Dog skin allergies may be more than an itchy irritation to some dogs. Fleabites can cause flea allergy dermatitis—an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. And constant scratching can cause permanent hair loss, hot spots or other skin problems. Ticks can also harm your dog, passing on infections such as Lyme disease. And pets can bring ticks into the home, exposing you and your family to illness from a tick bite.

As the itching persists you will see any, or a combination, of the following:

• hair loss;
• red and inflamed skin;
• skin sores; and
• infected skin sores.

There are many products available to protect your dog from flea and tick bites. Some of these products are available only from a veterinarian; others can be bought over the counter. Flea and tick products range from pills given by mouth to collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders, and “spot-ons,” liquid products squeezed onto the dog’s skin usually between the shoulder blades or down the back. It is important to carefully read the label, the package insert, and any accompanying literature to make sure you’re using the product correctly.

To avoid dog skin allergies caused by fleabites, it's best to treat your pet at the beginning of flea and tick season. The length of flea season, which peaks during warm weather months, varies depending on where you live. It can last a few months in some places, but in other places, like in the south, fleas can live all year long. And fleas can live inside a warm house year-round no matter where you live.

The food that your dog consumes can also lead to dog skin allergies. The primary symptom is itchy skin affecting primarily the face, feet, ears, forelegs, and around the hind end. Symptoms may also include chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that may respond to antibiotics but reoccur after antibiotics are discontinued. There is evidence that dogs with food allergies may sometimes have an increased incidence of bowel movements. It can be difficult to distinguish a dog suffering from food allergies from one suffering from other allergies based on physical symptoms. One symptom is a dog with recurrent ear problems, particularly yeast infections. A dog that has very itchy skin but does not respond to steroid treatment can be another suspicious symptom of a food allergy. You might want to try a natural or organic dog food.

Another cause of dog skin allergies can be the environment. This includes dust, pollen and mold. These are the same things that will cause allergies in people as well. One of the best things to do for your dog to provide it with immediate relief is to give it a nice cool bath with Epsom salt. This will assist in cleaning away oil on your pet's skin. If the cause of allergies is the environment then take steps to remove or reduce the allergens. This can be done by adjusting the pet's diet and cleaning to reduce dust. You might want to start using natural household cleaning products if you think your dog might be allergic to the ones you are using. If the skin allergies in your dog persist, even after using these methods then consult with your vet. You may need to get medication to improve your pet's condition.

• Treating your dog with some type of flea and tick prevention.
• Keeping the environment free from fleas.
• Washing your dog's bedding often.
  
• Paying attention to how often your dog is scratching or licking a certain area on the body.
• Examining your dog’s skin for fleas, bumps or bites when petting or bathing.
• Taking your dog for recommended veterinary checkups.