Is your dog suddenly scratching more than ever before? Dog skin allergies are one possible reason behind canine itchiness. But what are the major types of skin allergies in dogs?
What Causes Skin Allergies in Dogs?
Environmental sources like mold spores, airborne pollen, and dust are some of the most likely causes of your dog’s skin allergies. An itch caused by a flea is also an allergic reaction. Food allergies or food sensitivity occurs in only a small percentage of dogs.
Types of Dog Skin Allergies
Flea Allergy in Dogs
Fleas are usually easy to see and diagnose. Though the itchiness can appear anywhere on the body, it’s often concentrated above the tail. Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which the parasite injects into the dog as it feeds.
Fleas and flea allergies are weather-dependent. If you have an itchy dog and it’s February in a cold, dry climate, chances are, the dog may not have fleas. If it’s an itchy dog in a warm, wet climate, fleas are a definite possibility. Ask your vet for recommendations for flea medicine for dogs (to kill existing fleas) and flea prevention for dogs (to stop fleas from returning).
Atopic Allergies in Dogs
Atopic allergies (reactions to allergens, such as house dust, dust mites, various pollens, fungi, and mold) are a major cause of dog skin allergies. In addition to scratching, your dog may lick their paws or rub irritated body parts.
There is some debate about how these allergens cause the itch. The traditional theory is that your dog may inhale them, then these allergens proceed through the lungs into the bloodstream, eventually finding their way to the skin. The other possibility is that they settle on the skin and migrate between the skin cells to the lower skin layers (the dermis). Either way, an allergen reacts with an antibody, which triggers the release of histamine, causing itchiness.
Your vet may diagnose atopic allergies with intradermal skin testing, where allergens are injected into the skin to look for reactions. They may also treat atopic allergies with medication (such as canine antihistamines, cyclosporine for dogs, or prednisone for dogs) and also with allergy injections (hyposensitization). Some breeds may be predisposed to get dog skin allergies, suggesting a possible inherited tendency for related skin conditions.
Food Allergies in Dogs
Sensitivities to particular foods can sometimes appear in dogs, causing itchy skin and/or gastrointestinal issues. Dogs can also experience multiple forms of allergies that result in itchy skin, such as food and atopic allergies, at once. Talk to your vet whether your dog may have food allergies and, if so, how to manage the symptoms.
