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Dog skin allergies are a lot more common than one would think.Fortunately for you and Fido, most are easily manageable and treatable.
As always, it’s important to consult your vet if you think your dog has a skin allergy. The good news is that there are several things you could do to help out the allergy and make your pup more comfortable.
Below you’ll find an extensive list of:
But first, we’ll walk you through a few of the most common dog allergies and the symptoms.
Dog skin allergies can be caused by many factors including plants, grasses, pollen, dander, insects, food, medication, and anything in between. These allergies cause a multitude of symptoms, which can range from scratching and chewing to severe skin rashes and inflammation. Luckily there are ways to help our dog get relief in these tough times.
There are tons and tons of different dog skin allergies and it can be hard to decipher what is causing your pet's allergies. If you think you your dog has a skin allergy, it's important to work with your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause of the allergies. Diagnostic tests may include regular use of parasite prevention, skin allergy testing, and food trials.
Once the cause of your dog's allergies is identified, most skin allergies can be successfully managed. It's important to understand that allergies are managed, not cured, and some degree of lifelone management will likely be required.
See a vet if your dog is scratching or licking excessively, or if you notice any changes in your pet's coat or skin, including scaling, redness, discoloration, or bald patches.
There are a number of causes of dog skin rashes, including allergies and other conditions, so we have directly pulled some from this list on Pet Web MD for you. A veterinarian can help you determine which of these conditions is causing your dog's skin issues.
Allergic dermatitis in dogs can be broken down into three major categories: atopy, flea allergies, and food allergies. Atopy is an allergy to inhaled allergens, such as pollen, trees, weeds, grasses, and molds. This is the most common cause of allergies in dogs. Flea allergy refers to an allergic sensitivity to flea saliva. Food allergies occur when a dog becomes allergic to a protein in their food.
Each form of allergic dermatitis is treated differently. Your veterinarian will work with you to minimize exposure to allergens, while also providing recommended treatments that will minimize the effects of your dog's allergies.
If your dog can't seem to stop scratching an ear or licking and chewing her toes, ask your veterinarian to check for a yeast infection. Symptoms include irritated, itchy, or discolored skin. The infection usually strikes the paws or ears, where yeast has a cozy space to grow.
Yeast infections are easy to diagnose. Treatment often involves a combination of topical and oral medications.
Another type of bacterial infection, impetigo is most common in puppies. It causes pus-filled blisters that may break and crust over. The blisters usually develop on the hairless portion of the abdomen.
Impetigo, or puppy pyoderma, is rarely serious and can be treated with a topical solution. In a small number of cases, the infection may spread or persist.
Seborrhea causes a dog's skin to become greasy and develop scales (dandruff). In some cases, it's a genetic disease that begins when a dog is young and lasts a lifetime. However, many dogs with seborrhea develop the scaling as a complication of another medical problem, such as allergies or hormonal abnormalities. In these cases, it is vital to treat the underlying cause so symptoms do not recur.
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm, but by a fungus. The term "ring" comes from the circular patches that can form anywhere but are often found on a dog's head, paws, ears, and forelegs. Inflammation, scaly patches, and hair loss often surround the lesions.
Puppies less than a year old are the most susceptible, and the infection can spread quickly between dogs in a kennel or to pet owners at home.
Various anti-fungal treatments are available.
Mange is a skin disorder caused by tiny parasites called mites. Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, spreads easily among dogs and can also be transmitted to people, but the parasites don't survive on humans. The symptoms are intense itching, red skin, sores, and hair loss.A dog's ears, face, and legs are most commonly affected.
Demodectic mange can cause bald spots, scabbing, and sores, but it is not contagious between animals or people. Instead, it tends to occur in young puppies and dogs with a weakened immune system.
Treatment depends on the type of mange.
Dry, flaky skin can be a red flag for a number of problems. It's a common symptom of allergies, mange, and other skin diseases. In other cases, dry or flaky skin is nothing serious. Like people, some dogs simply get dry skin in the winter. Make sure you are feeding Fido high-quality food, and consult your veterinarian.
Hot spots, also called acute moist dermatitis, are small areas that appear red, irritated, and inflamed. They are most commonly found on a dog's head, hips, or chest, and often feel hot to the touch.
Hot spots can result from a wide range of conditions, including infections, allergies, insect bites, or excessive licking and chewing.
Treatment consists of cleansing the hot spot and addressing the underlying condition.
There are several wellness pet products on the market that can help with your dog’s skin allergy. If you are trying to treat a specific allergy then you’ll be able to find products that are made to specifically target that allergy. However, going the preventive route is always a great idea. These products below are good to incorporate into your pup’s regular routine.
Salmon oil is great to use as a preventive measure.
Similar benefits to the Kronch Salmon Oil, Natural Doggie Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is a dog food supplement that can promote healthy skin and coat, relieves dry, itchy skin and encourages a healthy immune system.
The Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy heart too!
Additional Salmon Oil for Dogs Resources:
Coconut oil can help moisturize the skin in some dogs.
It contains lauric acid, which may help decrease the body's production of yeast. Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid also have similar properties as lauric acid and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.
Using fish body oil with coconut oil can help moderate or even suppress the inflammatory response.
