Pit bull allergies are typically an environmental allergy or dog food allergy related. This can result in your pit bull developing skin bumps, hives, itchy skin, rashes, paw and pad infections and other skin problems.
A blue nose pit bull owner in the video below shows how to identify the cause of your pit bull hives and skin bumps. Blue pit bulls are susceptible to skin allergy problems. This blue pit has food and skin allergies.
She shows you how to treat your pit bull’s allergies with the right dog food, shampoo, medicines, and products that you can use at home.
Table of Contents
TL;DR Summary
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- If your pit bull has a dog food allergy, try a limited ingredient dog food, grain-free dog food or hypoallergenic dog food.
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- If your pit bull has hives and skin bumps from a bacterial infection use Davis Chlorhexidine Pet Shampoo. (this is the shampoo the blue pit bull owner uses in the video below)
- If your pit bull has dry skin use Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil supplement for skin and coat.
- The best dog shampoo for pit bulls and puppies with sensitive dry skin has an oatmeal formula
- To treat your pit bull’s dry skin between baths use a Hydrating Butter Leave-in Conditioner Lotion
Pit Bull Allergies to Dog Food
Dog food allergies typically occur from proteins, wheat or dairy. If your dog develops hives, bumps, rash, hives, redness, swelling, diarrhea, vomiting etc., it may be a food allergy. If your dog has general discomfort but is not vomiting or having diarrhea, it can be a food intolerance.
Look at the ingredients of the current dog food they are on, and select a limited ingredient or other high-quality dog food that does not contain the same ingredients. You can then start to rule out the cause of the allergy.
What is the Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls with Allergies?
Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Limited ingredient dog food makes it easier to pinpoint which ingredient is the culprit of your dog’s food allergy. These are typically of higher quality without added fillers.
Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain free dog food is highly-digestible. The better brands have natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion.
Hypoallergenic dog food
Hypoallergenic dog food is designed with ingredients less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It often includes rarer proteins such as bison and venison.
Pit Bull Skin Allergies
Causes
A skin allergy can from many things inside or outside the home. Outside causes can be the local weeds and bushes in the area. Chemically treated lawns and trees.
Indoors causes of your pit bull skin problems can range from carpet and upholstery cleaners, to soaps or detergents used to clean your dog, his bed or anything he uses or lays on. Household cleaners, sprays and many more.
What to look for
Increased itching and scratching by your dog. Red skin, bumps, and rash which can lead to dermatitis or a secondary bacterial infection.
Treatment
Wipe your dog down with a damp towel or hypoallergenic wipes when they come inside. Use a good shampoo like Davis Chlorhexidine Pet Shampoo, 12-Ounce. Inspect for ticks and mosquito bites. To avoid mosquito bites, spray your dog with a repellent before heading outdoors.
Flea & Tick Allergy
Solution
Check your dogs for fleas and ticks when coming inside. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or hypoallergenic wipe. If you find any ticks on your dog’s skin, you must remove them immediately. It’s better to do so outside an may require tweezers.
A flea and tick comb works well to remove any parasites on your dog’s skin and coat. A prescription from your vet may be required if the infestation is deep and widespread.
Prevention
To prevent future flea and tick bites and infestations, try using a collar or topical like Revolution or Frontline. You can also try an oral medication such as Nexgard. Regularly wiping your dog down and combing their fur will greatly help prevent infestations.
Pit bull Hives, Skin Bumps, Dry Skin and Rashes
Hives
Dog hives in pit bulls are typically an allergic reaction. The most common dog hives are a contact allergy. Food allergies can also be the cause. Anti-bacterial shampoos and topical sprays should be able to resolve hives due to contact allergy. If a food allergy is suspected, a limited ingredient or hypoallergenic dog food may be necessary.
Dry Skin
Check your dogs regularly for dry skin, dandruff, or dander. Dry or cracked skin can lead to infection. Your dog will begin to worsen the area by scratching and leading to eczema or psoriasis.
Skin Bumps
Your pit bull skin bumps are a reaction to an environmental allergy or a food allergy. Try eliminating potential causes for the reactions. Wipe your pit bull down when they come in from outdoors. Don’t use harsh chemicals to wash any beds, toys, blankets etc. Try a limited ingredient dog food to rule out a food allergy.
Rashes
If your pit bull has a rash it would most likely be environmental. Wipe your dog when they come in from outside. Watch for dry skin with can develop into a rash. You can use Hydrating Butter Leave-in Conditioner Lotion and Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil supplement for skin and coat. Also, keep an eye on any cuts and scrapes that your pit bull my scratch, developing a rash or worse.
Solution
Wash your dog with a moisturizing shampoo such as colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is a special form of oatmeal that helps soothe, soften, and increase moisture in the skin.
