German Shepherd Skin Allergies: Best Tips for Relief

If your German Shepherd is suffering from skin allergies, you know firsthand how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be for both you and your beloved furry friend. It’s heartbreaking to see your dog scratch and lick their skin, and you just want to do everything you can to help.

German Shepherds are prone to skin allergies. Irritated skin could be the result of a food allergy, flea problem, or environmental factor. There are many possible things a GSD can be allergic to. Excessive licking, chewing, or biting may indicate an allergy.

It can be concerning if your German Shepherd has ever experienced or is currently experiencing a skin allergy. However, we will talk about the most common skin allergies, their causes, and how to help!

Are German Shepherds prone to skin allergies?

The German Shepherd Dog is prone to skin allergies. Because it is highly likely that your GSD will develop a skin allergy at some point, it’s best to be prepared. Some skin allergies are genetic and were inherited by your GSD. Other skin allergies may come from an outside or secondary source. 

Environmental factors, parasites, and even certain foods may lead to allergies that irritate the skin. But don’t worry! You can do many things to treat your dog’s skin allergy and prevent them from happening. There are many easy ways to limit possible allergens before they cause your pup trouble!

What can cause skin allergies?

Many different things can cause skin allergies in GSDs. The most common allergens are:

1. Food: Certain proteins, dairy, or grains

2. Parasites: Dust mites are parasites

3. Environmental factors: Pollen, dust, and mold can also cause skin issues. 

However, it can be difficult to determine what exactly is the source of your dog’s skin allergy.

Changing your dog’s diet to a limited ingredient food may help to narrow down a food-based allergy. Fleas can usually be seen on your dog, treatments are available to help prevent and get rid of them. If your dog only suffers from skin problems in the spring, it may be a pollen allergy. 

How to tell if my German Shepherd has a skin allergy?

A skin allergy could be present anywhere on the dog’s body. Some common areas are the face, ears, paws, legs, and stomach. They could have red, sore patches, dry and flaky skin, or bumps. 

Your GSD will also likely start exhibiting different behaviors such as scratching, biting, or chewing certain areas of their body excessively. Keep an eye on your Shepherd! Changes in behavior can be an indication of a skin allergy. 

Which skin issues are most likely to affect German Shepherds?

Canine atopic dermatitis, or CAD,  is the most skin issue that a GSD has. It is caused by allergies to a number of things. It is a skin disease that is brought on by allergies. It is usually pretty mild, though, when they first experience it. CAD may come and go if your dog has seasonal allergies to pollen or grass.

This video discusses Canine Atopic Dermatitis and some potential causes of it.

CAD will usually affect the dog in certain places. Including the ears, feet, underbelly, armpits, and around the base of the tail. Symptoms include itching, rubbing, licking, greasy skin, or rough skin. Talk to a veterinarian for treatment help. Treatments may include injections or prescription-grade shampoo. 

Most common skin allergy conditions in German Shepherds

Hot Spots

Polytraumatic dermatitis or hot spots are areas of infected and inflamed skin. Usually seen on the paws, hips, or ears, they can also appear in other areas. Anywhere your dog may be licking or scratching a lot can become a hot spot. Keeping an eye on these and treating them early is best. They can become worse and spread quickly. 

Atopic Dermatitis

CAD is one of the most common skin allergies in GSDs. It can be uncomfortable and difficult to pinpoint the cause because there are many possible allergies that could be the cause. They can have raw patches of skin, hair loss in some areas, and recurring ear infections. 

Food Allergy

A food allergy is a common reason why your GSD may have skin issues. Certain proteins, dairy, grains, or even a specific vegetable could be to blame. There are many possible ingredients to which a GSD could be allergic. Loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea could be an indication they have an ingredient tolerance to something. 

