Canine Atopic Dermatitis In German Shepherds
Canine Atopic Dermatitis is the medical terminology assigned to skin irritations and rashes that result from an allergic reaction. Fleas are a common cause of this condition in German Shepherds that can be easily controlled with monthly flea prevention medication, but food ingredients can also be the culprit.
German Shepherds are hypersensitive to food intolerances. With a food allergy, the skin will often be inflamed, itchy, red, scaly, or bumpy. Chronic allergic reactions and self-trauma can lead to secondary infections, too.
Common Allergy Locations
With German Shepherds, allergy symptoms can show up anywhere on the body but are frequently found on the face, ears, paws, sides, hind end, legs, and stomach. Symptoms can include dandruff, flaky skin, dry skin, hot spots, hair loss in patches, and sores. This is a very uncomfortable physical condition for your pup to experience.
Food Ingredients that Fight Allergies
If your German Shepherd is suffering from allergies, you will notice an insatiable need to bite or chew on the affected parts of the body. This sometimes leads to further damage of the skin, which in turn gets greater attention from the irritated dog. Skin allergies can become a terrible cycle as dogs attempt to soothe themselves with licking or chewing but end up causing more harm than good. Thankfully, there are specific ingredients that you can include in your dogs diet to help reduce inflammation and reduce allergic reaction symptoms.
German Shepherds Seasonal Allergies:
Seasonal Allergies in German Shepherds mainly include allergies to pollen. These are again caused by the over-sensitivity of the immune system to otherwise harmless pollen grains.
Though these allergies arent very common in dogs, they do occur. Most common allergy symptoms flare up during this time. Itchy skin with red blotches, a runny nose, or watery eyes are symptoms of this allergy.
Pollen allergy is not exactly curable. The symptoms can be managed though. Not keeping your dog outside at the most pollen-rich times of the year for too long is one solution. Other prescribed medications can help as well. Here are some other things you can do to help your pet with seasonal allergies:
- Wipe around their snout and nose very gently with a damp cloth to remove any grains. Wipe their paws similarly a few times per day.
- Omega 3 fatty acids are most efficient when it comes to dealing with allergies. These can be found in some foods along with plain canine supplements. Make sure that you are giving them by your dogs body weight though. These help in decreasing inflammation and ultimately in dealing with allergies.
- Use special shampoos that alleviate allergies. Make sure these are approved by the vet.
- Be very careful when using any medicine. Even if you do have any medication at home i.e. Benadryl which you are sure is safe for dogs, ask the vet. Additionally, ask for the appropriate dosage for your dog.
Walking When The Pollen Count Is Low
If your dogs skin allergies seem seasonal, it may be due to increased pollen. Spring is usually when pollen is at its worst. Generally, the pollen count seems to be lower in the morning. Also, checking the weather before going out can help you plan. Going outside cannot be totally avoided, but picking the best times can help.
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Common Symptoms Of Skin Allergies In German Shepherds
Since symptoms of allergic reactions are not as pronounced in German Shepherds as they are in humans, youll have to pay close attention to your dog, or better visit a vet and find out if its suffering from an allergic reaction.
The symptoms of allergic reactions are more noticeable in the skin, so thats where you should look first.
If you observe patches of irritated reddish skin in your German Shepherds and it spreads to several places within a few days, its possibly because of an allergic reaction.
Another symptom of allergic reactions is hair loss. Loss of hair will occur at the site with red patches and sometimes slightly reddish swellings.
If your dog barks, scratches, bites or licks the skin more habitually than aggressive, its possible that its body is reacting to an allergen.
Frequent coughing, sneezing or rubbing of the eyes are all common symptoms of allergic reactions in German Shepherds that you should watch for.
How Does Immunotherapy Work
Immunotherapy is often called allergy shots. This therapy isnt helping in easing the symptoms, but making the dog less allergic by exposing him to small amounts of his allergens. However, this doesnt work for food allergies.
This is not an effective therapy in all cases. About 60 to 80 percent do well with the shots, while others show signs of some relief or dont respond to it at all. Its also a long-term therapy, dont expect it to work at once, it takes up to a year sometimes!
If your dog is responding well to this therapy, shots on a regular basis will be needed for the rest of his life. A vet will teach you to give the shots yourself, if that what you prefer.
SUMMARY:
Immunotherapy can be helpful with skin and environmental allergies. It works by exposing a dog to small amounts of the allergens causing the problem in order to make a dog less allergic to them.
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How To Treat Bug Allergies
Here are some steps that you can quickly apply for caring insect bites on dogs:
What Are The Most Common Dog Food Allergies For German Shepherds
Food allergies are most common to proteins not grains.
