How do you treat bumps on a pitbull
Maintenance Formula Dog Food
Written By: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth
October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month which means its time to celebrate these affectionate and loyal companions that are often mislabeled.
If you are a pittie parent, you know just how amazing these dogs are and you also know that these breeds can be prone to skin issues. Part of celebrating our pittie pups is making sure we keep them happy and healthy, and sometimes it can be a challenge to find ways to help make them more comfortable.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about pit bull allergies, and what you can do to help your fur baby.
Pit Bull Skin Conditions
We know that breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier, are prone to skin conditions, allergies and subsequent skin infections. This is because pit bulls have short fur and do not have a protective undercoat, making their skin vulnerable to environmental allergens and irritants. Genetics also play a role as many skin and coat health conditions are hereditary.
Uncontrollable scratching, excessive licking, paw chewing, ear infections and skin infections are very common symptoms that can occur secondary to allergies, and if left untreated, they can quickly get out of control. Just as with all dogs, Pit Bulls experience three main types of allergies food allergy, flea allergy, and environmental or contact allergy. Keeping track of what time of year your pittie is itchy, and what symptoms they develop will go a long way to determining the type of allergy.
Improve Skin Allergies With Wild Earth Dog FoodFood Allergens
Believe it or not, your Pit Bulls allergy symptoms might be from the food theyre eating. The animal-based ingredients in dog food (beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, egg, pork, fish, and rabbit) are responsible for over 3 times as many food allergy cases as the plant-based ingredients. According to a study on PubMed.gov, after five weeks of their dog patients starting an elimination diet, more than 80% of patients had achieved a remission of clinical signs of CAFR
That means your dogs allergies could be eliminated just by changing what they eat, namely by removing those common food allergens, so consider switching their dog food. 86% of customers reported a positive health benefit for their dog after switching to Wild Earth dog food!
Try switching to Wild Earth Dog Food and adding in our Skin & Coat Dog Supplements to improve your dogs allergies!
If your pup does suffer from food allergies, make sure to eliminate all other sources of animal-based protein, including treats and table scraps. Our Wild Earth treats are a great way to treat your dog, without the itch! Try one of our flavors - Banana and Cinnamon, Strawberry and Beet, or Peanut Butter.
Environmental Allergens
Pit Bulls can be sensitive to irritants in their environment as they have short fur and dont have a thick undercoat to protect their skin like many other breeds. This means that their skin comes into contact with environmental irritants more often, including grasses and pollen, which can easily be picked up on walks. To help protect your pup from these common allergens, wipe down their paws and bellies after walks with a damp towel.
Other possible environmental allergens can be found in the home, for example dust mites, and contact allergens can include anything your dog comes into contact with, including household cleaning products, detergents, and shampoos. If you suspect your dog is suffering from environmental allergies, speak to your veterinarian. You can also help by changing your HVAC filters regularly, and using powerful air purifiers indoors.
Flea Allergic Dermatitis
Flea allergies, or flea allergic dermatitis (FAD), is the most common dermatologic disease of dogs in the United States. The allergy is to flea saliva so just one bite from a flea can cause an allergic reaction. An important step in ruling out the cause of your dogs itch is to make sure your pet is on a year-round prescription flea preventative prescribed by your veterinarian.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis
If your Pit Bull starts to develop dry, scaly skin, it may be caused by zinc-responsive dermatosis. This is a common disorder in pit bulls, which can develop at a young age. The issue occurs when dogs dont get enough zinc in their diets, or cannot digest it properly. Its a main reason weve added zinc to our Skin & Coat supplements.
Signs of zinc deficiency include red, hairless, scaling, crusting, or oozing skin around the mouth, eyes, ears, and chin or lesions on the nose and foot pads. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, please consult with your veterinarian.
Parasites
Another reason that your dog may be suffering from itchy skin is due to parasites. Parasites such as mange and mites can cause itchy, red skin, and frequent scratching. Unfortunately, pit bulls are the most common breeds in US shelters, and they tend to stay in shelters longer, leading to stress, which decreases the immune system, and makes them more susceptible to mange.
Try Wild Earth Dog Food 30% OffGenetic Conditions
Genetically, pit bulls are prone to skin issues, and can inherit hereditary skin conditions such as zinc deficiency, mentioned above, ichthyosis, and some types of dermatitis.
Infections
Allergies cause chronic inflammation and decrease the skin barrier, so coupled with scratching or licking, can lead to infections, which need to be treated. If your pittie has areas of reddish brown discoloration on their fur, for example, this could indicate a yeast infection. If you suspect your pittie has a skin infection, speak with your veterinarian.
We love Pitties! But, sometimes they need a little help with their skin issues
Keep An Eye On Your Pit Bull!
We love our pets like family and hate to see them uncomfortable. The reality is, Pit Bulls are more susceptible to skin irritations and allergies than some other breeds. Fortunately, by keeping an eye on their activity, watching how they react to their diet, bathing them as directed, and giving them a supplement if you think they need extra support, can go a long way toward helping them live a more comfortable life!
Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA
Dr. Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva is the Professional Services Veterinarian here at Wild Earth. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brown University, and attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in general practice, on telehealth platforms, and in animal rehabilitation. She has worked tirelessly to gain expertise in the field of canine nutrition through numerous certifications and coursework, and plans to pursue her Masters in Animal Nutrition.
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
