How do I know if my Pit Bull has allergies
Everything You Need To Know About Pit Bull Skin Allergies
Everything You Need To Know About Pit Bull Skin Allergies
If you have a Pit Bull in your life, there is a chance that your pup has experienced a form of skin irritation at some point.
Pit Bulls are prone to developing skin conditions, whether its due to environmental allergens or something more.
To help you better understand your Pittie, lets discuss everything you need to know about Pit Bull skin allergies.
Ranging from typical causes to treatment methods, lets get into our detailed guide!
Are Allergies Common In Pit Bulls?
Unfortunately, allergies are common in our Pit Bull friends.
Their short coat makes them extremely susceptible to environmental allergens, leading to skin irritation in many Pit Bull pups.
Not only are allergies common in Pitties, but they are more likely to develop zinc deficiency as well.
With these factors combined, many Pit Bulls struggle with dry and irritated skin as a result.
Dont want to read this entire article? Watch our short video on Pit Bull Skin Allergies on this page.
Common Pit Bull Skin Problems
Pit Bulls can experience skin irritation due to multiple causes.
With having such a short and flat coat, this breed is more likely to fall victim to potential allergens in the world around them.
To help you get to the bottom of your dogs skin problems, lets discuss the most common factors below.
Allergies
Pit Bulls can experience multiple forms of allergies that cause a list of irritating symptoms.
While it may seem like contact allergens are the only form of allergy that can cause skin irritation in dogs, this is actually not the case.
All forms of canine allergies can have an impact on a dogs skin and coat health, even if the allergen never makes contact with the skin itself.
Our Pit Bull friends can experience environmental allergies, contact allergies, and even food allergies. Each of these conditions can result in:
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
- Inflammation
- and secondary skin infections when these issues are not addressed
If your Pit Bull experiences long term skin irritation without relief, its best to speak with your vet about the possibility of canine allergies.
Most vets will first discuss the use of allergy treatment going forward, and the potential of pursuing allergy testing if your Pittie does not respond to treatment.
Most Pit Bulls do well with the use of daily allergy medication, or even monthly injections that diminish their current irritations.
If these options are not successful, some pups will need to begin an elimination diet to rule out any potential food allergies.
Ectoparasites
The most common cause of itchy skin in dogs is the presence of ectoparasites, or the skin irritation they leave behind.
Contact with even one flea can be enough to cause a severe allergic response in dogs, leading to an array of skin irritation to follow.
While flea prevention can prevent flea infestations, some only work by killing the flea once it bites the skin.
This method is effective, but it does not prevent any flea bite irritation.
If a Pit Bull is allergic to fleas, this can still lead to flea allergy dermatitis.
Irritation from fleas will often appear as skin irritation on the legs or in the area around the base of the tail.
Dogs will often frantically bite at this area, leading to potential fur loss and infection in some cases.
Flea allergy dermatitis will often require veterinary attention due to the severe irritation that is left behind.
Not only can your vet address any current fleas that are present, but can offer the best support for any current irritation or infection.
Dry Skin
Some Pit Bulls struggle with dry and itchy skin.
Just like you and I, some dogs skin is simply more dry than others.
This can be further irritated in certain weather, during certain seasons, and even when using new shampoos or other products.
Dry skin is not only itchy for a dog, but can lead to secondary infection due to constant scratching.
Skin Infections
Skin infections are a secondary problem to initial skin irritation.
When a dog has itchy skin, they often resort to biting and scratching to ease their discomfort.
Dogs do not understand how damaging this can be to their skin, causing them to scratch and bite to the point of severe irritation.
Not only can the scratching cause damage in itself, but can welcome new bacteria into the skin.
This is how secondary skin infections are formed, causing a vicious cycle of discomfort.
Skin infections often present with inflammation, oozing, flaking, and even odor.
Infected areas of the skin may even begin to develop hot spots, which is a painful skin condition that is caused by excessive licking or scratching in one area.
Skin infections often require medical intervention, as this can be challenging to treat without antibiotics.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis
Pit Bulls are more prone to developing a condition known as Zinc-responsive dermatosis.
