Many diseases and parasites can irritate a dog's skin causing bumps, swellings or sores. Many cases can be attributed to allergies either to food, fleas, or the environment.
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Fleas
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Flea bites are a major cause of irritation to a dog. In addition to the itching caused by fleas feeding on a dog, some dogs are allergic to flea saliva.
Atopy
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Canine atopy is the name for canine allergy to environmental allergens such as dust mite bites or pollen. This can be a chronic condition or recur seasonally.
Food Allergies
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Food allergies can also cause skin irritation along with bumps and swellings.
Gland Growth
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As a dog ages, sebaceous glands in the skin can grow and cause unsightly bumps. Depending on the location, these bumps can become irritated.
Treatments
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Treating a dog with a flea preventative will help keep fleas from biting a dog and causing irritation. In cases of allergies, the dog can be treated with antihistamines and steroids to help quiet the allergic response. With foods, an elimination diet in which the dog is fed a unique protein and carbohydrate for a few weeks will many times help discover which food ingredients cause an allergic reaction. Sebaceous glands may need to be drained or removed.
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