How to help pitbull itchy skin

How to Treat Pit Bull Skin Problems: 7 Vet-Approved Ways

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American Pit Bulls, which include breeds like Staffordshire Terriers and American Bulldogs, can suffer from various skin problems. These can be caused by skin infection, sunburns, food and environmental allergies, skin parasites, systemic illness, genetic conditions, and deficiencies in certain minerals.

The ideal treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Finding a suitable and effective treatment starts by determining the root cause of the problem. This is where your vet comes in. Lets take a deeper look.

Identify the Cause of Skin Problems

Although Pit Bulls may suffer more commonly with skin problems, any breed can be affected. Bull Terriers are genetically predisposed to a very rare condition that can encourage dermatitis, erythema, flaking, and crusting, beginning around the eyes, mouth, and ears and spreading to genital area, anus, pads, elbows, and hocks. This condition is called zinc-responsive dermatosis and is fatal. Luckily, it seems like this disease has been mainly bred out, but its important to be aware of it if you own a Pit Bull breed.

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• Skin Infection Any breed of dog, including Pit Bull breeds, may suffer from skin infections. They can occur for various reasons and in different places on the body but are often worsened by the dog licking and self traumatizing. Some of the reasons for an infection may be bacterial or fungal overgrowth, parasites, allergies, etc. Hot spot is a term for a localized skin infection, often on the head, legs, or hips, characterized by a moist, smelly, and often matted area.
• Sunburn Dogs can suffer from sunburns just the same as people can. Although white pitties suffer more, any short-haired, hairless, or fair-colored dog can get a burn in the sun, particularly on the more hairless areas mainly on their face, ears, and belly. Apply sunscreen if your dog will be out in sunny conditions for long periods.
• Zinc-responsive dermatosis in Pit Bulls Zinc is important for creating DNA, enabling the growth of cells, building proteins, healing damaged tissue, and supporting a healthy immune system. The production of all of these is hampered if your dog suffers from zinc deficiency, either because their diet is deficient in zinc or because of a genetic disorder due to defective intestinal resorption of zinc. Skin conditions are the visible face of zinc deficiency, but at the same time, it causes a host of other serious and life-threatening metabolic and health problems that need to be addressed urgently. In case of a genetic defect, which is luckily very rare these days, the illness is considered fatal.
• Food Allergies Your dog might be suffering from food allergies. Ingredients like beef, dairy, chicken, eggs, or lamb, which are just some of the allergens commonly found in commercial dog foods, could be the cause. Identifying and removing allergens from your dogs diet could be enough to prevent allergic skin disease or digestive signs.
• Atopic Dermatitis Environmental irritants are all around us. Your dog could be allergic to the dust mites in your home, the grass in your garden, or the plants and their pollen on their daily walking route.
• Skin Parasites Fleas are the most common dog external parasites and one of the major causes of skin problems in any breed. Some dogs may also develop an allergy to the flea saliva, which exhibits as signs of allergic skin disease. Fleas may be more common during warm months but can invade a home at any time. Other parasites include mange and mites, and any of these infestations include skin complaints as a side effect.
• Ichthyosis A rare genetic condition where the superficial skin layer does not develop properly, resulting in dry flaky and scaly skin. This has been recognized in American Bulldogs.
• Systemic disease There are many underlying systemic health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, advanced liver, pancreatic, or autoimmune disease, that may cause various skin signs. Often, these are accompanied by changes in appetite, drinking, urination, and defecation, often with weight loss.

The Top 7 Dog Skin Disease Management Options

If your dog is suffering from any skin issues, its crucial to get them checked by your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist. Skin complaints may be frustrating and challenging to diagnose, and its important that your vet starts the diagnostic process as soon as possible. Here are some of the steps and guidelines your vet will discuss with you, based on your dogs signs and most likely underlying cause.

1. Veterinary Diagnostics

No matter what is happening with your dogs skin or their general health, your vet will be able to help identify the underlying cause. They will recommend a diagnostic process in order to rule out various causes, from the most basic ones to the more challenging ones. Oftentimes, when it comes to skin issues, a diagnosis is based on exclusion. There are many tests your vet or a dermatologist can recommend in order to identify the issue and start appropriate treatment.

Your vet may prescribe systemic or topical treatment, and depending on the cause of skin issues, the treatment may be short term or may continue for a few years or for the rest of your dogs life.

Above all, though, a vet can identify whether a skin complaint is a surface sign of a much deeper and more serious underlying problem.

