How to identify skin allergies in your Bull Terrier

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What is secondary infection and why is it called secondary?

Secondary infection is called secondary because it is not what started the chain of allergy problems. While it can become very serious and weakening for the dog’s body it is not the core cause behind the entire allergy problem. It is more like a consequential event.
The core problem is the skin allergy causing itch, causing the Bull Terrier to lick. The licking causes tiny lesions which opens up the way for bacteria sitting in skin folds to enter the damaged parts of the skin and cause inflammation.

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The bacterial infection and the subsequent inflammation in the scope of allergies is what is called secondary infection.

If your Bull Terrier has a lot of active secondary infection this can lead to serious problems because over time all of these battle fronts on the body weaken the immune system which is now in a constant state of fight. Read more about this fight in this article about allergies and medication.

This secondary infection is actually what makes your dog really miserable after a while.
Not only regarding skin allergies it is important to realize that Bull Terriers have a very high pain tolerance. And because of that you can be sure that things are very bad already once your dog starts to actually show signs of discomfort or pain and that the situation has already been developing for quite some time.

Secondary infection is also what is usually addressed when the doctor prescribes all of those antibiotics and steroids. The problem is that antibiotics themselves do not only attack harmful microorganisms. They also put a lot of stress on the gastrointestinal tract.
Remember how I explained earlier that basically everything in the body is somehow connected?

That’s when the bad side of antibiotics takes effect. The stressed gastrointestinal system weakens the immune system further making it even more likely that all of the symptoms – itch, licking, and most importantly secondary infection – will soon return right after the treatment with antibiotics ended if the Bull Terrier is still exposed to the triggers of the allergies.

As for the steroids. They really seem like miracle medicine when all of those lesions and infections vanish and the Bull Terrier seems happy and fit again in no time.
But they also will have to be administered again and again once that vicious cycle has been entered. And the longer the dog is taking them the more severely will they contribute to shortening the lifespan of your dog!

So, what should owners of Bull Terriers with skin allergies do?

The best advice is:

  1. Do not wait it out!
  2. And look for the real causes!

See the vet early and focus on finding out what’s triggering those allergies!

Medicated shampoos and disinfecting are good assisting measures to prevent inflammation from becoming worse. But they are no cure! If your Bull Terrier is already impaired to the point when there is no longer a way around antibiotics and steroids make sure that your dog’s immune system gets an extra boost and think about also supporting the gastrointestinal tract.

There are products formulated especially for dogs on the market.
Here are just three examples (there’s a lot more on the market):
NuPro
Nuvet
Nusentia Pet Probiotic

As a side note: Vets who are experienced with allergies often have recommendations on supplements and special nutrition ready. BUT, many vets such as human doctors as well are frequently visited by pharmaceutical und nutritional salesmen aiming to establish THEIR products in the market. A vet’s recommendation does not necessarily have to be bad advice. But it is almost certain that there are also other options in the market – some maybe even better than the vet’s recommendation. When it comes to food – we will talk about this also a little later in detail – manufactured special foods for allergies will often be the recommended ones. But especially in the case of food allergies a raw nutrition could make all the difference.

If you repeatedly run into the situation that your dog has to take rounds of steroids and antibiotics please know that you are probably waiting too long when the problems return and that the way out of this cycle is very hard but in no scenario ongoing treatment with these medications is a good solution. This therapy repeated over and over will impact the longterm health of your dog and has the potential of making things worse for the reasons explained above.

Read more on page 3

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Julie
4 years ago

Just stumbled upon your sight and love it!!!!
Wondering why no recent posts?

Ally
Reply to  Julie
2 years ago

Hi my baby white stud BT and I don’t seem to get it right over have control of his allergies. Yes I do get steroids pills and antibiotics, he definitely allergic to corn which has been around now 2yrs and rashes on his feet .. 2-3 home baths( topical Shea control lifesavers and GNC sephebarracous (relieve allergic reactions/ rash) I think spelled it wrong . He now on grain canned 1/2 canned per day mixed dry but I don’t fell like it’s enough. Pethonesty multivitamin senior duck. Please I’m open for suggestion

Carole ann tandey
4 years ago

Hi we have a ebt hes 3yrs old. And for the last two years hes been on aquopel for his allergies. We initially thought this would be seasonal but unfortunately hes on it all year round. He also developed folliculitis. He has been prescribed anti biotics which didn’t clear it up so it he was given steroids. We also give him piriton which helps with the itching. And now hes developed small lumps all over his body they seem to be scabbing and drying up. We wash his feet with a mild antiseptic when hes been exercising. We are managing his allergies I dont think hell ever be free of them poor dog. Hes an amazing dog and puts up with alot. Any advice would be great.

Bob Lauver
4 years ago

I’m trying to determine whether scratching I’m seeing in my 12-week-old Bull Terrier puppy is the result of allergy, or neurosis. He has (healing) scabs on his front legs and particularly in the morning seems unable not to scratch. I’ve dremeled his nails so they are rounded, tight to the paw and smooth so he has his best chance for healing. I also redirect with games and toys to try to take the focus off his legs. Aside from the obviously healing injury (which I at first attributed to litter mates), his heart doesn’t really seem to be in it when he’s scratching…almost like “here we go again”. I’m going to the vet next week to get 2nd shots and have this looked at. He’s a terrific pup. I’m just worried for him.

Doug Morales
4 years ago

I foster care bullies & applied medicated powder on skin rashes on bellies for overnight clearing next morning. Bought powder at Dollar Store.
Good luck.

Karen
Reply to  Doug Morales
3 years ago

What kind of powder?