This is a condition that is most often seen in large breed dogs, and develops as a result of the bodys inability to absorb zinc properly.
This can also develop if a dog does not receive enough zinc in their diet.
Dogs with a zinc insufficiency can experience dry skin, a dull coat, and even fur loss.
Hair loss and flaking around the mouth and eyes is particularly common, causing a typical pattern that is easier for a professional to identify.
If you fear that your Pit Bull has zinc-responsive dermatosis, its best to contact your vet for further advice.
They are the only ones that can properly identify the condition, as well as offer a safe dose of daily zinc.
How To Solve Pitbull Skin Problems
Skin problems can be a lifelong nuisance for so many canine friends.
If you happen to have an itchy Pit Bull in your life, there are a few ways to offer them the comfort they deserve.
Stay Up To Date On Preventative Care
One of the best ways to prevent further skin irritation in your canine friend is by staying up to date on their preventative care.
Fleas can cause a world of discomfort for a dog, making any previous skin conditions even more severe.
By keeping your pup on proper flea and tick prevention, you can prevent any further complications from crawling critters.
Ask Your Vet For Advice
Its always best to speak with your vet at the first sign of skin irritation.
Your veterinarian can guide you in the right treatment direction for your Pittie, and potentially shorten their time of discomfort.
Not only can your vet offer your dog proper treatment, but they can diagnose any issues you were unaware of.
No matter how minor your dogs issues may seem, it is always best to seek professional advice.
Offer Soothing Baths
Soothing baths can be wonderful for Pit Bulls with dry and irritated skin.
Calming ingredients can offer much needed relief when applied to the skin, helping to ease your dogs discomfort as they heal.
Some of the best soothing dog shampoos include ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, coconut, honey, and lavender.
You can also purchase soothing shampoos at your veterinary office, many of which contain medications to target dry skin at the source.
Brush Them Frequently
Brushing your Pittie can be a simple, yet effective way to soothe their troubled skin.
Frequent brushing helps to stimulate oil production on the skin, leading to a healthier and more hydrated coat.
Though your dogs fur may be short, a few short brushing sessions a week can make a huge difference for your pup.
Final Thoughts
Our Pit Bull friends may be more prone to skin allergies than other breeds, but there are many ways to offer them comfort.
Be sure to review the information that we discussed above, and you can stay on top of their skin and coat health going forward.
My name is Amber. I am a dedicated animal lover that turned my passion into my career. I am a Licensed Vet Tech with 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine, but I recently took my career online to help spread accurate information on animal care. With how vast the online world is, I have a strong desire to ensure that the reader always walks away with helpful pet advice. With the experience Ive gained from my time in this field, I have been able to travel the world, offering my services to as many animal rescues as I can find. If I am not at my laptop, or back home visiting family, you can find me somewhere in the world, cuddling every furry friend that I can find! More About Us
Common Pit Bull Allergies and Treatments
Common pit bull allergies are typically environmental or dog food allergies. If you notice your pit bull breaking out in hives, a rash or skin bumps, this is most likely an allergic reaction.
Common Pit Bull Allergies to Dog Food
If you believe your pit bulls hives or skin bumps are a result from their diet, try switching their dog food to one made for sensitive stomachs.
Avoid dog food with low quality ingredients which may cause the dog food allergy. Do this especially if they appear to be in pain or are having frequent/loose bowel movements.
The best dog food for pit bulls with allergies or sensitive stomachs are limited ingredient dog food, grain-free dog food or hypoallergenic dog food.
It always best to use the highest quality dog food you can afford for your pit bull regardless if a food allergy is present.
Common Pit Bull Skin Allergies
If your pit bull has a skin allergy from something environmental, try this plan of attack.
When your pit bull come in for the day from outdoors, wipe them down. Inspect their skin for ticks, bites, bumps, scratches, anything out of the ordinary.
Dogs naturally have bacteria on them. You would commonly find bacteria in moist areas like their paws, ears, bellies, armpits.
Bugs and microorganisms will attach themselves to these areas. Wiping your dog down with a hypoallergenic wipe will cut down any bacteria growth significantly.
