20/08/2024
🐾 Our Pet of the Week is: SADIE! 🐾
Sadie want to let you know that August is also: Itch Pet Awareness Month!
Signs of Allergic Itch:
Frequent scratching, licking, biting or chewing.
Excessive rolling, rubbing or scooting.
Recurrent ear problems.
Hair loss, body odor and skin changes.
REASONS WHY YOUR DOG MIGHT BE ITCHY
Allergic Dermatitis (or skin allergies)
Describes the signs of several skin diseases that are often caused by allergies in dogs
Flea Allergy
An allergic reaction to flea bites that cause inflamed and itchy skin, hair loss, and scabs on the dog’s skin
The hind end, tail base, and thighs are most commonly affected but lesions (skin changes) can develop anywhere on the body
Food Allergy
Occurs when a dog’s body is allergic (or overly reactive or sensitive) to something in its diet
Itching often involves the face, armpits, belly, and feet
Skin infections as well as irritation and infection of the ears are common
Dogs may have gas, increased bowel movements, or loose stools
Environmental Allergy (atopic dermatitis)
In humans, eczema is a commonly used term for itchy, red, and inflamed skin
Occurs when a dog's body is allergic (or overly reactive or sensitive) to pollens, dust mites, or mold spores
Affected dogs often have itching, redness, and hair loss of the face, undersides, and feet
Skin and ear infections occur frequently and ear rubbing or head shaking are common
Contact Allergy
An allergic reaction to something that touches your dog’s skin
Possible contact allergens include: household cleaners, shampoos, plants, and insecticides
Other Skin Problems
Bacterial Infections
Can occur when a dog’s skin is inflamed and irritated due to scratching from allergic skin disease, or if their immune system is compromised
Bacteria can multiply, leading to infection
Signs include skin redness, crusts, scabs, rash, and pimples
Yeast Infections
A type of fungal infection often seen in dogs with allergic skin disease
Affects folded areas of the skin, such as face and lip folds, ears, under the neck, between the toes on paws, and under the tail
Skin is often greasy, red, thickened, and has an odor
Hot Spots
Focal areas of intense irritation that lead to redness and oozing
Can appear very quickly and cause discomfort
If your furry friend is having any of these symptoms, give us a call at 724-206-9944 and schedule an appointment today! We can help!🐶