Shiba Inu skin allergies can be alarming if not treated. Skin allergies are prevalent with the Shiba Inu breed and are caused by food, pollen, and even household dust. The allergy can also spread to their paws and legs and excessive scratches can lead to sores on the skin.
It will lead to canine atopic dermatitis if it worsens, a skin disease that affects the whole body and will lead to inflamed skin. If you’ve noticed your Shiba Inu has been excessively scratching and licking, it’s time to look into Shiba Inu skin allergies and get down to the root of it.
Let’s discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment against Shiba Inu skin allergies.
Symptoms of Shiba Inu Skin Allergies
The first symptom you’ll notice if your Shiba Inu is having allergies is itching. Excessive itching can lead to developing sores on the skin, oozing, or bleeding. There’s also the possibility of bacteria-infected paws, which will lead to more alarming symptoms like redness, swelling, and pus.
Other symptoms of skin allergies are:
- Excessive licking
- Ear and/or face rubbing
- Biting and/or chewing the skin
- Rubbing its body on surfaces
- Red, irritated, and flakey skin
- Sores
- Hair loss
Skin allergies can also lead to a condition called canine atopic dermatitis, which causes the Shiba Inu’s skin to become inflamed.
Skin allergies amongst dogs are not to be taken lightly. As they keep on scratching, licking, and biting at their skin to reduce itchiness, there are already at the risk of secondary infection that enters through the sores. Possible infections are yeast and bacterial infection that requires treatment.
Causes of Shiba Inu Skin Allergies
These are the three most common causes of skin allergies in dogs:
Food Allergies
One cause of itchiness could be food allergies. If you notice your dog scratching at their paws and ears, along with vomiting, diarrhea, or both, he might be experiencing food allergies.
Usually, dog owners are confused about food allergies and food sensitivities (food intolerances) since the symptoms can be quite similar.
According to Laura Crotch-Harvey MSc BSc of Burns Pet Food, a pet food allergy involves the immune system and is usually triggered by a response to a protein. A pet food intolerance is an abnormal response to an ingredient but does not involve the immune system.
Food allergies affect the immune system and can trigger skin conditions such as facial swelling and hives.
Fleas Allergy
Another cause of skin allergies is flea saliva that can result in flea allergy dermatitis, a condition that makes the skin intensely itchy, especially at the base of the dog’s tail.
Your Shiba’s skin will become red, inflamed, and scabbed. Aside from that, you will also see flea feces and even fleas themselves.
Regularly check if your dog has fleas.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies can lead to atopic dermatitis or atopic allergic reactions. Dogs can be allergic to mold, pollen, and dust. Sometimes, this kind of allergy only appears in certain seasons of the year.
Look for the signs of environmental allergies in the dog’s paws and ears, as well as on the muzzle, around the eyes, wrists, underarms, ankles, and between the toes.
Treatment for Shiba Inu Skin Allergies
The most recommended way to find out your dog’s condition is to always consult a veterinarian and ask for a detailed treatment. This will include your dog undergoing different allergy tests to determine the exact root of the symptoms.
Once the vet has determined your dog’s condition, they will ask you to follow a treatment plan, depending on the cause of the allergy. As the dog owner, your responsibility is to provide complete medication and care to assure your dog’s healing process.
