Skin Diseases In Labrador Retrievers

Dog Skin Allergies

Same with humans, Labrador Retrievers and other breed of dog can be affected with different types of skin problems. These skin problems vary depending on the allergen and how it affects your beloved canine friend.

Dog Skin Allergies

Inhalant Allergy

Dog Skin Allergies

Inhalant allergy, also referred to as atopy is the most common type of allergy. This allergy is caused by things such as tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, molds, dust mites and chemicals- the same things that cause allergy to humans. Inhalant allergy may present itself in the form of scratching, biting, chewing at feet and constant licking which may lead to irritation and later infection.

Dog Skin Allergies

Atopy is life-long condition and there is no known cure for this disease. However, there are ways to manage the problem:

- Anti-itch therapy. Anti-itch therapy includes the use of drugs, hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners. Frequent bathing provides temporary relief from itching and reduces the amount of antigen exposure.

- Anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids may be given to block the allergic reaction. Antihistamines and fatty acids can also be given to your dog to lessen the allergic reaction.

- Removing the sources. As much as possible, remove the sources of the allergy from the environment. If you know that your dog is allergic to weed pollens, it is best to avoid that substance.

Food Allergy

Labrador Retrievers are prone to food allergy being dogs with hearty appetite, eating digestible and non-food alike. Dogs are usually sensitive to fish, eggs, chicken, pork, chemical preservatives and artificial sugars. Symptoms of food allergies in dogs include scratching at ears, shaking of the head, licking and biting their back legs, inflammation in the ears and in some cases, coughing, vomiting, sneezing and diarrhea.

To treat food allergy, carefully monitor your dog‘s diet. Take note what food triggers the allergy.

Flea Allergy

Flea allergy dermatitis, also called flea bite hypersensitivity is a type of skin disease caused by flea saliva. Dogs with flea allergy chew and bite their backs, legs, bellies or tails. One bite of flea can cause flea allergy that could last for up to five to seven days.

Flea control program must be taken to help your dog with this problem. But be careful in using strong chemicals for it can cause seizures and skin problems.

Bacterial Allergy

bacterial allergy, also referred to as pyoderma is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus. The bacteria is not threatening to the dog as long as its immune system functions perfectly. However, the problem starts if your dog‘s immune system gets weak. Once allergy developed, red blotches, formation of pus pustules and hair loss can be seen.

Skin Diseases In Labrador Retrievers

Dog Skin Allergies

Labrador Skin Problems

Labrador skin problems can present themselves in several ways. Skin parasites, such as fleas, mites and lice can lead to allopecia -hair loss mainly at the sides between the front and rear legs, lick granuloma, caused by constant licking of sores, acral lick dermatitis and dandruff.

Thyroid problems can also lead to problems with hypothyroidism that can also lead to dry itchy skin and hair loss.

Parasites, ticks and mites can be a problem for all dogs and are a common cause of Labrador skin problems.

Fleas and demodex mites- which live on the skin of all dogs – demodectic mange, which usually only affect puppies but can appear on older dogs with weak or undeveloped immune systems can pose more problems for your Lab.

Sarcoptic mange, better known as scabies, is another affliction and is spread by the sarcoptic mite.

This mite is quite capable of spreading the disease between animals and from animals to humans.

In short, it can cause severe discomfort to the Labrador as well as its owner. These mites burrow into the skin, causing irritation and hair loss.

It is important that any potential skin problems are sorted out straight away as, unless dealt with promptly, they could lead to self mutilation by your dog as he gnaws away at his skin, trying to rid himself of discomfort.

Ticks and fleas remain the most common parasite likely to affect your dog and are a major cause of problems for Labs. A flea lives off the dog’s blood, and is a rapid breeder.

A Labrador which has become infected with fleas will scratch constantly, especially at his ears, base of the tail and stifle. Incredibly, the irritation a Labrador receives is not from the fleas bite, but its saliva.

Labs with an allergy to saliva develop inflamed skin, a situation worsened as the dog tries to relieve the problem by gnawing away at itself..

If your Labrador skin problems are a result of fleas, it is important that you use a broad spectrum treatment that kills off both fleas and eggs.

To avoid more skin problems, it is important to look at the Lab’s diet. Labrador retrievers need high quality protein and high quality fats that are easily digested.

The protein helps the Lab maintain their high energy levels, while the quality fat provide the nutrients for a healthy coast and skin.

It should always be remembered that the first step to ensuring your Labrador Retriever avoids skin problems is through a healthy diet.