Why does my Pit Bull have bumps all over his skin
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.
Lumps and Bumps on Dogs Skin: Signs, Symptoms, Causes
What is that strange bump on your dog? Discovering a skin lump or bump on your dog can set your mind reeling and heart racing, but theres no need to panic. A bump on your dog doesnt automatically mean cancer. While skin bumps and strange lumps on dogs should always be taken seriously, certain types of bumps are more common than you might think, and theyre often harmless.
Types of Skin Lumps and Bumps on Dogs
Skin bumps that youre likely to find on your dog fall into several categories. Some of these are more common in older dogs. As a new puppy owner, youll want to file these away and keep an eye out for them as your pup ages. While some of these are non-cancerous, some can be caused by infections or other underlying conditions. Its always best to have a veterinarian examine and diagnose anychanges to your dogs skinand determine a course of treatment, if needed.
Lipomas
These fatty tumors appear as soft, round lumps of flesh beneath the skin. Theyre made up entirely of fat cells and are always benign, or non-cancerous. Lipomas are usually found in older dogs and dogs who are overweight. Larger breeds are more prone to them, although they can be found in small breeds as well. Your vet may perform a fine needle aspirate, using a thin needle to collect cells and examine them under a microscope to verify that theyre fatty tissue.
Sebaceous Cysts
These are smaller bumps that can look like a pimple or a wart. They form from blocked oil glands and may burst and release a pasty, white goo. These most commonly occur in breeds with fine hair, like the Poodle and the Bichon Frise. They may disappear on their own, although some can remain for years and have the potential to become infected. Surgical removal is an option if they irritate your dog.
Warts
These small, cauliflower-like bumps are caused by the papillomavirus. They occur most often in puppies who dont yet have fully-developed immune systems and usually disappear on their own. Although the virus is contagious between dogs, it cant be transmitted from dogs to humans.
Skin Tags
These are fibrous bumps that look like small flaps or raised stalks of skin, although they may occasionally look like small bumps. They may or may not have hair growing on them. Skin tags are caused by overactive cells called fibroblasts and can occur in dogs of any breed or any age. Theyre often harmless, although your vet might want to do a biopsy to make sure, especially if the tag changes in shape, color or size.
Abscesses
Usually caused by an infection, abscesses are swollen tissue that can form around bug bites, animal bites, infected glands, and other types of sores. If not treated early they may burst, which is painful for your dog. Antibiotics may be required to treat the infection.
Button Tumors
Also known as a histiocytoma, these are benign tumors that affect puppies and young dogs between eight weeks and three years of age. Theyre caused by an overproduction of immune cells and typically disappear on their own.
Mast Cell Tumors
These are cancerous tumors that may occur either beneath or on top of the skin. Theyre often solid to the touch and irregular in shape. The appearance of such a tumor should receive immediate attention from a veterinarian. Theyll likely want to remove the tumor, if possible, before performing a biopsy to determine if cancer might have spread through your dogs body. If surgical removal isnt possible, you may be referred to a veterinary oncologist for chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Most Common Bumps and Lumps on Puppies
Thankfully, cancer in puppies is rare. The most common types of lumps or bumps found on puppies are warts, skin tags, button tumors, and abscesses. In these cases, your dogs veterinarian may recommend a wart ointment or other skin treatment. There are also some supplements that claim to help dissolve fatty lipoma skin lumps on dogs. Its also not unusual for puppies to develop swelling at the site of a vaccination injection, caused by a conglomeration of immune cells that gather there.
Typically, this vaccination site swelling subsides within a week. However, in rare cases, this gathering of cells can turn into a malignant tumor. Contact your vet if a vaccination lump lasts more than a week. They may advise you to keep a watchful eye on it and bring your pup in for a biopsy if the lump continues past three months, is more than an inch in diameter, or continues to grow or change shape.
Although its rare, it is possible for puppies to develop certain types of cancer, so its important to have any lumps, bumps, or other changes in your puppys skin examined by a veterinarian.
When Should You Worry About a Dogs Skin Bump?
Have your dog examined immediately if you discover a lump thats hard or firm to the touch, irregularly shaped, or if you notice a change in any existing lumps or bumps regarding size, texture, or color. Your vet should also immediately take a look at any bumps that ooze fluid. But again, while some lumps and bumps are harmless, its best to let your vet take a look at any new bumps or lumps on your dog and let your veterinarian make that determination.
Dealing with the possibility of tumors or infections in your dog or puppy can be costly as well as emotionally stressful for both you and your pet. Pet health insurance can help cover some of the cost, giving you one less thing to worry about and letting you focus on the best treatment options for your companion.