More skin problems to watch for German Shepherds

Condition	Symptoms	Treatments
Inflamed Skin	Itching Redness Licking	Chlorhexidine shampoo
Bacterial Infections	Redness Crusty area Draining	Ph balanced shampoo
Fungal or Yeast	Redness Greasy skin Bad smell	Miconazole and soothing oatmeal
Ringworm	Circular ring on skin Hair lossScabby skin	Must see vet, but Miconazole can help
Dermatitis	Itching Scratching Chewing	Melaleuca, rosemary, and coconut oil
Seborrhea	ScalyItchy Flakey	Shampoo containing sulfur and salicylic acid
Canine Acne	Pimples Pustules	Benzoyl peroxide
Folliculitis	Swelling Redness Hair loss	Benzoyl peroxide
Demodectic Mange	Hair loss Scaling Redness	Shampoo and conditioner containing benzoyl peroxide
Dry Skin	Itching Dryness Licking	Oatmeal baths

6 Tips to help German Shepherds with skin allergies

Skin allergies can be very uncomfortable for your German Shepherd Dog. They can cause skin irritation that is itchy, leading to raw or open wounds on the body. There are many ways you can help decrease possible exposure to an allergy, though. 

In this video, 6 of the best all-natural remedies for skin allergies are explained.

There are some great all-natural remedies you can use to help your dog’s skin. Oatmeal baths are soothing and can help reduce dry and itchy skin. Aloe vera is also a nice natural remedy that can help with problem spots your dog might have. 

1. Flea treatments

When it comes to protecting your dog from fleas, there are many effective options available. Some of the best flea treatments for dogs include oral medications, spot-on treatments, and collars. These products use a variety of active ingredients to kill and repel fleas, and many also protect against other types of parasites as well.

You can check the available options on Amazon.

2. Use a shampoo for irritated skin

A good shampoo can be great to help your dog’s skin. Oatmeal shampoo or simple ingredients is best if they have skin problems. Another great thing is to dilute the shampoo in water before washing your GSD. They will be less likely to retain residue on their skin after the bath.

This video gives some great tips on using shampoo for irritated skin on a GSD:

3. Changing your dog’s diet

Protein is an important nutrient for your dog, but they can be allergic to certain kinds. Packaged foods are usually made with chicken, beef, or lamb. Changing your dog’s diet can help if they are allergic to certain ingredients. Skin problems should also go away when the diet is changed. 

4. Medication for dogs

Some over-the-counter human medications are safe for dogs. Always check with your vet, but there are some that are generally safe to give. Benedryl can help alleviate some allergy symptoms they are having. There may also be side effects, like with any medication, so be sure to monitor your dog right after. 

5. Walking when the pollen count is low

If your dog’s skin allergies seem seasonal, it may be due to increased pollen. Spring is usually when pollen is at its worst. Generally, the pollen count seems to be lower in the morning. Also, checking the weather before going out can help you plan. Going outside cannot be totally avoided, but picking the best times can help.

6. Checking for household irritants

There are many things in the house that can cause allergies. Household products like perfume, cleaners, and even dust may be causing your GSDs skin allergies. Try changing certain products or checking around the house. Mold can also be an irritant for humans as well as dogs.

Treatment of skin allergies in dogs

Treatment of skin allergies in dogs typically involves identifying and eliminating the trigger for the allergic reaction, as well as providing relief for the symptoms.

This may involve using medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, as well as implementing changes to the dog’s diet and environment. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your dog’s specific allergies.

The All Aboard Animal Hospital has some great treatment options. 

• Shampoo Therapy
  • Frequently bathing with a hypoallergic shampoo. It can help soothe skin and wash off any irritants.
• Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
  • Medications with antihistamines or corticosteroids can be given to block the allergic reaction from happening
• Hyposensitization/Desensitization Therapy
  • Giving trace amounts of the allergen to desensitize the dog’s immune system to it.
• Biologic or Immunosuppressant Drugs
  • Giving monoclonal antibodies like Cytopoint or Apoquel. These work together to block the overreaction of the immune system.

Conclusion

Skin allergies can be caused by a number of things. Certain foods, environmental factors, or even something in the house. German Shepherd Dogs are prone to skin allergies. They can be quite painful and uncomfortable. Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and skin to determine if they have skin allergies.