What do you feed a pitbull with 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

The Best Dog Food for Pitbulls with Skin Allergies

Skin problems can get in the way of a hearty meal. No matter how nutritious your choice of dog food is, your Pittys allergies should always be factored in. The best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies is the best pick here. Aside from ensuring that your doggo gets the right nutrition, this food will also prevent the onset of irritations.

Pitbulls are prone to various allergies, especially those associated with their skin. Their thin coat is one reason why they are susceptible to irritations aside from other internal factors.

The type of food you serve for your Pitbull is crucial in dodging skin allergies. Some doggos tend to develop skin irritations due to various food ingredients. So before you purchase another bag of kibble, heres what you need to know:

Why Pitbulls are prone to skin allergies

Since these burly doggos are short-haired, they have a lower defense against allergens. They are also common victims of dermatological problems. Some of the typical culprits are mundane substances like pollen, sunlight, grass, and skin parasites.

Most of the allergens are environment-related. However, the detergent you use in washing the dog bedding or the Pitty shampoo can be allergens too. Contact allergy is common among Pitbulls but this can worsen when combined with other irritants.

As you see, dog allergy is a very diverse topic. One substance can be an allergen to a specific dog but not for the other. This means your pet needs customized attention when it comes to grooming, and most of all, their diet.

If your doggo is starting to scratch and developing hotspots, its time to take him to the vet for a check-up.

Take note, though, that theres a fine line between allergies and intolerances. Allergies occur when your dogs immune system mistakenly identifies a certain substance as a hazard. Meanwhile, intolerance is all in the gut. When your dog cant digest a certain substance, its not right to tag it as an allergy.

The best diet for Pitbull with allergies

The Association of American Feed Control Officials(AFFCO) recommends that you feed an adult dog with 18% protein. For puppies, protein consistency should be higher at 22%. However, addressing skin allergy isnt just about having the skin allergy food for Pitbulls with high protein levels. There are more aspects to consider in order to prevent the condition from getting in the way of your dogs life.

Some protein sources can be allergens for Pitbulls. Some doggos could be allergic to beef, fish, lamb, pork, or dairy. Theres no single ingredient that can be considered as allergens unless your Pittys body reacts negatively to it.

For example, your Pitbull could be allergic to salmon but mine isnt. Still, it doesnt mean salmon is something I should avoid.

One way to know what is best and what isnt for your Pitty is to put him on the food for a few weeks. If the pooch starts exhibiting symptoms of allergy, thats the time you should analyze the situation. What are the main ingredients of the food? Which of those are the possible allergens? Once you have an idea, go to the vet and request a patch test for confirmation.

If you dont want to subject your doggo to this experiment, secure discharge samples from the Pittys eyes, ears, or mouth. Send this to the vet for further examination. Through that, you can determine what you should avoid in order to establish what the best diet for your Pitbull is.

Usually, the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies has these three attributes:

-Limited ingredients

-Prescribed or formulated by veterinarians

-Novel ingredients

Food ingredients to be cautious about

Again, there is no written list of food ingredients that can be harmful to your dog. But, in general, there are some items that tend to induce irritations. So instead of avoiding, its best to proceed with caution with the following ingredients:

Grains

Grains like soy, wheat, and corn has earned bad rap for pissing the stomach of Pitbulls. As much as your Pitty needs sources of carbs, take note that grains take time to digest. These three mentioned items are notorious for inducing or worsening skin allergies among dogs.

Instead, opt for brown rice, barley, or oatmeal as a source of carbohydrates.

Dairy products

If theres one food item infamous for allergies, it would be dairy products. Its the same case with dogs and humans. Although cheese, egg, and the likes are rich in complete protein, always proceed with caution. It contains enzymes that can be allergens for your pet. Anyway, it doesnt mean youre going to ditch dairy for good. If possible, keep it in a low amount.

These two food ingredients are the usual allergens reported by many Pitbull owners. Still, it will vary depending on your dogs immune system.

Best skin allergy food for Pitbulls

If youre planning to purchase your Pitty with skin allergies its new dog food, I suggest that you take a look on these premium picks I got here:

BLUE Wilderness Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

For adult Pitties, I recommend that you consider the BLUE Wilderness Dry Dog Food. First, its guaranteed to be grain-free and to have very minimal dairy ingredients. This is made from deboned chicken and fish for the most sumptuous meal you can give your Pitbull.

Above all, this food doesnt have any poultry by-products, corn, wheat, and soy that can induce or worsen dog allergies.

This food also has potatoes and peas as safe sources of carbohydrates. Aside from that, this dry dog food is also blended with wholesome veggies and fruits for optimal nourishment. Since it has the right balance of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, this is perfect in regaining the health of your pets skin and coat.

Another good thing about this food is it has 34% crude protein, perfect for active adult Pitbulls. Its also packed with antioxidants and minerals that help strengthen the doggos immune system. All the minerals and nutrients here are selected by nutritionists and veterinarians.

