How to identify skin allergies in your Bull Terrier

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Other skin issues

In terms of itch and infection, however, the culprit are not always allergies.
If your dog suffers from frequent ear infections this can be a sign for allergies as well OR it could be mites.
Also excessive licking, discolored brown nails and brown dirt-like smear in skin folds combined with obvious itch can point towards an overactivity of skin mites (parasite).

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Therefore in case it is at first not really clear if the dog is actually suffering from allergies a vet visit is the only reasonable option.
Two tests should be performed: One for allergies and one for mites. The treatment of either mites or allergies is very different while the symptoms can look very similar.
Also mites can come of top of an allergy problem when the immune system is already weakened.

Which therapies make sense?

The treatment actually depends on the trigger, which again makes it very important to find the trigger of the skin allergy.
While a mite infestation is usually only controllable by a (often long-term) medicated therapy, allergies can not be HEALED by medication.
The best strategy is to find and avoid the trigger.
Learn more in this article about how allergies work and how they can be treated.

If your dog is dealing with systemic allergies and it looks like they are food-related, an exclusion diet can make sense.
Exclusion in this case means that an ingredient suspected to be the allergy trigger is completely left out of the  dog’s food for a while. If the condition improves it shows that thee trigger has been found and successfully avoided. This can then be continued in the future. If the condition persists the next ingredient under suspicion is left out in order to see if that brings any improvement. This process takes time for the changes to take effect. And there should only be one of the suspected ingredients be left out at a time. This is the only way to reliably identify the allergy trigger when using this method. But it gets more complicated if different triggers are involved, which can be the case.
In order to find the trigger using an exclusion diet,  a switch to a homemade balanced diet with very limited ingredients can be the solution to get the situation under control. The reason is that raw/homemade diets – provided they are composed in the proper way – are not only of better quality than most kibbles. They also allow the largest amount of control over the ingredients and the best options to limit or eliminate nutritional allergy triggers.

Another approach to identify local or systemic triggers – expensive but also effective in many cases – is allergy testing. This can be done by a vet and can bring the answers needed to provide relief to the dog by avoiding the allergy’s trigger/s.

If the dog is in bad shape and the immune system weakened from the allergy symptoms, much inflammation present and the situation very critical, medication, such as antibiotics and/ or steroids may be needed to get the condition under control. But once the trigger has been found and can be avoided, no more medication should be necessary!
In the case of environmental allergies, however, avoiding can become a hard task. Triggers from the environment are usually contact allergens and often produce symptoms right where they get in contact with the body. If it turns out to be a detergent or a certain substance used in the household it is easier to avoid them. But if the triggers come from mother nature these allergies can mean lifelong medical treatment because there is no way to avoid these triggers.

In my experience with Bull Terriers nutrition plays a key role in the overall health, skin allergies and other ailments

Not only are the most common triggers for skin allergies in Bull Terriers related to nutrition. But even if that is not the case nutrition has a huge impact on how your Bull Terriers’s body is able to handle illness and allergies.
A strong and well nurtured body and a strong immune system are the best armor against illness.
The wrong nutrition on the other hand is not only not helpful. It can really worsen everything.
If the immune system is weak already it has nothing to put into the fight against ailments and it will be down in no time, leaving the dog with no defenses.

Some ingredients in modern highly processed pet foods, such as fillers (often grains) used in large amounts in some kibble varieties, are not allergy triggers themselves. But this ingredient puts stress on the digestive system of the Bull Terrier because it is not designed to deal with these amounts of non-animal-sourced nutrients. This can cause gas and irritated stomach or go completely unnoticed, but causing inflammation in the guts and weakening the immune system.
There is generally nothing wrong with taking advantage of the convenience of processed foods and feeding kibble. But it should be a good quality product. By-products, fillers and grains should be avoided. Animal protein should be the first ingredient.
The list of ingredients on a bag of food – even though it does not exactly tell amounts – tells you about the ratio of ingredients. The ingredients are sorted in descending order. That means the ingredients contained in larger amounts appear at the top of the list.
There is a great website to compare dog foods – dogfoodadvisor. The food you choose should be a 4.5 – 5 star rated food. But I also encourage you to read more about the particular foods you are considering because the description tells you even more about their contents.
Highly rated and high-protein foods can either be plant- or animal-based. I prefer animal-protein-based foods, meaning that the majority of the contained protein is sourced from animal parts and not from plants.

Always remember: Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy Bull Terrier!

I had to learn that myself the hard way. And today Mila is the perfect example of the truth behind this motto. I noticed a certain predisposition for skin issues in her and she is prone to yeast issues as so many Bull Terriers are. But she is looking and feeling good on her nutrition and we have never had any real problems other than a small pimple now and then.

Read more on page 4

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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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