7 Signs of Dog Skin Allergies and How to Treat Them

The average annual cost of owning a dog can be anywhere from $762-$822. Because there are so many different costs to consider, it can often be difficult for pet owners to afford surprise vet bills. Luckily, there are some problems that you can take care of on your own.

For example, if your dog is struggling with skin allergies, there are many natural and simple remedies you can find! Do you want to learn more about the signs of dog skin allergies?

Keep reading this guide for the top seven signs that your dog may have issues with skin allergies and to learn how to treat them.

1. Red, Irritated Skin

Skin allergies for your dog will differ depending on many factors. For example, the type of allergen they are exposed to and the severity of their reaction will impact how serious the symptoms are.

Still, one of the most common symptoms of pet skin allergies is red, irritated skin. This can manifest as a visible rash, hives, or bumps on your dog's skin.

Because allergies irritate the skin so much, it can be quite uncomfortable for your dog. To treat this symptom, it is best to use soothing shampoo when bathing your dogs. It is usually safe to use hydrocortisone cream on your dog's irritated skin for a few days as long as they don't lick the area.

2. Frequent Scooting and Scratching

Another common sign of skin allergies for dogs is frequent scooting or scratching. In fact, allergies are one of the most common causes of compulsive scratching in dogs.

Just as irritated skin can be itchy for humans, it is quite itchy for dogs as well. However, they can't scratch these itchy areas as easily as a person can.

Instead, they will scoot around on the ground, rub against other surfaces, or use their paws to scratch their itchy skin.

Some of the most common areas where your dog will itch include their chest and armpits, their feet, ears, and the areas around their groin and anus.

3. Chewing the Skin

Next, you may notice that your dog regularly bites or chews on its skin if they have an allergic reaction or another type of irritation, like fleas. Just as your dog will use the floor or their paws to scratch at their irritated skin, chewing the skin can help them itch skin that is dry or irritated.

If your dog is constantly biting their skin, you should inspect it for other signs of an allergic reaction.

4. Excessive Licking

Excessive licking is another sign that your dog may have issues with skin allergies. Many pet owners notice that their dogs start licking their paws nonstop. This is because it helps them soothe the inflamed skin from the allergic reaction.

However, this excessive licking can actually make the problem worse for your pet. While licking the affected area may provide short-term relief, it also irritates the nerve endings in the skin.

This is bad for dog skin health and will make their skin even itchier, which will lead to more scratching and biting. It is a vicious cycle that is difficult to stop, so make sure you do what you can to keep your dog from excessively licking the inflamed area.

5. Hair Loss

Because dogs frequently lick or chew on their skin when they have skin allergies, hair loss is a common symptom of an allergic reaction in pets. Not only does this excessive chewing and licking lead to hair loss, but your dog may also experience hair loss due to dry skin.

This is because dry skin often leads to dry and brittle hair as well. As the hair becomes more dry and brittle, it is easier for it to fall out.

This may lead to bald spots on your dog, especially where they are experiencing skin allergies.

6. Dry or Oily Skin

If you notice that your dog has dry or oily skin, this could be due to a skin allergy. In some cases, this is due to a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis which is caused by pet allergies.

This condition causes your dog's skin to release a waxy substance. It is most commonly found near your dog's ears, armpits, elbows, and ankles.

If your dog has this skin condition, it will make them itch and may result in secondary infections. Subhorrea can make your dog's skin extra oily or extra dry. If you notice these issues with your dog, you may be able to control the issue with regular dog grooming, using special shampoos and conditioners, and using supplements.

7. Swollen Face and Paws

Finally, swelling of your dog's face and paws is most often due to an allergic reaction. It can be triggered by bugs, environmental allergens, and even food sensitivities. It will be easiest to see facial swelling in the eyelids and muzzle of your dog.

While swelling is not always a dangerous symptom for your dog, it can lead to other dangerous issues, like difficulty breathing.

If your dog has a serious reaction to its allergies, you should take them to the vet as quickly as possible to treat the symptoms.

Need Help Treating Dog Skin Allergies?

If your dog has poor skin health, it can be quite uncomfortable for them to deal with. Learning to recognize these symptoms is the first step to treating dog skin allergies. Regularly bathing your dog can help you keep its symptoms under control.

If you need help treating pet skin that has these symptoms, Bubbly Paws can help! We offer a self-service dog wash and dog grooming salon that can help you care for your dog's allergies.