6 Common Allergens Affecting Your Dog’s Skin

Just like us humans, our furry friends can suffer from skin allergies too! When dogs come into contact with certain allergens, they may start scratching or licking of paws non-stop, develop red, swollen and inflamed skin and eyes, and even experience digestive disorders. This blog has listed 6 common allergens that cause skin allergies in dogs. So keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort in our furry buddies!

Dust mites

Dust mites not only affect children, but they are also a common allergen in dogs as well! Hong Kong has a humid and warm climate that favours the growth of dust mites. As these tiny pests feed on human or animal dander, you should clean your house more often and air out your duvet in the sun to reduce the number of dust mites.

Pollen

The blooming spring is a perfect time to go for a walk with your beloved pooch. But airborne pollen often triggers allergies in our furry friends, leading to runny nose, conjunctivitis, red eyes and red skin around the mouth. Therefore, it’s better to stay away from blossoming flowers during walkies.

Food

Food can also be an allergen for dogs. Some proteins may cause allergic reactions like scratching, such as those from chicken, soy, wheat, beef and dairy products. You may change your pooch’s diet to check whether the food is causing discomfort.

Bacteria and mould

The humid and stuffy summer in Hong Kong favours bacterial and mould growth. If they grow on the dog’s skin, it can damage their skin and lead to allergies. So, it’s important to keep your dog’s skin clean to strengthen its ability to ward off bacterial and mould infection.

Fleas and ticks

If you spot tiny black dots on your dog’s skin when you part their fur, your dog has likely been infested with fleas! You should take them to a vet as soon as possible for professional flea treatment. If you try to get rid of fleas yourself, flea eggs can drop off from your dog’s fur easily and get everywhere in your house, leading to another infestation very soon.

Chemical substances

Many owners give frequent baths to their dogs to keep them clean but find them scratching as often. It turns out that the allergen may be the shampoo they’re using! When buying cleaning products for your furry friend, make sure you choose those with natural, hypoallergenic and non-toxic formulas. Remember that the frequency of bathing should also depend on the season and your dog’s lifestyle, ranging from once a week to once a month.

If the dog's skin persists, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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