When your dog isn't able to overcome an itch that keeps bugging him, it may be a sign of skin allergies. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergic reactions to their surroundings. Although skin allergies are some of the most common types of allergies a dog can have, itchy skin also can be a result of food, grass, pollen or dander allergies. Look for these signs to help determine whether your dog suffers from skin allergies.
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Swelling and hair loss
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One of the most frequent signs of a skin allergy is swelling or welting. Swelling occurs when the body tries to prevent a foreign substance from invading. This can be dangerous, especially if the swelling occurs in the dog's throat area. Swelling can occur if the dog is exposed to an allergen, including a Staph bacterium. If the dog is not allergic to a Staph bacterium, it likely will have no effect on your dog. However, if the dog is allergic, swelling and hair loss may occur. The hair loss may appear to be ringworm at first, measuring 1 to 5 centimeters in diameter. The allergic reaction usually clears up when treated with antibiotics.
Irritation
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Biting, licking and chewing are common reactions of dogs who suffer from skin allergies. These signs may stem from fleas, to which dogs can be allergic. Although only one flea may have found a home in your dog's fur, that flea can deposit its saliva on the skin, causing an intense itching sensation that leaves the dog removing its own hair to get rid of the annoyance. This, in turn, may cause open sores on the skin. Pet owners must be aware of this because a secondary infection could occur. Flea treatment is an important tool in ridding dogs of fleas. Dogs also may be allergic to some of the same inhaled allergens humans suffer from, including pollen, molds and dust mites. These allergic reactions can cause excessive itching as well. This itching of the skin can occur all over the dog or be localized to one spot.
Digestive Problems
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Food allergies can cause skin irritation as well. Food allergies, in fact, are the second most common type of dog allergies and can cause inflammation of the ears, itching of the skin and digestive issues. If a dog appears to have an irritation of the skin, watch to see if it also suffers from digestive problems, including vomiting or diarrhea. According to the Nelson Animal Hospital in British Columbia, Canada, dogs develop these types of allergies before they turn one or after they turn five. If a food allergy is found to be the culprit of the dog's allergy, a special diet may be required. Although a food allergy may cause digestive problems, the dog may instead suffer from a food intolerance. Food intolerances typically only cause digestive issues, while food allergies also cause skin problems.
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