Jennifer Gray
Reply to  Doug Morales
2 years ago

I just adopted a 3 year old bull terrier and i noticed he started obsessively licking his privates and his eyes became very red. Today the outer skin of his privates is red, raw and swollen. I am positive he obsessively was licking because he is having allergies.
What is the name of the powder bought at dollar store

Sophia
3 years ago

My 4 year old bull terrier has been shedding a lot recently, but today as I was brushing his hair, chunks of it started to fall out and at the roots of the hair chunks was some sort of brown bacteria. I’m not too sure what it is.

Cuisette Laatsch
3 years ago

Hi there! Just stumbled on your site while researching for a solution for my poor doggy. “Biggie” is a 4 year old male EBT. About 2 years ago he seemed to suddenly become allergic to EVERYTHING… all feathered things. .beef..grains..you name it .. I feel like I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried a raw diet (that’s how we figured out he is allergic to chicken and beef) and various dry food brands. We’re currently trying Zignature Kangaroo dry food, we’re going on month 3 and not seeing much change. We’ve tried apoquel and didn’t see improvement with that either. He isn’t a big self licker.. but his poor tummy is soooo red! And I can tell he’s itchy and frustrated. I’d so appreciate any ideas you might have. I hope you and your loved one are safe and healthy.

Rita
3 years ago

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for help with determining and trying to find answers as to what my 6 month mini is allergic to. He’s on day 4 of antibiotics, I eliminated all treats and feeding now raw diet (salmon) with few grain free natural dry food in the mix. His belly rash and paws are only getting worse. I’m trying to pin point triggers but and wondering if it’s grass that he’s allergic to. I do add probiotics 2-3 times a week and wondering if I should stop giving him antibiotics as I read they may only worsen the problem by wearing his immune system. Will be scheduling a dermatologist appointment tomorrow as his regular Vet is at a loss and does not have experience with the MBT breed or allergies at such a young age. Any advice or suggestions please?

Thank you,
Rita

Lazaro Labrador
3 years ago

Bravecto!!!!!!!!! I have a mini bull terrier that was having terrible skin issues. Scrabs everywhere blood blisters on his belly and all. It was so depressing for him and myself. I tried EVERYTHING from 3 different food all grain free. Tried all different types of protein from salmon to bison and nothing was working. Washed him every 2-3 days with oatmeal based shampoos and conditioners. Vet finally found the issue and prescribed bravecto. He was feeling better within a few days and he’s now 95 percent better after a month.

barbara howell
3 years ago

I recently got a bull terrier pit mix that had been rescued from multiple bad homes one I was told she was to be a fight dog her back leg had been broken at some point and she has had a litter at least once at a very young age.from what I was told she’s only about 1 1/2 she had some skin issues and lose of hair but with in a few days of bringing her home she got better then all a sudden it got worse I feel so bad for her gonna start her on grain free food to see if that helps but if any one can give me any advice on the steps I should take how to claim her itching h ow I should bath her anything would really be appreciated

Bianca Tordai
3 years ago

Hi I tried everything with my female bull terrier and vets could not tell me something sure and she still have pustules all over the body. Hypoallergenic food only with a few ingredients she was well for a while and now in 2 days shes full of crusts
What can I do ???

Robert Alvarez
3 years ago

Hello everyone so Lucky is my bt and he is 18 months old, have had him since he was 8 weeks young. He has recently started bitting, licking his legs and paws. Have also noticed a bunch of hair and flakes accumulating in his kennel. Almost looks like dandruff, not sure if dogs get that too? Also has developed a rash around his genitals and redness on his inner thigh. So I’m going to schedule a appointment with a dermatologist to have the proper tests done to hopefully find out what is triggering all of this. Hate to see my boy always scratching and biting himself. Have done a lot of research involving this symptoms and have learned that the best way to go about this is to take him to a dermatologist, but I figured I’d ask some fellow bull terrier owners on there personal experience with there awesome companions. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Fernanda Hussein
3 years ago

Hi, thank you so much for this post, it’s great! I’m also trying to find out the trigger for my BT allergies: constant paw licking and biting. I’m having difficulties with “money-driven” vets, unfortunately, so I’m researching about the home tests sold online. Do you, or anyone here, have any experience with home tests? There are fur and saliva based tests available and they are not cheap so I was wondering if anyone could tell me if they are good/reliable.
I’d appreciate your comments! Thanks!

John
3 years ago

Hi I have a ebt that is almost thirteen within the last couple of months he has developed zit like sores all his body that pop and bleed. The vet has had him on antibiotics, steroids and now we have added thyroid meds due to bloodwork. We are also giving him probiotics because of him being on antibiotics. Has any one ever run into this before? He is a wonderful dog and dont want him to go thru this.

Cynthia
3 years ago

Would your advise the use of Apoquel, Cytopoint or Atopica on my bull terriers?

Karen Kitch
2 years ago

Hi. My tricolour bully has allergies. His feet break out so bad that he can’t walk. He is poorly at the moment. I have put him on a raw food diet but I think he has been stealing out of the bin. He is really miserable. He is now 6 but has suffered on and off since he was a puppy. The vets won’t do an allergy test because of the cost. Is there anything I am missing and is there anything I can give him to make him feel a bit better

Kathie Quintel
2 years ago

Thank you so much for your information. I have a bull terrier and he suddenly started itching again. When we first bought him he started breaking out in little hives all over his body our veterinarian put them on hills science diet prescription . This worked, I have tried to use some of the more expensive popular brands they say are better for dogs and his little bumps have come back. He exercises outside,This year this spring he has had itching and chewing on his paws. I bought a hypoallergenic shampoo. Our vet said I could give him a half a tablet a Benadryl do you know if he gets real itchy. If it continues he said to bring him in. Your article was very informative and I will look up the pet honesty website thank you. Our bull terrier it’s four years old.

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