Allergies in Bull Terriers

If your Bull Terrier has allergies, you know how painful it can be for you and your furry companion. Allergies can drastically reduce your Bull Terrier’s quality of life.

In this post, we will discuss all there’s to know about allergies in Bull Terriers. You will have an insight into Bull Terrier allergy symptoms, types of allergies, home remedies for allergies, and general Bull Terrier care to avoid allergies.

Determining that your Bull Terrier is allergic can be a long and difficult process. Some allergies are mild and may go unnoticed. The symptoms of Bull Terriers having allergies may vary depending on the cause.

Your Bull Terrier may show the following symptoms:

• Ear scratching
• Paw licking
• Body scratching and biting lead to skin breakages and infections
• Rubbing their face with paws or even rubbing against the carpet, furniture, and walls
• Coughing
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Hotspots around the inside of the Bull Terrier's legs, neck, chin, and tail
• Dry and itchy skin
• Hair loss
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Snoring

There are many different types of allergies in Bull Terriers including skin allergies, food allergies, contact allergies, and airborne allergens. All these allergies have overlapping symptoms.

Skin allergies are the most common type of allergic reaction in Bull Terriers. The most commonly affected areas are the feet, belly, and ears. It is important to ensure that you keep them properly cleaned.

All skin allergies pose the risk of secondary infection. As your Bull Terrier scratches, bites, and licks at their skin, they risk opening up their skin to yeast and bacterial infections that may require treatment.

If your Bull Terrier is allergic to grass, we recommend buying good quality dog shoes to protect the sensitive paws from getting in contact with grass and avoid allergic reactions.

Food is the most common cause of allergies in Bull Terriers. Your Bull Terriers can be affected by certain elements in their diet.

Most often dog food additives are the culprit of food allergies. They include artificial flavoring, food coloring dyes, and synthetic preservatives. Fillers like wheat, soy, corn, and even grains can also trigger allergies. Milk, eggs, and certain proteins can also affect Bull Terriers. One of the common food allergies in Bull Terriers is chicken allergy.

Food allergies are often diagnosed using an elimination diet. You need to work with your vet to discover the ingredient causing the allergic reaction.

These are allergens that can be inhaled. Airborne allergies in Bull Terriers are usually caused by dust, pollen, mold, or other inhalants. The most common airborne allergens are dust mites, pollen, weeds, and even certain types of grass. Fine particles from pesticides, perfumes, and air fresheners are also a likely cause of allergies for your Bull Terrier.

This includes anything that a Bull Terrier comes into physical contact with. Many materials and things around your home could be problematic for your Bull Terrier.

• Perfumes
• Cleaning products
• Fabrics
• Rubber toys and other items
• Plastic bowls and other utensils
• Some Bull Terriers can have allergic reactions to medicated shampoo

The best way to prevent them is to remove the allergen from your Bull Terrier’s environment completely.

There are many ways to help boost your Bull Terrier’s immune system and decrease the effects of allergies. If your Bull Terrier suffers from allergies, you can try some amazing home remedies instead of medications. 

Let's have a look at the options available that can help your Bull Terrier:

1. Coconut oil: It reduces yeast and fungus on contact. It also heals irritated skin, hot spots, and abrasions. 
2. Aloe Vera: It is a natural remedy for treating itches and hot spots when applied to the skin. Aloe Vera lessens the discomfort and soothes itchy skin immediately.
3. Apple cider vinegar: It has antiseptic and antifungal properties and prevents infections. It can also be used to repel fleas, ticks, and biting flies.
4. Chickweed: It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it good for treating itches and hot spots.
5. Thyme: Thyme contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. It is effective for Bull Terrier's skin and yeast infections.
6. Oatmeal bath: If your Bull Terrier has mild skin problems, an oatmeal bath might do the trick. It removes allergens and keeps their coat shiny. 

The best way to treat an allergy is the avoidance of the cause and allergen. However, this may or may not always be possible. Many allergies have a strong genetic component and many environmental factors are outside of our control. 

Maintaining overall health will still help as you manage allergies in Bull Terriers. Consider the following tips that you can take to manage allergies in Bull Terriers:

Healthy food: If you want your Bull Terrier to be healthy, it is essential to feed them properly. The daily diet should be the right balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbs. The diet should be based on your Bull Terrier's age, gender, and activity level.

Vaccination and vet visits: Regular vet visits are essential for your Bull Terrier. Keep up with your Bull Terrier’s vaccines to protect them from diseases. 

Invest in a vacuum cleaner and air purifier: Get a vacuum cleaner to eliminate allergens and keep your house clean.  Also, invest in a high-quality air purifier to reduce airborne allergens.

Keep your Bull Terrier's belongings clean: Dust and clean your Bull Terrier's toys and bedding thoroughly. Wash your Bull Terrier’s beds, pillows, blankets, and washable toys regularly to avoid allergens.

Skip harsh detergents and household products: Your Bull Terrier might be allergic to the detergents or bug sprays you use to clean their bed and blankets. Try to skip cleaning products with harsh chemicals.

Only offer healthy and hypoallergenic treats: If your Bull Terrier has food allergies, you need to check on their snacks and treats. Use those foods as treats that are healthy and don't bother your Bull Terrier.

Regular grooming and examination: Regular grooming and careful weekly examination are essential. Always keep an eye out to spot allergy symptoms early. Assess all areas of food, airborne triggers, and contact allergens.

You can increase your Bull Terrier’s allergy resistance through an allergy shot. It will lessen their hypersensitivity to the allergen. With a few efforts and lifestyle changes, you can manage allergies in Bull Terriers.

While complete avoidance of allergens might be challenging, a proactive approach to your Bull Terrier's well-being can significantly mitigate allergic reactions. By incorporating these practices into your routine and staying vigilant, you can enhance your Bull Terrier's allergy resistance and provide them with a happy and healthy life.