Could Your Dogs Canine Skin Problem Be Caused By A Dog Allergy?

Could Your Dogs Canine Skin Problem Be Caused By A Dog Allergy?
By Jennifer P. April

Is she suffering from dry, itchy skin or constant hot spotsred sores on the skin?

A canine skin problem can be something as simple as over bathingwhich can dry out the skin or it can be something more serious and indicate an illness or allergy.

If your dog has a chronic skin condition you find difficult to get rid of or keep under control, she may have a dog allergy.

About 20% of dogs in the United States have a dog allergy and of this 20%, about 10% are allergic to food. The rest of allergies are a combination of flea, contact, inhalant (environmental allergies) and bacterial.

All of these allergies can be treated.

Of course, the first step is to determine what type of allergy it is. You can start with eliminating corn and wheat from your dogs dietthe most common food allergens. Check the dog food labels carefully. You may have to go to a specialty pet food store to find a brand without corn or wheat filler. Look for a protein source to be the first ingredient on the label.

Fleas can also cause canine skin problems, besides the usual irritation, your pet could even be allergic to them. If your pet has fleas then youll have to take drastic measures to de-flea your pet, yourself and your home. Fleas are small, dark creatures usually found close to your pets skin if she has them. Youll see them pretty easily, especially if your pet has a light colored coat. They can also live in your carpet and will resort to biting humans. They usually leave small red marks as an indication of their bites.

Besides allergies, your pet could have an infection like scabies or dermatitis. If youve already ruled out allergies, or you suspect its cause is something else you should visit your vet for a professional opinion.

Some things that can help soothe dry, irritated skin: *Oatmeal Shampoo used with periodic bathing. Monthly bathing is frequent enough. Every week is too often and will dry out a dogs skin.

*Omega 3 supplementsFish oil pills can be givenmy dog eats them like treats--or you can get a liquid to pour over the food, this will also help to give your pet a beautiful, shiny coat

*Diet Change eliminating corn and wheat as these are the most common food allergies

*A trip to the vet to eliminate an illness like scabies

A canine skin problem can have many culprits. It may take a process of trial and elimination before finding the underlying cause and the thing that most helps. But you can find help and your dog will feel so much better!

Jennifer April bakes healthy, natural dog treats and offers healthy dog treat recipes from her website, http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com Your stop for all-natural-dog-treat recipes and tips on improving your dogs health and happiness all naturally.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JenniferP.April
http://EzineArticles.com/?Could-Your-Dogs-Canine-Skin-Problem-Be-Caused-By-A-Dog-Allergy?&id=446923