In German Shepherds, the most commonly reported food allergies are beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and egg. All of these ingredients have been very prevalent ingredients in commercial diets over the past three decades, and pets tend to be allergic to proteins that have been in their diet for months to years.
Many people dont suspect food allergies as the cause of their German Shepherds itching because their dog has been fed the same food all its life and has just recently started showing symptoms. However, German Shepherds can develop allergies to a substance over time, so this fact does not rule out food allergies.
German Shepherd Dogs carry a higher rate of genetic predisposition to skin allergies. While food allergies can develop at almost any age, allergies tend to develop in middle-aged dogs .
It is important to note, however, that not all commercial foods have been adequately tested in dogs with known food allergies.
The quickest way to determine your dogs cause of allergic reactions is a visit to your veterinarian.
Keep in mind that in order to see benefits from a diet to help with skin allergies the effects can take up to 8 to 12 weeks.
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German Shepherd Weight Gain
Why is letting my German Shepherd gain weight a bad thing? Letting a German Shepherd gain weight can be a very bad thing, largely because of how large these dogs are and how prone they are to arthritis and conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, even without excess weight. Keeping him trim and active will help to prolong his healthy life and prevent these conditions from developing, or at the very least, keep from exacerbating them.
Complications Of Allergies In German Shepherds
Not only can allergies cause great discomfort to our German Shepherds, they can also result in medical complications that can impact their daily lives.
Some of the most common complications of allergies in German Shepherds include:
- Skin infections
- Wounds from excessive scratching or biting
- Chronic upper respiratory symptoms
- Eye infections and ulcers from pawing at their eyes
Secondary infections are one of the most common complications of allergies in German Shepherds.
Skin, ear, and eye infections can become serious if left untreated, making it so important to take the symptoms of allergies seriously when they are first noticed.
If you fear that your German Shepherd is having secondary complications from their allergies, its best to contact your veterinarian.
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Best Dog Foods For German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
A variety of commercial pet foods with limited and different protein sources are available for helping to manage skin allergies at home.
These commercial pet foods:
- contain novel protein sources
- are nutritionally balanced and complete
Review this list and compare it to your German Shepherds known allergies to help find the best choice for your dog.
Contact Allergies In German Shepherds
Contact allergies are the most uncommon form of allergies in German Shepherds, but they can certainly cause them great discomfort.
Since this allergy involves your dog coming in direct contact with a substance that her body does not approve of, this can result in localized pain and severe itchiness.
Though its irritating enough for our furry friends to deal with a contact allergy, many times our German Shepherds will continue to be exposed until we become aware of the problem.
Because of this, some contact allergies in German Shepherds can be severe.
The most common forms of contact allergies include topical flea and tick prevention, flea and tick collars, shampoos, fragrances, certain types of fabric, collars, our lotion, plants, cleaning supplies, and more.
Virtually any substance can cause a contact allergy if your German Shepherd is sensitive to it.
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German Shepherd Skin Allergy Symptoms
Signs of allergies include biting on parts of the German Shepherds body, chewing or scratching. When you notice these, your dog may have an allergy. Symptoms also include flaky skin, hot spots, hair loss, dandruff, sores and dry skin.
You need to watch out for skin allergies affecting either the ears or the eyes. Smelly ears or teary eyes could lead to painful infections when not treated. It would be best to consult a veterinarian right away for the proper prescription.
Allergy Locations On The German Shepherd
Allergies that manifest externally can occur anywhere on a German Shepherds body. Frequent locations for allergic inflammations in this breed are the face, ears, paws, sides, hind end, legs, and stomach. Dandruff, flaky skin, dry skin, hot spots, hair loss in patches, and sores are symptoms of skin allergies that can be found in any of the previously mentioned areas of the dogs body.
Allergies that affect the eyes and ears must be monitored and addressed with care. These are common allergy locations, so look out for irritated, red, teary eyes and ears that are itchy, smelly, and red. The ears, in particular, can lead to painful secondary infections if the allergies are not resolved.
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What Type Of Allergies Can German Shepherds Have
Our German Shepherd friends can experience multiple forms of allergies that can cause them great discomfort.
Lets briefly introduce you to the forms of allergies that they can experience, and then dive into each in detail below.
German Shepherds can experience:
Environmental Allergies: An environmental allergy is a reaction to some kind of substance in the world around your dog. This can be pollen, grass, plants, dander, dust, and any other substance that is found in your dogs surroundings.
Food Allergies: A food allergy is a reaction to something your dog eats. This can include their daily diet , treats, certain proteins, certain grains, and any other substance your dog consumes.
Inhalant Allergies: An inhalant allergy is any type of allergen that your dog can breathe in. This can again be types of pollen or dander that are in the air, dust, dander, perfumes, molds, mildew, and more.