Dry skin can also be an indication of lack of nutrition. A great, safe way to supplement your dog’s food is with Wild Alaskan salmon oil. It is a liquid food supplement that is packed with Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Benefits of Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids include:
- Promotes a healthy skin and coat,
- Reduces inflammation
- Maintains immune system and cellular health
- Supports heart and cardiovascular system
- Improved joint function
Dog Paws and Pad Infections
Your dog is outside running around through all the weeds, brush, muck and who knows whatever else. Their paws and pads are primary hot spots for infection. If ignored, your dog will begin licking its paws worsening the condition. This can lead to a secondary bacterial infection like a dermatitis, yeast infection or even pyoderma.
Prevention
Wipe your dog’s paws and in-between their toes with a damp cloth or hypoallergenic wipe when they come inside. Inspect their paws for any objects lodged inside.
Treatment
Nolvasan is an antibacterial cleansing solution. It was formulated to safely use in your dog’s ears and other hot spot areas to rid bacterial infections. Soak a gauze pad in the solution and wipe your dog’s paws completely including between the toes.
As a supplement between cleanings, use clotramizole anti-fungal spray or chlorohexidine spray.
Dog Yeast Infections
Yeast infections develop in moist areas such as your dog’s ears, paws, and groin. This dermatitis typically develops from an overgrowth of bacteria.
Treatment
Bathing with medicated shampoos is a vital part of treating yeast dermatitis. Use an anti-fungal shampoo containing chlorhexidine or miconazole as used in the video above.
Chlorhexidine pre-soaked antiseptic pads controls bacteria and yeast infections. It has anti-inflammatory properties and restores the skin natural membrane.
It is important the anti-fungal shampoo remain in contact with the skin for at least ten minutes. In more severe cases, an oral medication may be prescribed by your vet.
Prevention
Wiping your dog down regularly with a damp towel or hypoallergenic wipes can greatly increase your prevention of your dog getting a yeast infection.
Mange, Mites and Scabies
Demodectic Mange (Red Mange)
Demodicosis, also called demodectic mange, demodex or red mange, is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of mites. Mites live in the hair follicle of every dog. Localized mange often resolves on its own. Please monitor and visit your vet if the condition worsens.
Treatment
Bathe your dog with a medicated dog shampoo. It allows for easier skin penetration to open and flush the hair follicles. It also has natural moisturizing agents that hydrate the skin and coat.
Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
Sarcoptic mage or scabies in dogs is a generalized mange. Sarcoptic mange is contagious, and most dogs catch the disease by direct contact with another dog.
Treatment
This type of mange is more serious. This would typically involve a skin-scraping from your vet along with an oral and/or topical prescription medication.
Skin Tags, and Warts
Skin Tags
Skin tags on dogs are usually found on the belly and under the fur. These growths can be harmless and left alone. They should be inspected frequently for any changes in size or color and if your dog is scratching or biting it. If so, your vet may need to remove them.
Warts
Your dog may develop warts. These are typically harmless. The vet can remove them, but it is usually not necessary. Warts can be a sign of your dog’s immune health. If the warts do not resolve on their own or increase in number, its best to have your vet look at it.
Dog Acne
Causes
Your dog can develop acne for different reasons such as dead and oily skin, food and environmental allergies and genetic predisposition. Causes may be difficult to pinpoint.
Treatment
Dog acne can usually be treated with a benzoyl peroxide. In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic.
3 Steps to Treat your Pit Bull Dog Allergies with Home Remedies
- Identifying the type of dog allergy (Food, Skin/Contact, Seasonal, Flea & Tick Allergy)
- Pinpointing the cause of your dog’s bumps, hives, rash or dermatitis
- Using the right medicine and home remedies to treat your dog’s skin allergies
How to Treat your Pit Bull’s Skin Allergies, Bumps and Hives
This blue pit bull’s skin problems stem from seasonal, food, skin and bug allergies. The same medicines used in the video are linked below it. Please disable your ad blocker to see them.
Video: Blue Pit Bull skin problems – How to Treat at home
Recommended Dog Skin Allergy Medicines used in Videos
Zymox Otic (4 oz) (Amazon)
Clotrimazole Solution USP 1% (Amazon)
Chlorhexidine Shampoo (Amazon)
Miconazole Pet Shampoo (Amazon)
Cephalexin 250/500mg (PetCareRx)
Hydroxyzine 50mg (PetCareRx)
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Allergies and Skin Problems?
Pet Insurance typically does cover allergy medication, shots and infections. You view an faq list here of covered prescription medications by Pets Best Insurance.
To find out what is and what is not covered by pet insurance including pre-existing conditions, see our article Is Pet Insurance Worth it?
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