Best Dog Food for Skin Allergies

Since your dog’s skin is sensitive, you may find them itchy or scratching which could suggest an allergic reaction. Read on to understand how allergies work in dogs, and how you can manage the symptoms. Find the following best dog food for skin allergies.

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Dogs are prone to sensitive skin, and can even suffer from allergies to certain things in their diet or environment. However, before visiting the vet, there are a few things to understand about possible allergies in your dog.

 

What is a dog allergy?

Allergies are reactions that are triggered by certain elements from internal or external to the body known as allergens. This may be unique to each dog or more common in their breed, age, or population. The reaction is triggered by their immune system, which over-compensates and abnormally responds to supposedly normal environmental or internal problems.

 

What are some common allergies for dogs?

Across the canine population, there are some common allergic reactions to watch out for. One of them is flea bites, which make your dog’s skin react more dramatically than usual to common fleas. It can also occur due to mosquitoes and other parasites. Dogs can also suffer from allergies similar to humans, and have reactions to environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites.

Dogs can become hypersensitive to certain agents in food, which can then develop into an allergy. These include histamine, which is found in certain types of protein, tomatoes, and spinach, as well as nutrients found in certain grains. Some of the nutrients that make dogs hypersensitive can be found in certain dog foods, which then cause unnecessary reactions to their skin and body.

 

What are the symptoms of an allergy in dogs?

The first thing you may notice in your dog is a change in behavior. They will itch and scratch more often than usual, either in specific places on their body or all over. Upon investigation, you may find that they have symptoms you would associate with an allergy in humans, namely, their skin may look red, feel flaky or dry, and appear itchy.

 

Causes and How to Overcome Skin Problems in Dogs

Treatment of skin diseases in dogs depends on the breed. So, not all skin diseases experienced by dogs can be treated in the same way. Here’s how to treat skin problems in dogs based on the cause:

 

Allergies

Allergies are frequently a frequent reason for skin issues for dogs. Allergies can cause sudden itching, especially on the face, legs, chest, and stomach. Well, one of the main treatments is to find out the cause of the allergy. So, you also have to be observant whether your dog is allergic to dirt, pollen, food or shampoo used. Treatment for allergies is usually with antihistamines.

 

Folliculitis

Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed. This condition often occurs when the dog has other skin problems such as scabies or allergies. Folliculitis is usually characterized by the appearance of sores due to scratching, bumps, and scabs on the skin. The vet will usually prescribe a special shampoo to treat it.

 

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria and is prone to attack puppies who are in poor and unhygienic conditions. Impetigo lesions can appear on the dog’s abdomen and armpits in the form of pustules (small lumps filled with pus or fluid), papules (solid lumps, painful, and not pus), epidermal crusts, and crusts. Dogs with impetigo can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

 

How likely is it that my dog has allergies?

When taking your dog to the vet to determine the cause of his symptoms, the vet will run a series of diagnostic tests to find out if the cause is an allergy or something else that is easier to treat.

The first test deals with fleas and other parasites which are a common occurrence. The vet will also perform tests for other infectious diseases and ask about your dog’s symptom history. Next, they will try to identify any hypersensitivity or food allergies, which can take several weeks as you will be asked to give your dog certain foods and monitor his behavior.

Finally, they will check for specific allergies by testing the dog for atopy, or a predisposition to allergic reactions. Some of these symptoms include itching of the skin, inflammation of the skin between their forelegs, and inflammation of the ears.

 

What Food to Give Dogs with Skin Allergies

What Food to Give Dogs with Skin Allergies. The dog food is specifically designed to treat skin allergies. These include:

• Omega-3 acid (including EPA and DHA) They have a known anti-inflammatory effect. They also help to soothe the skin that is itchy and inflamed.
• Omega 6 fats help to promote the appearance of your skin and give it a glossy coat
• Antioxidants include Vitamin C and Vitamin E that will help reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
• Dog food that is grain-free is designed for pets that are unable to tolerate wheat and grains.
• Dog food with limited ingredients diet for dogs who are unable to be tolerant of common allergens, which include beef, chicken, or dairy.