Contact Allergies: A contact allergy is an allergy to a substance that has come in contact with your dogs skin. This can include flea treatments, shampoos, grass, types of carpet, or any other substance or material that has come in direct contact with your German Shepherd.
Why Would A German Shepherd Become Allergic To Chicken
Chicken is one of the hands-down most common and most popular ingredients in modern dog foods. Dog kibble, wet dog food, semi-moist dog food, and dog treats are commonly made with chicken.
And chicken is added to dog foods in many forms, including whole meat chicken, organ meats, chicken meal, chicken by-products, and chicken by-product meal.
This can get very confusing very quickly!
It can also add up to a lot of time spent reading dog food and treat labels to try to figure out if your dog can eat it or not.
When an ingredient is as popular as the chicken, you might be scratching your head trying to figure out why your German Shepherd would ever be allergic to it. Surely the dog food manufacturers would leave out an ingredient that so many dogs are allergic to?
But not all dogs have a genetic predisposition to developing poultry allergies. And some dogs are allergic to all poultry products while other dogs are only allergic to chicken but can eat turkey or duck without any problem.
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Which Skin Issues Are Most Likely To Affect German Shepherds
Canine atopic dermatitis, or CAD, is the most skin issue that a GSD has. It is caused by allergies to a number of things. It is a skin disease that is brought on by allergies. It is usually pretty mild, though, when they first experience it. CAD may come and go if your dog has seasonal allergies to pollen or grass.
This video discusses Canine Atopic Dermatitis and some potential causes of it.
CAD will usually affect the dog in certain places. Including the ears, feet, underbelly, armpits, and around the base of the tail. Symptoms include itching, rubbing, licking, greasy skin, or rough skin. Talk to a veterinarian for treatment help. Treatments may include injections or prescription-grade shampoo.
How Is A Food Allergy Treated
Once the offending food substance has been identified, a diet that does not contain it is chosen. Today, there are several hypoallergenic diets available from your veterinarian that can be fed for the rest of your dog’s life. There are three types of hypoallergenic diets:
Veterinary hydrolyzed protein diet, in which the protein molecules are broken down to a size too small to be recognized by your dogs immune system .
Veterinary novel protein diet that does not contain any products that were present in your dogs previous foods
home-prepared novel protein diet that does not contain any ingredients that were present in your dogs previous diets .
“…unlike veterinary diets, retail pet foods are not manufactured with the extreme health and safety protocols to prevent cross-contamination.”
Some dog foods available in retail stores may tout that they are limited-ingredient or do not contain the ingredient that your dog is allergic to, but it is important to note that, unlike veterinary diets, retail pet foods are not manufactured with the extreme health and safety protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
Your veterinarian will prescribe the best option specific to your dogs needs.
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Tips To Help German Shepherds With Skin Allergies
Skin allergies can be very uncomfortable for your German Shepherd Dog. They can cause skin irritation that is itchy, leading to raw or open wounds on the body. There are many ways you can help decrease possible exposure to an allergy, though.
In this video, 6 of the best all-natural remedies for skin allergies are explained.
There are some great all-natural remedies you can use to help your dogs skin. Oatmeal baths are soothing and can help reduce dry and itchy skin. Aloe vera is also a nice natural remedy that can help with problem spots your dog might have.
German Shepherd Food Allergies
German shepherd food allergies are one of the most common kinds of allergies. While your dog could be allergic to several allergens, some foods are more likely to invoke a reaction.
The problem arises when these foods are some of the commonest kibble ingredients. Some may even be the top choices of a protein-based fresh food diet. Chicken, soy, beef, lamb, gluten, and chicken eggs are common allergy-causing ingredients that German shepherds could be allergic to.
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How To Treat Flea Allergies
There are many ways to treat Flea Allergy Dermatitis in dogs. However, prevention is always better than cure. If your dog has a flea allergy and starts showing symptoms, the first thing you should do is get rid of any fleas on them as quickly as possible this can be done by bathing your dog with appropriate and effective flea medication or by using a special topical flea treatment.
If your dogs allergy has become really bad and theyre scratching at their skin often, contact a veterinarian to discuss what medication would be best for them. For quick relief, your vet will likely prescribe steroid medicines. These medicines can be used for short-term relief while getting rid of the fleas and treating the skin condition.
Once your dogs flea allergy dermatitis has been treated, there is a chance that they will develop it again. Even if you prevent all contact with the fleas in their environment, there is still often a possibility that some of them could find their way back onto your dog.
To minimize the possibility of your dog getting bitten down to the skin again, its recommended that you treat your dog once a month with flea preventative this will ensure that his body is protected against fleas for the next month at least.