skin allergies in dogs?

[MoralesFamilee]

i have a 11 week old pit bull puppy and i am starting to suspect she has some kind of skin allergy because she is scratching a lot. she has no fleas or mites so i know that is not the problem. she will wake up to scratch and then after about 5 minutes go right back to sleep. i am wondering if there are common house hold triggers or if it is more likely to be her food or maybe her shampoo (skin is dry w/ light flaking) right now she is eating regular puppy chow i know its not the best (so dont be a douche bag about it) it is what i can afford right now.

any input (from experience) would be great! i would also appriciate any suggestions on foods for allergies and shampoos.

 

[danneva]

There are several problems that can occur related to skin with your dog like fleas, ticks, mites, pollen and various kinds of allergies. All of them require consideration and treatment. But allergies are different considerations all together as you need to find the exact problem causing the allergy. Many skin diseases seen in dogs are caused by an allergy. But sometimes these dog allergies are difficult to spot as every dogs body reacts in a different way to these.

There are numeral things that can be causing your dog to itch:

Diet –the dog could have sensitivity to something in his food.

Mold –in humid or in unventilated kitchens and bathrooms, mold spores could be causing the skin allergy.

Animals –your dog may be allergic to other animals in the house, such as cat, bird, or other furry pets, especially pets that have contact with the outdoor world, which can bring in other allergens such as pollen.

People –just like allergens that can be found on cats, people carry allergens that flake off and can irritate your dog. It’s actually pretty common with about 40% of dogs with an allergy to people.

Grass –you will commonly se this allergy during the spring months. Insects –mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and other insects will typically cause skin allergies during the spring and summer months.

Here are some tips for your allergic dog.
–try giving your pup an oatmeal bath 3-4 times a week (some pet stores may even carry oatmeal formulated shampoo)
–allow your dog to sit in a bath filled with Epsom salts
–try using an air dehumidifier and place activated charcoal around house plants to decrease molds
–dust and vacuum often
–be careful what you are washing your dog’s bedding in
–try using omega 3 fatty acids (ask first this with your vet), they have natural anti-inflammatory agents and can be purchased at most pet stores or veterinarians.