Whats interesting about this dog food is its two-part structure. Aside from kibble, it also contains the so-called LifeSource Bits. Its a dark brown bit packed with nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants all intended to support overall health. And in the case of Pitties, its the best skin allergy food for Pitbulls

Pros

Best for gluten-intolerant and allergic dogs

Zero add-ins and artificial preservatives

Free from substandard ingredients like meat by-products

Excellent formulation of nutrients and minerals

Supports the skin, bone, and muscle health

Cons

Only available in a maximum of 24-pound bags

A bit expensive than most

Hills Science Dog Food for Sensitive Skin and Stomach

For those looking for a special formula made for doggos with sensitive skin, the one from Hills Science is the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. Its said to be formulated for dogs with the nastiest tummy problems and skin issues. Made for adult Pitties, this meal is a combination of chicken and barley for a dose of protein and carbs.

The best part here is that the food has Vitamin E and C plus clinically-approved antioxidants that help restore the shine of Pitbulls coats. There are also Omega fatty acids that both contribute to a healthier digestion and skin. The premium ingredients here are easy to digest and definitely delicious.

This Hills Pet Dog Food is recommended by vets based on the Veterinarian Endorsement Survey conducted in 2023. Aside from that, this formula is actually the brainchild of about 220 veterinarians, pet nutritionists, and scientists. Its guaranteed to yield positive results in the skin department.

Pet owners who had dogs with extreme skin issues including scaling, hotspots, and yeast growth have resorted to this food. With proper transitioning, this food can help clear the itching and wounds in just one month. Even picky eaters would love the taste and nutritional profile of this skin allergy food for Pitbulls.

Pros

Vet and pet nutritionist-approved

All-natural ingredients packed with antioxidants and nutrients

Infused with Vitamins C and E for better coat health

Safe source of carbohydrates and protein

Best for sensitive tummies and skin

Larger bag

Cons

The pieces are bigger which isnt advisable for Pitties under 10 pounds.

Expensive but worth every penny

Causes of Pitbull skin allergies

A lot of pet owners are puzzled as to why their Pitbulls develop skin allergies. Veterinarians believe that the Pitbull breed has a genetic hypersensitivity to various substances, be it on their food or surroundings. Since their immune system seems jumpy, it tends to identify some substances as threats to the body.

Mostly, vets recognize four of the common allergies Pitbulls experience. It can either be contact, environmental, food, or fleas and ticks allergy. Of all these, the contact and food allergies are the most common among Pitties.

This is the reason why its important to choose the right skin allergy food for Pitbulls. Its best to stick to a formulation with limited ingredients. If ever the allergic reaction lingers, it will be easier for you and the vet to spot the culprit.

Like what I said earlier, any food item can be an allergen depending on how your dogs immune system will react to it. You always have to be meticulous and observant at this point.

When it comes to contact allergy, its wise to check the shampoo and chemicals youre using to wash your dog and their accessories.

How to spot skin allergies

If theres one consolation here, its the fact that the symptoms of allergies among Pitbull are easy to spot. Itching and constant licking are tell-tale signs of skin allergies. If your Pitbull is starting to develop hotspots and wounds, its time to assess their diet with the help of a veterinarian.

Other symptoms will include intense chewing, scratching, and redness on the armpits, face, ears, paws, and other folds of the skin. Some Pitbulls may also experience diarrhea and vomiting as well as itchiness on the rear ends.

To spot which ingredients or items cause the allergy, start the elimination process. Start by changing the bedding and ditching your usual detergent or shampoos. If the condition of your pet didnt improve, the next move is to switch the diet.

Transition him to a food with ingredients he hasnt eaten before. If your buddys condition improved, it means his previous meals are mired with allergens. If the symptoms persist, sent the dog to the vet for proper diagnosis.

The veterinarian will perform patch tests to possible allergens. For hard-to-spot allergens, a blood screening test could be done. Its always best to consult your vet if the condition continues to worsen. You simply cant take chances on your hit-and-miss process, especially if the skin allergy is starting to be life-threatening.

Treatment of Pitbull skin allergies

The treatment of your Pitties skin allergies doesnt stop after you got the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. Its imperative that you work with your veterinarian for a holistic approach. But to alleviate the symptoms while youre at home, I recommend that you practice the following:

Limit the use of sprays and active detergents

Aside from food, another reason why dogs develop allergies is due to the chemicals present in their environment. Start reducing the use of invasive household cleaners and sprays.

Supplement with oils

If your dogs skin appears dry and scaly, your pooch will benefit from the addition of fish oils. This is packed with Omega fatty acids that help restore coat health.

Follow the vets prescription

After consulting with the vet, he or she will likely prescribe antibiotics and other medications to cure the skin condition of your dog. Always stick to the doctors orders. If the irritation lingers, go back to the doctor for another testing.

Always remember that its not just about getting the best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies. You should also pay attention to other factors that cause or worsens your Pitties skin irritation. From there, you can get rid of the culprit before it compromises your poochs health.