The following six guidelines are just some of the possible veterinary recommendations if your dogs skin issues are due to an allergic skin disease or a topical skin infection. These are purely adjunctive management options alongside the medical therapy prescribed by your vet, and on their own, depending on the underlying issue, are unlikely to be sufficient to manage the signs. Its important not to self diagnose your pooch, as skin issues are complex, and you may waste valuable time while your dogs skin condition is getting worse. This will cause pain and discomfort to your dog, reduce their quality of life, and may worsen the underlying systemic health condition, making it more expensive and time consuming to diagnose and treat. Consider pet insurance when getting a dog, as it may help alleviate some of the financial concerns.

2. Diet Trials

Your vet or veterinary dermatologist may recommend you change your dogs diet if they suspect your dog is allergic to a certain ingredient in their food. If your dog has been eating food based on a beef protein, your vet may recommend a different protein, such as lamb or fish.

An elimination diet means starting out with a very basic food that does not include any known or suspected allergens. Its necessary to feed such a diet for a minimum of 8-12 weeks, and your dog should not have any other food ingredients or treats at that time, as it will negatively impact the results. If your dogs skin problems or digestive signs clear up, you could speak to your vet about gradually reintroducing ingredients until the problems start again, and then you can definitely identify the ingredients theyre allergic to.

3. Using Antibacterial Dog Shampoo

You should never use human shampoo on dogs, and you can get medicated and specific canine shampoo for use on dogs with allergies and skin complaints based on your vets recommendations.

Speak to your vet, as they may recommend a particular bathing frequency, like weekly, monthly, or fortnightly bathing. A lot of owners are concerned about bathing too often because they have heard that it strips the natural oils from a dogs skin and may lead to skin disbalance. However, done properly and with the right shampoos for the right reasons, which in this case are skin conditions, it can help manage the complaint. Of course, speak to your vet first about how often this should occur.

4. Paw and Skin Fold Hygiene

Many environmental irritants are picked up while out on walks because you cannot control what is in the grass or on the floor. The same goes for dust mites and indoor allergens and contact irritants. Once your dog has these irritants on their paws, they will scratch and may transfer them onto other areas of the skin.

Try to keep the dust levels under control as much as possible, and keep your poochs beds and sleeping areas clean. However, such steps may certainly help but will have a limited effect, as its difficult to control these types of allergens present everywhere in the environment.

Consider wiping your dogs paws when returning from outside using a wet towel, and then wash and dry the towel afterward. If your dog has any skin folds, make sure you are regularly checking them and cleaning them in the appropriate way, as they may also get infected and worsen your dogs skin condition. If your veterinary dermatologist has diagnosed your dog with atopic dermatitis, they may recommend more specific instructions, depending on the identified allergens that are causing skin signs in your pooch.

5. Flea Prevention

Fleas are a major irritant, and even if the fleas themselves do not cause flea allergies in your dog, their itching and biting to eradicate the fleas can be contributing to the problem or even causing it to easily worsen.

Look for signs of fleas and apply regular flea treatment according to the instructions on the treatment package given by your veterinarian.

6. Introduce Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. These can play a key role in good health, immune system health, and they also encourage healthy eyes, skin, and coat. If your dog is suffering from skin issues, speak to your vet about adequate and recommended amounts of these compounds in their regular diet.

Some types of food, particularly those formulated with high-quality ingredients and intended for dogs with sensitive skin, already contain omega fatty acids. Too much of a good thing may also be harmful, and there are potential adverse effects if your dog is having a higher-than-recommended amount.

Ensure that the food you offer includes a reasonable amount, and add omega fish oils to their diet using veterinary-approved supplements, but only if your vet suggests doing so based on your dogs medical history and their diet. It may not be indicated in dogs with diabetes, digestive issues, a clotting disorder, those on anticoagulant medication, or a history of pancreatitis. Fish oil should be used cautiously in pregnant or nursing dogs.

7. Home Management

If anybody has picked up any allergens on their shoes while out of the house, they will have settled on the floor. Alternatively, your dog could be allergic or sensitive to dust or even to the carpet fibers or rug itself.

Make sure you dust and vacuum regularly. Consider using an air filter to remove pollen and other potentially sensitive ingredients.

Conclusion

Pit Bull breeds can suffer with skin problems and skin complaints, like any other breed of dog. Although the tips above are geared towards Pit Bull breeds, they will apply to any breed in the hope of alleviating itching, biting, and other skin complaints with the professional help of your vet or a veterinary dermatologist.

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Featured Image Credit: Andy Gin, Shutterstock

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