Do some detective work around your home. What does your dog play with? Where do they lay at home? What do you wash their items with?
Have you changed any detergents, shampoos, lotions? Any new plants in or outside the home?
If you can narrow down the culprit, remove it from your dogs environment and see if the allergy clears up. If its difficult to figure out the cause, try the following steps.
Pit bull skin bumps allergy treatment success plan
- Use a Chlorhexidine shampoo. Chlorhexidine Shampoo with 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate is formulated for skin conditions caused by microorganisms and bacteria.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate works to help promote healthy skin and coat. Chlorhexidine Shampoo is effective, yet mild and may even be used for routine shampooing on all dogs.
- Wipe your dog with a damp towel when they come inside for the day. More frequent on hot days.
Its crucial when using a damp towel to dry them completely. Hypoallergenic wipes are quick and easy to use without leaving your dog moist.
- Chlorhexidine spray works very well also between shampooing and when coming in from outdoors. It will rid the bacteria on your pit bulls skin while cleaning and deodorizing.
- Pit bulls can be allergic to insects like mosquitos. Spray your dog with mosquito repellent before heading outside.
- A tick allergy can be a real problem. Be sure to inspect your pit bull for ticks. Pull them off as soon as possible with tweezers, preferably outside.
Common Pit Bull Allergies FAQ
What is the best dog food for pit bulls with common skin allergies?
A grain-free dog food like Taste of the Wild is fantastic and very highly rated.
- Purina pro plan sensitive skin & stomach dog food is a quality dog food with nearly 20,000 positive ratings on Amazon.
What is the best dry dog food for pit bulls with skin allergies?
There are many quality dry dog foods for pit bulls on the market. Which one is the best really depends on the owner and what the pit bull enjoys.
For us, you cannot go wrong with Taste of the Wild. With 15,000+ reviews with over 80% 5 star, its a great choice for many dog owners.
How do you treat dog hives on a pit bull?
- Use a chlorhexidine shampoo. Chlorhexidine Shampoo conditions while it cleans and deodorizes your pit bulls skin.
If your pit bulls hives were due to something environmental, chlorhexidine shampoo will rid your pit bulls skin of the bacteria and alleviate the hive breakout.
- If you dont have time for a full dog shampooing, a great solution is to use a chlorhexidine spray.
Chlorhexidine spray is perfect between baths and is easier than shampooing. It deodorizes and cleanses face folds, wrinkles, paws, underarms and groin.
Chlorhexidine helps relieve hives, skin infections, hot spots, paw licking, allergies, and skin bumps.
Curaseb Medicated Chlorhexidine Spray has a no sting alcohol-free formula that relieves itching and hot Spots. Aloe & vitamin E soothes and nourishes rashes, redness and dry skin irritations.
What is the best allergy treatment for my pit bulls skin bumps?
Pit bull skin bumps differ from hives. Hives are the result of an allergic reaction and skin bumps can be from insect bites, bacterial infections, irritating substances etc.
You would not have to change your dog food if your pit bull has been eating the same dog food for a while. If you recently changed the dog food, that could be the issue.
If you believe your pit bulls skin bumps are the result of something they rubbed against, use an antibacterial shampoo like chlorhexidine shampoo.
A chlorhexidine spray might be the most useful item to have on hand. It is super-convenient for when shampooing is not ideal and is very effective.
This will rid the bacteria on your pit bulls skin. Chlorhexidine shampoo is safe to use for regular shampooing. Dont use any harsh laundry detergents to wash your pit bulls blankets, beds, toys etc.
Why does my pit bull have bumps on his skin?
Your pit bull can have bumps on his skin or dog hives from an allergic reaction to his dog food. The skin bumps can also be a contact allergy from something in the home or outdoors.
Watch an expert and blue pit bull owner identify and treat her pit bulls hives and skin bumps at home.
Are allergies common in Blue Pit Bulls?
Yes. Environmental and skin allergies are common in blue pit bulls. You can read about it here.
Are pit bulls hypoallergenic?
While pit bulls are not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, their skin and coat is typically short to medium length minimizing shedding and dander.
Read our Pit Bull Dog Food FAQs