Coconut Oil Can Help To:
Coconut oil can be given orally or put directly onto your dog’s skin.
To give orally
Start with small amounts of coconut oil, to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis (a serious medical condition):
After you’ve let their body adjust, a general guideline for the optimal dose of coconut oil for dogs is:
To give topically
In addition to giving your dog coconut oil orally, coconut oil can be applied directly to your dog’s coat and skin.
A coconut oil treatment can help to leave your dog's skin incredibly soft, but it may also make it healthier.
For good results, apply to the skin and let the oil absorb for about five minutes.
Rinse after five minutes. If you feel you haven't removed the excess oil, finish up with a light application of shampoo and another quick rinse.
Additional Coconut Oil for Dogs Resources:
Omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 are what is known as fatty acids, they include EPA, DHA, and GLA. All of these things when put together are designed to help reduce itching and allergies while also supporting joint health, heart health, as well as provide a natural boost to your dog’s overall immunity. Fatty acids can help increase the softness, shine, and health of your dog's skin and coat.
Essential oils are not only great for humans, but they may potentially help Fido too! There are some essential oils in particular that can be great for your dog’s skin allergies. However, essential oils should always be used with caution because they may be toxic to dogs and to other petsi in your home. According toPaw Culturethese 5 essential oils are great for dogs with allergies (skin and regular allergies).
If you only have one essential oil in your home, this is the one to have. Lavender is a full-spectrum oil—antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-anxiety, pretty much anti-everything except for anti-healing. When your furry friend is itchy and you want to make him feel better, try rubbing some diluted lavender oil on the spot he’s scratching. Do not allow your dog to ingest lavender essential oil, and be sure to use it sparingly because it contains a toxic compound known as linalool.
This substitute for tea tree oil, which according to Dr. Coates can be toxic to dogs at high concentrations, has the same antihistamine and antibacterial properties.
If your pup’s skin issues are caused by allergies complicated by a secondary skin infection, niaouli can help to attack both problems at once.
Try using it on bacterial ear infections.
Out of the different types of marjoram, this particular variety is the one to use.
Besides strong antibacterial properties, sweet marjoram is also a calming agent and muscle relaxant. This essential oil is known for healing bacterial skin infections and can also be used to aid in wound care.
This oil is great for helping to treat eczema in people and can also be used for similar itchy skin conditions in dogs. Helichrysum can also provide pain relief with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Scars and bruises may heal faster due to its regenerative effects.
Originally from Europe, this flower is most often turned into a calming tea for humans.
The oil’s uses for canines include helping to soothe skin irritations, helping with allergic reactions, and burns. Dilute chamomile oil is non-toxic, gentle and safe to use.
Stock your canine first aid kit with these diluted oils and you’ll say sayonara to scratching.
Additional Essential Oil for Dogs Resources:
There are several things you can do to help increase the comfort of your dog dealing with skin allergies.
Baths are going to be great, but if you can’t get your dog to remain calm in a bathtub then there are a couple of other tactics you can do. This list of natural dog remedies comes to use from our friend’s over atPet MD.
Vitamin E can be great for your dog's dry skin.
You can give your pup a massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go give your dog a vitamin E pill.
If you give the vitamin orally, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.
Plain yogurt is a healthy treat for Fido. The live acidophilus in the yogurt can keep the good bacteria in your dog's intestines in balance and gets rid of the bad bacteria.
If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt can also help keep yeast infections at bay.
You can also give your dog acidophilus pills if he doesn’t like the taste of yogurt.
Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities.
Chamomile tea can alleviate minor skin irritations.
Just cool in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on your dog's raw skin.
Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin.
A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes. Chamomile tea also uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety, as well.
Finely ground oatmeal can be a wonderful remedy for irritated skin. You can use baby oatmeal cereal or grind it yourself in a food processor.
Stir the oatmeal into a bath of warm water and let your dog soak.
Dogs with skin allergies, infections, and other diseases which cause itchiness have been shown to gain immediate relief with this approach.
A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision.
Be sure that your pet does not ingest Epsom salt. Also, do not bathe your pet in Epsom salt if there are open wounds.
If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn't convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied for a similar effect.
Choose treats that are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, these treats contribute to giving your dog a healthy and attractive coat.
These treats can be good for dogs with skin issues, allergies, and food sensitivities and they all contain vitamin E and vitamin C.
Fortunately, you have lots of options when trying to help your dog’s skin allergies.
Consult your vet to see if further treatment is needed, but even so, all of the above solutions will provide Fido with some comfort as he heals.
If you know of any other treatments or tactics that work, please feel free to comment below!
Meet The Author
Canine Specialist & Writer
Grant is an award-winning writer for SitStay with a passion for pets and especially dogs! Grant loves writing about furry little goofballs and aims to educate pet parents about anything and everything regarding their dogs.
Medically Reviewed By
Veterinarian
Catherine is a veterinarian and freelance writer based in Florida. After 14 years as a small animal general practitioner, Dr. Barnette now focuses on creating educational content for veterinary teams and their clients. She shares her home with her husband, daughter, one dog, two cats, and a rescued white dove.
