subject: Types Of Dog Skin Allergies [print this page] Dog skin allergies are among the number one problem of pet owners today. As much as you would love to keep their coat shiny and flaunt it, you would never be able to do so unless their skin allergy is treated. This is why it is extremely important to know which types of allergies can actually affect the skin of your dog. Knowing about them can also become your means of prevention.
There are actually four different types of allergies that can affect an otherwise healthy skin for your dog. The first is known as Nutritional Dermatitis. This type of skin allergy happens on dogs who exhibit a negative or adverse reaction towards certain foods. They would react to it just as humans would typically react to food allergy-red rashes and severe itching.
Atopic dermatitis, or Atopy, is another kind of skin allergy experienced by dogs. Veterinarians also say that this is the most common type of allergy among dogs because it is caused by allergens that get mixed up with the air. This can happen among dogs during their puppyhood and then gradually worsen from that point on.
Then of course, theres also Parasitic Dermatitis to be considered. This is common among dogs who have a thick layer of coat because it also gives parasites a rich area where they could live. The most common of such parasites are fleas.
Ticks as well as gnats can also become parasites residing on the coat of the dog. These parasites can effectively irritate the skin of dogs. Its the saliva of these parasites that often cause the allergic reaction. As a result, the dog gets an inflamed skin which can be very itchy.
However, there are some cases when all of these physical symptoms would cease to exist. In times like these, your veterinarian might refer to your dogs illness as Neurogenic Dermatitis. This is a more psychological type of illness wherein the dog has developed an excessive or obsessive behaviour towards licking or chewing on himself.
More specifically, this condition is known as Acral Lick Dermatitis or Lick Granuloma. The reasons for developing this may be enforced upon the dogs, unknowingly or not, by the pet owners. When dogs find it hard to cope with a sudden separation from their parent or litter or owners, when they are confined alone for far too long, and if they exhibit unreleased frustration, they turn to licking and gnawing at themselves to calm down. But in the long run, it may be bad for them.
It becomes a pet owners responsibility to actually become more knowledgeable when it comes to understanding dog skin allergies. This way, you can immediately consult a veterinarian to give the right prescription for your dogs case.
by: Jennifer Gretson
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