Chihuahua Puppy Care: Skin Allergies

Skin allergies can cause itching and irritation in Chihuahuas.

Chihuahuas frequently suffer from allergic reactions. These can be caused by factors in his environment such as air fresheners, cigarette smoke, pollens or molds. They can also be caused by sensitivities to certain foods. A dog who suffers from skin allergies may experience chronic itching, redness and hair loss. He may also develop secondary bacterial infections. A veterinarian can perform an allergy test to determine what is causing your dog's outbreaks and can recommend a course of treatment.

Eczema

Eczema causes a dog's skin to become red and itchy and may also cause a bumpy red rash or hair loss. Eczema can be caused by internal allergies such as a reaction to a certain food, or external allergies, which are triggered by environmental factors such as laundry detergent or household cleaning products. Vet Info suggests treating eczema with antibiotic ointments and formulated medical shampoos. A veterinarian can prescribe vitamins or immune-boosting drugs that may help control eczema outbreaks.

Seborrhea

Chihuahuas with allergies can develop a disorder called seborrhea. Pet Education defines seborrhea as extremely flaky, dry, oily or scaly skin. Dogs with primary seborrhea have a genetic predisposal to the disease, but secondary seborrhea is caused from allergies, hormone imbalances, nutritional problems or parasites. In addition to flaky, dry skin, your dog's skin may become red or rashy and his ears may become inflamed. He might also lick himself more often than he usually does. His symptoms can be treated with medicated shampoos, medication and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Pet Education indicates that there are 15 different antigens, or allergy triggers, in flea saliva. Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis may scratch themselves or gnaw at the base of their tail. They may also lose hair in that area. Dogs with severe flea allergies may become red and itchy all over or may experience hair thinning or hair loss. The symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis can be controlled by eradicating the fleas.

Food Allergies

According to Pet MD, food allergies can cause both internal and external allergy outbreaks in your chihuahua. A food intolerance can cause itching, irritation and hair loss as well as vomiting and diarrhea. Since many dogs are allergic to products that are found in regular dog food such as eggs, dairy products and corn, Pet Education suggests using a food elimination diet to determine what is causing his allergy attacks. A food elimination diet limits the dog's diet to one protein and one carbohydrate, such as lamb and rice. The dog must stay on the recommended diet, which means no treats or snacks. The dog's food allergy can be treated by ruling out the allergen and finding foods that agree with him.

Inhalant Allergies

Atopy, or inhalant allergy, is a common type of allergy in dogs. These can be caused by different types of pollen, mold, dust or dust mites. The symptoms of atopy are itching and generalized skin irritation. These allergies can be treated by using skin medications such as hydrocortizone or by bathing the dog using a hypoallergenic shampoo.

References

• Vet Info: Dog Eczema Treatment Options
• Pet Education: Seborrhea in Dogs--Excessively Oily or Flaky Skin
• Pet MD: Food Allergies Causing Skin Disease in Dogs