Common pit bull allergies are typically environmental or dog food allergies. If you notice your pit bull breaking out in hives, a rash or skin bumps, this is most likely an allergic reaction.
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Common Pit Bull Allergies to Dog Food
If you believe your pit bull’s hives or skin bumps are a result from their diet, try switching their dog food to one made for sensitive stomachs.
Avoid dog food with low quality ingredients which may cause the dog food allergy. Do this especially if they appear to be in pain or are having frequent/loose bowel movements.
The best dog food for pit bulls with allergies or sensitive stomachs are limited ingredient dog food, grain-free dog food or hypoallergenic dog food.
It always best to use the highest quality dog food you can afford for your pit bull regardless if a food allergy is present.
Common Pit Bull Skin Allergies
If your pit bull has a skin allergy from something environmental, try this plan of attack.
When your pit bull come in for the day from outdoors, wipe them down. Inspect their skin for ticks, bites, bumps, scratches, anything out of the ordinary.
Dogs naturally have bacteria on them. You would commonly find bacteria in moist areas like their paws, ears, bellies, armpits.
Bugs and microorganisms will attach themselves to these areas. Wiping your dog down with a hypoallergenic wipe will cut down any bacteria growth significantly.
Do some detective work around your home. What does your dog play with? Where do they lay at home? What do you wash their items with?
Have you changed any detergents, shampoos, lotions? Any new plants in or outside the home?
If you can narrow down the culprit, remove it from your dog’s environment and see if the allergy clears up. If it’s difficult to figure out the cause, try the following steps.
Pit bull skin bumps allergy treatment success plan
- Use a Chlorhexidine shampoo. Chlorhexidine Shampoo with 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate is formulated for skin conditions caused by microorganisms and bacteria.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate works to help promote healthy skin and coat. Chlorhexidine Shampoo is effective, yet mild and may even be used for routine shampooing on all dogs.
- Wipe your dog with a damp towel when they come inside for the day. More frequent on hot days.
It’s crucial when using a damp towel to dry them completely. Hypoallergenic wipes are quick and easy to use without leaving your dog moist.
- Chlorhexidine spray works very well also between shampooing and when coming in from outdoors. It will rid the bacteria on your pit bull’s skin while cleaning and deodorizing.
- Pit bulls can be allergic to insects like mosquitos. Spray your dog with mosquito repellent before heading outside.
- A tick allergy can be a real problem. Be sure to inspect your pit bull for ticks. Pull them off as soon as possible with tweezers, preferably outside.
Common Pit Bull Allergies FAQ
What is the best dog food for pit bulls with common skin allergies?
- If your pit bull is breaking out into hives, skin bumps or rash from their dog food, try switching to a limited ingredient dog food or hypoallergenic dog food.
A grain-free dog food like Taste of the Wild is fantastic and very highly rated.
- Purina pro plan sensitive skin & stomach dog food is a quality dog food with nearly 20,000 positive ratings on Amazon.
What is the best dry dog food for pit bulls with skin allergies?
There are many quality dry dog foods for pit bulls on the market. Which one is the best really depends on the owner and what the pit bull enjoys.
For us, you cannot go wrong with Taste of the Wild. With 15,000+ reviews with over 80% 5 star, it’s a great choice for many dog owners.
How do you treat dog hives on a pit bull?
- If your pit bull is breaking out in hives from their dog food, switch to a dog food like Purina pro plan sensitive skin & stomach or other allergy friendly dog food.
- Use a chlorhexidine shampoo. Chlorhexidine Shampoo conditions while it cleans and deodorizes your pit bull’s skin.
If your pit bull’s hives were due to something environmental, chlorhexidine shampoo will rid your pit bull’s skin of the bacteria and alleviate the hive breakout.
- If you don’t have time for a full dog shampooing, a great solution is to use a chlorhexidine spray.
Chlorhexidine spray is perfect between baths and is easier than shampooing. It deodorizes and cleanses face folds, wrinkles, paws, underarms and groin.
Chlorhexidine helps relieve hives, skin infections, hot spots, paw licking, allergies, and skin bumps.
Curaseb Medicated Chlorhexidine Spray has a no sting alcohol-free formula that relieves itching and hot Spots. Aloe & vitamin E soothes and nourishes rashes, redness and dry skin irritations.
What is the best allergy treatment for my pit bull’s skin bumps?
Pit bull skin bumps differ from hives. Hives are the result of an allergic reaction and skin bumps can be from insect bites, bacterial infections, irritating substances etc.
You would not have to change your dog food if your pit bull has been eating the same dog food for a while. If you recently changed the dog food, that could be the issue.
If you believe your pit bull’s skin bumps are the result of something they rubbed against, use an antibacterial shampoo like chlorhexidine shampoo.
A chlorhexidine spray might be the most useful item to have on hand. It is super-convenient for when shampooing is not ideal and is very effective.
This will rid the bacteria on your pit bull’s skin. Chlorhexidine shampoo is safe to use for regular shampooing. Don’t use any harsh laundry detergents to wash your pit bull’s blankets, beds, toys etc.
Why does my pit bull have bumps on his skin?
Your pit bull can have bumps on his skin or dog hives from an allergic reaction to his dog food. The skin bumps can also be a contact allergy from something in the home or outdoors.
Watch an expert and blue pit bull owner identify and treat her pit bulls hives and skin bumps at home.
Are allergies common in Blue Pit Bulls?
Yes. Environmental and skin allergies are common in blue pit bulls. You can read about it here.
Are pit bulls hypoallergenic?
While pit bulls are not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, their skin and coat is typically short to medium length minimizing shedding and dander.
