Since many animals are covered in a furry coat, it’s easy to become distracted by the health and condition of this hair and forget about the skin underneath. However, our animals are just as prone to developing skin problems as we are. These skin problems can be caused by many different things, but by far the most common is allergies.
Just like us, our pet’s skin is actually their largest organ and acts as a protective barrier between the outside and inside of their body. Not only does it protect the sensitive inner tissues from harmful microorganisms and environmental elements, but it also helps them to regulate their body temperature and permits them to experience the sensations of touch, cold, and heat. When there is an issue with the skin, it can be irritating, painful, and frustrating. Pets with severe skin conditions may find their symptoms are debilitating. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of skin allergies and how to recognize if your pet is suffering from them.
Causes of skin allergies in pets
There are a variety of different allergy triggers that can cause your pet to have a reaction that manifests in their skin. Some of the most common include:
Flea allergies. Flea saliva is irritating for everyone, but some animals are hypersensitive, experiencing a reaction that can last for as long as a week.
Food allergies. Pets can develop allergies over time, so even if your furbaby has been fed the same food for a long time, they could still become intolerant to one or more of the ingredients, leading to an allergic reaction.
Contact/environmental allergies. These occur when your pet comes into direct contact with something that their body perceives as harmful, such as pollen, dust, mold, cleaning products, or even certain plants/flowers.
Signs of skin allergies in pets
Skin allergies can cause animals to experience a number of different symptoms. Your pet may experience one or a combination of these. In many cases, these skin-based symptoms may also be accompanied by other, more general signs of an allergic reaction. Some of the indicators that you should look out for include:
Excessive, persistent itchiness
Scratching that keeps your pet or your family awake
Red, inflamed skin
A visible rash on the skin
Hives, which appear as red, raised lumps on the skin
Chewing their skin
Excessively grooming the same spot over and over
Rubbing their body against furniture or the floor to try and alleviate the itch
Scooting along the floor
Pus or a foul odor emanating from the skin
Hair loss/bald spot
Dry flaking skin
Scabs
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, they have a skin issue that needs to be addressed, and this could be being caused by an allergy. Your vet will be able to undertake investigations in order to confirm a diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment that will alleviate your pet’s suffering. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our animal care center today.
