Dogs can develop allergic reactions to a wide range of environmental allergens, often called atopic dermatitis. Photo: Todsaporn Bunmuen/Dreamstime/TNS
Skin issues, including skin allergies, infections and ear issues are the most common dog problems that are presented to insurance companies as claims.
It can be difficult to distinguish between allergies and infections in dogs, as they often share similar symptoms. Both can cause intense itchiness and discomfort for your dog.
And to make things more complicated, scratching from an allergy can lead to a skin infection so you sometimes can have two things at once.
However, paying attention to specific signs can provide clues, and a veterinarian is essential for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of both a skin allergy and a skin infection. Here are things to look for on your dog to know the difference.
Allergies:
- If the symptoms flare up during specific seasons (like spring and summer when pollen counts are high), it could be a sign of environmental allergies.
- Identifying a particular substance that consistently triggers the reaction can indicate an allergy, such as a new food or a plant encountered outdoors.
- Hives, such as raised red welts on the skin, facial swelling around the eyes, ears, nose or muzzle.
- Recurring ear infections, especially in both ears, can usually be a sign of underlying allergies, especially food allergies or atopic dermatitis.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea may be associated with food allergies or sensitivities.
- Signs are usually systemically, meaning in more than one location. For example, both ears having issues or chewing at paws rather than only one paw.
Infections:
- Pustules or pimples: These are indicators of a bacterial infection (pyoderma).
- Foul odour or discharge: A foul smell or the presence of pus or discharge from the affected skin indicates a likely infection.
- Crusty or scaly skin: Excessive flaking, scabbing or crusting can point to an infection, whether bacterial or fungal.
- Thickened or darkened skin: Chronic inflammation and infection can lead to skin thickening and darkening.
- Hot spots: Localised, moist and painful areas that develop quickly are known as hot spots or acute moist dermatitis and are often linked to bacterial infections,
Common allergies
Dogs can develop allergic reactions to a wide range of environmental allergens, often called atopic dermatitis. Many of these allergic signs show up yearly like clockwork.
Some common allergies are pollen, mold and fungi, dust and mites.
When to see a vet
Since the symptoms often overlap, and untreated skin problems can quickly worsen and often lead to secondary infections, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment sooner than later.
If not diagnosed and treated correctly, the right treatment for one can sometimes make another skin condition worse. – American Kennel Club/Tribune News Service
Dr Jerry Klein is the chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club. For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.
