People who experience allergic reactions show symptoms like sniffling, stuffy nose, and frequent sneezing. But unlike people’s allergic reactions, pets don’t generally encounter the same symptoms. When a pet experiences allergies, their skin becomes itchy and swollen because of the surrounding allergens.
Skin conditions in dogs are common, and major challenges pet parents typically seek help for. However, canine skin conditions can be mild or severe apart from being recurring or uncommon. Now, let us talk about the typical causes of skin allergies in canines.
Five Factors That Can Cause Skin Allergies in Dogs
Dog skin allergies can cause frequent scratching, fidgeting, chewing, and licking. If not given the appropriate care, it may trigger hair loss or dreadful wounds that might become infected. We’ve gathered five common factors that can trigger skin issues in canines.
1. Environmental allergens
Environmental elements like airborne allergens, mildew, mold, dust, and pollen can make your pet itchy and uneasy, leading to hair loss and painful wounds. Moreover, dogs can also develop sensitivities and allergic reactions to perfumes, fragrant sprays, cigarette smoke, and lotions.
2. Fleas
Fleas are the common cause of skin infections in dogs. They can survive in places where your pet plays and even in extreme conditions, making flea infections more severe. Continuous skin itching, skin sores, hair loss, and restless behavior are the major symptoms of flea infections in pets.
Treating flea infections includes treating their surroundings like their play area, bed, and home indoors. Wanna keep your dog far from flea and parasite attacks? Getting a pet care plan is an excellent idea as it covers parasite prevention treatments to keep your canine secured from pesky parasites.
3. Yeast infection
Dogs with droopy ears frequently experience yeast infections. The toes, ears, and anus of your pet are the most vulnerable areas infected by yeast. It can cause itchy skin that may result in hair loss. A canine can be prone to yeast infection during the summer season, where humid conditions are present.
Treating dogs with yeast infections requires patience. Veterinarians typically recommend medicated shampoos or ointments to alleviate the condition. Looking for animal professionals to inquire about your pet’s condition? You may visit their hospital or contact them directly on their website.
4. Ringworms
Ringworms are contagious fungal infections. If you’ve seen circular spots on your canine’s skin that appear a little sore, it’s usually caused by ringworms. This circular patch can slowly develop into a bald patch if not treated as soon as possible. Furthermore, there have been numerous reports of dog ringworm infections infecting other animals and people.
No matter the severity and contagious factor of a dog ringworm skin infection, your furry companion should be immediately treated when diagnosed with the said condition. The sooner you take your pet to animal professionals that treat skin conditions, the quicker the situation will be solved.
5. Adverse food reactions
Like other pet types, canines are also susceptible to food allergies. This problem is triggered when their immune system mistakes proteins for allergens. Dogs with thick skin on the ears and face can indicate a food allergy. Dogs diagnosed with food allergies show symptoms like continuous itching on the ears, forelegs, face, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly after consuming protein-rich foods. The decline in their skin quality might also lead to hair loss.