avatar image
Advertisement
PostMag
Life.Culture.Discovery.

How to spot, treat and avoid skin allergies in dogs

Felix Paige

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0
Skin allergies are among the most common reasons for bringing a dog to the vet, according to veterinarian Faye Cable, of East Island Animal Hospital (www.eastislandvets.com.hk).

"The most obvious sign of skin allergies in dogs is often itchiness, which can end up resulting in hair loss, skin damage, grazes and bacterial infections. However, they are not the only cause, so if your pet is itchy, it is worthwhile having them fully checked and treated by your vet," Cable says.

A dog that is frequently licking or scratching its feet or ears may be suffering from a skin allergy. Photos: Thinkstock
A dog that is frequently licking or scratching its feet or ears may be suffering from a skin allergy. Photos: Thinkstock
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system has an excessive response to a normal substance, which results in the skin becoming irritated and inflamed. That, in turn, damages the skin's natural protective barrier, risking further irritation and, in some cases, bacterial infections.

"This can then set up a vicious cycle of itching and scratching. The hot and humid climate in Hong Kong may increase the chance of both allergic reactions and secondary infections," the vet says.

Signs of allergies vary, but commonly affected areas include the feet, ears, armpits and belly. In some cases, the signs can be quite subtle - for example, a dog that is frequently seen licking or biting its feet, or has recurrent ear infections may have an underlying allergy.

Allergies can occur in any type of dog, but some breeds such as poodles, shih tzus, schnauzers, pugs and golden retrievers are more likely to develop skin problems. They can take a while to develop, but signs are frequently first observed in dogs aged six months to three years old.

scmp poll
Advertisement
Before you go
Advertisement