Pitbull dog skin allergies

Especially when you don't know why it's happening.

If you are a pittie parent, you know just how amazing these dogs are— and you also know that these breeds can be prone to skin issues. Part of celebrating our pittie pups is making sure we keep them happy and healthy, and sometimes it can be a challenge to find ways to help make them more comfortable. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about pit bull allergies, and what you can do to help your fur baby. We know that breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier, are prone to skin conditions, allergies and subsequent skin infections. This is because pit bulls have short fur and do not have a protective undercoat, making their skin vulnerable to environmental allergens and irritants.

Pitbull dog skin allergies

Pit Bulls are prone to skin issues for a variety of reasons, including heritable disorders such as atopic dermatitis, skin cancers, and vitamin deficiencies. Their characteristically short coats are also less effective and less protective against allergens and irritants. Lifestyle can also impact skin health, with pups who live in shelters experiencing more than their fair share of skin issues. However, recent research studies have concluded that breeds in this category have a few genetic predispositions in common when it comes to hereditary skin conditions:. This leaves them more susceptible to skin issues compared to their double-coated dog friends, like Huskies and German Shepherds. Double-coated breeds have the protection of both an outer coat made up of longer, guard hairs as well as an insulating undercoat. Pit Bulls are prone to atopic dermatitis , which is caused by, among other things, environmental allergens in your home, yard, or along the routes you take your dog for walkies. Just like humans, your pup may have year-round allergies to specific irritants, seasonal allergies, or you may even notice new allergies pop up after a move to a different part of the country. These allergic reactions can cause your pup to have excessively itchy and irritated skin, especially around their paw pads, feet, ankles, bellies, snouts and eyes. Ongoing allergies without treatment may lead to bacterial or yeast infections after your pup undoubtedly tries to scratch, lick, and chew themselves to relief. Common environmental allergens include things like:. Food allergies and sensitivities are difficult to pinpoint in dogs. The proteins beef, chicken, eggs, etc. The key is to catch the early warning signs before your pit ends up chewing their way into a skin infection or before chronic conditions have time to get worse. Signs your Pit Bull may be having skin problems include:.

Our Vet Explains Answered by Dr. Skin allergies are commonly diagnosed with blood work or topical skin tests, confirming vet hypotheses about possible triggers for your pet.

Unfortunately, most pit bull owners are also familiar with one or more pit bull skin issues! Pit bulls are prone to a myriad of skin issues - fortunately, all that ails them is manageable! Pit bulls are smart, athletic dogs who thrive in a loving family environment. Pit bulls are single-coated, meaning that they have only one type of hair on their bodies. Double-coated breeds, by contrast, have a layer of longer guard hairs as well as a soft, insulating undercoat, which keeps them warmer and protects their skin from the elements. Additionally, without oversight from a kennel club, pit bulls have mostly been bred without regard for genetics, allowing some hereditary issues to be passed on through generations, including some that affect skin and coat health.

If you have a Pit Bull in your life, there is a chance that your pup has experienced a form of skin irritation at some point. Their short coat makes them extremely susceptible to environmental allergens, leading to skin irritation in many Pit Bull pups. Not only are allergies common in Pitties, but they are more likely to develop zinc deficiency as well. Watch our short video on Pit Bull Skin Allergies on this page. With having such a short and flat coat, this breed is more likely to fall victim to potential allergens in the world around them. While it may seem like contact allergens are the only form of allergy that can cause skin irritation in dogs, this is actually not the case. Our Pit Bull friends can experience environmental allergies, contact allergies, and even food allergies. Each of these conditions can result in:. Most vets will first discuss the use of allergy treatment going forward, and the potential of pursuing allergy testing if your Pittie does not respond to treatment.

Pitbull dog skin allergies

Home » Care. Pitties are predisposed to a wide range of skin conditions and allergies. Not only that, but their short fur provides very little protection against environmental factors. Many owners think that the occasional rash is nothing more than a minor irritation. But those who have owned Pitbulls for a long time know that innocent itchy spots can be the precursor to something even more severe. The key to providing your dog with some relief is identifying its source and knowing how to address it. There are several! Many Pitbulls are allergic to multiple ingredients.

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Your cart is empty. Fleas are a major irritant , and even if the fleas themselves do not cause flea allergies in your dog , their itching and biting to eradicate the fleas can be contributing to the problem or even causing it to easily worsen. Dog and Owner Matching Sets. It's not just the grain itself, but the gluten protein in wheat that's often the allergen. What makes this form of allergy particularly challenging is that the offending food might have been part of a dog's diet for years without issues before suddenly causing an allergic reaction. Molds , on the other hand, thrive in damp and humid environments. Which means that your Pit bull will still get all of the minerals and amino-acids of meat, but without the large protein molecules that can trigger an allergy. Soy is a very controversial topic in dog food already. Just like food, dogs can also be allergic to certain types of medications. Bark Shop.

Common pit bull allergies are typically environmental or dog food allergies. If you notice your pit bull breaking out in hives, a rash or skin bumps, this is most likely an allergic reaction. Avoid dog food with low quality ingredients which may cause the dog food allergy.

Our Story Investors Contact Us. These symptoms may be more visible if you have a dog with short fur. Keeping track of what time of year your pittie is itchy, and what symptoms they develop will go a long way to determining the type of allergy. But, during certain times and places all three stacked up together make for marked changes in the allergy and itching threshold for the pit bull and other dogs. These mites are typically present on most dogs but can proliferate under certain conditions, like a weakened immune system. Sometimes the issue may be obvious. Read More: Common Summer Allergies for dogs. Other possible environmental allergens can be found in the home, for example dust mites, and contact allergens can include anything your dog comes into contact with, including household cleaning products, detergents, and shampoos. Your pit can also suffer from hidden allergens in food or treats. Fortunately, most skin conditions are easy to spot and support once confirmed by a vet.