown patches or alopecia or hair loss. Other visible indications are dandruff, eye or nose discharge, breathing problems, sneezing, face rubbing, repeated scratching or licking, hives, diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Reactions to vaccinations include swelling or hives that may lead to loss of balance or seizures.

Types of Allergies

• A contact allergy that causes itching or skin irritation may have a local or general effect. For example, a detergent that cleans a pit bull's sweater may be the source of the allergy.

  Diet or food allergies can result in skin or gastrointestinal tract problems. Suspected foods may include corn, beef, chicken, soy or wheat. Foods with chemicals, additives or preservatives may cause the allergy. Although the dog may not show adverse reactions to new food, symptoms may develop later.

  In rare cases, a dog vaccination may trigger a mild to moderate allergic reaction, according to The Puppy Dog website.

Allergies Relating to Environment

• Dogs bitten by fleas, mites and mosquitoes can have an allergic reaction to the insect's saliva. The common cat flea can bite up to 400 times a day. Bites can produce flea allergy dermatitis. Infected deer fleas may transmit Lyme disease that produces swollen joints and affects the heart and kidneys.

  Inhalant allergies include pollen, dust mites, mildew or mold. Inhalant allergies may worsen on windy days during allergy season.

Prevention or Treatment

• Owners should consult with the veterinarian to confirm that the symptoms do not indicate an underlying medical condition, such as demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange that produce red, irritated skin or itching.

  For contact allergies, owners should isolate the cause of allergies, such as flea collars, cleaners for the dog and bedding and other household chemical cleaners. Shampoos can wash away allergens from the pit bull's skin and fur. Under a veterinarian's guidance, a topical flea and tick medication may help.

  Pit bulls may avoid or reduce inhalant allergies by staying indoors during allergy season. Shampoos can remove dust and allergens. Vacuuming indoors with a HEPA filter can reduce allergens that attach to carpets and rugs. A veterinarian may suggest an antihistamine or other medications that boost the immune system.

  To stem food allergies, reducing the amount of suspected food and increasing more high quality dog food can benefit the pit bull's immune system. Dogs may need an elimination diet isolate the offending ingredients. A raw food diet may offer health benefits.

  For severe reactions to vaccinations, dogs should receive emergency veterinary care.