Pit Bull pet parents may be all too familiar with Pit Bull skin issues. Unfortunately, it’s common for our beloved Pitties and bully breeds to experience itchy and inflammatory skin issues that can affect their wellbeing.
Learn more about Pit Bull skin problems and how you can help your Pittie stay comfortable.
Pit Bull Skin and Coat Characteristics
Before we get into the skin problems, let’s get on the same page as to what a Pit Bull is and why they’re predisposed to skin issues.
The term “Pit Bull” doesn’t refer to a specific breed but instead refers to a physical type of dog. Pit Bulls are stocky and muscular dogs with short coats and broad heads. Examples of breeds that are commonly considered Pit Bulls are the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog.
Pit Bulls are predisposed to skin issues for several reasons. One reason is that the Pit Bull has a short coat with no undercoat. This means their skin isn’t shielded as well from environmental allergens as dogs who have thicker coats.
Genetics also contribute to a Pit Bull’s tendency to develop skin issues. A dysfunctional skin barrier plays an important role in the development of allergies that affect the skin. With Pit Bull dogs having such a strong predilection towards developing allergic skin disease, it can be assumed they’re likely inheriting the defective skin barrier that allows allergens to affect their skin.
Pit Bulls haven’t always been bred with the best interests of the animals in mind. Poor breeding practices have likely contributed to the genetic tendency of Pit Bulls to experience skin problems.
7 Potential Pit Bull Skin Issues
Not all Pit Bulls will experience bully skin issues. However, Pit Bull skin conditions are common enough that it would be beneficial for Pit Bull pet parents to arm themselves with knowledge of common skin problems and how they’re managed.
The following are potential Pit Bull skin issues to be aware of:
Allergies
As previously mentioned, allergies are a common skin problem for Pit Bull dogs. Environmental allergies and food allergies can both manifest as skin itchiness and inflammation for Pit Bulls. Environmental allergies can be seasonal or year-round, while food allergies are a problem year-round.
For Pitties with suspected environmental allergies, management options include:
- Soothing topical shampoos and mousses
- Immune system suppressors or modulators (oral and injectable)
- Allergy shots
- Steroids
Pit Bulls with allergies occurring due to specific ingredients may need a prescription allergy diet. Hydrolyzed protein diets are designed so the proteins in the food are broken down into smaller particles. This makes it so that a dog’s immune system is less likely to respond to the proteins. Another dietary option for Pit Bulls with food allergies is a novel protein diet. These diets use a protein the dog has never been exposed to before.
Mange
All dogs have microscopic mites called Demodex that live in their hair follicles. However, when the dog’s immune system doesn’t keep these mites in check, the dog can develop areas of hair loss and irritation due to an overabundance of mites. This is called demodectic mange.
Pit Bulls have a greater tendency to develop demodectic mange than most dogs. Treatment for demodectic mange usually involves oral or topical medications that kill parasites.
Skin Infections
An increased tendency towards allergic skin disease in Pitties means an increased tendency to develop skin infections. Pit bull skin infections can be bacterial, yeast, or both. The skin will be pink or red, may smell yeasty, and may have pimple-like spots on it. Sometimes, large patches of skin can become red and oozing or crusty. Skin infections are often profoundly itchy.
Treatments for Pit Bull skin infections often include:
- Topical antibiotic and/or antifungal shampoos
- Oral antibiotics
- Topical antibiotics
Hot Spots
Hot spots are red, inflamed, itchy patches of skin on a dog’s body. While the hot spot may start due to something like allergies or fleas, the dog repeatedly self-traumatizes the area, worsening the problem. Hot spots often become infected.
Treatment usually includes shaving and cleaning the area. The dog will likely have an e-collar or dog sweater placed on them to prevent further trauma to the area. Topical treatments that will help dry out the area and reduce inflammation are commonly recommended. Your Pit Bull may also be placed on short-term anti-itch medications or steroids. If an infection is present, oral antibiotics are often recommended.
Ichthyosis
Ichthyosis is a severe skin condition that causes dryness and flakiness. It usually develops when the Pit Bull is young, and diagnosis is usually confirmed with a skin biopsy. Treatments include special shampoos and fish oils. Ichthyosis is a genetic condition that’s usually inherited. There is no cure and lifelong management is required.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis
A Pit Bull with zinc-responsive dermatosis does not absorb sufficient levels of the mineral zinc from their diet. Symptoms include hair loss and skin scaliness, especially around the eyes, mouth, scrotum, vulva, or prepuce. Treatment usually involves supplementing with zinc.
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors are a type of cancer that can develop on the skin. Although any breed of dog can develop a mast cell tumor, Pit Bulls have an increased risk. These masses can occur internally, but they’re most common on or under the skin.
On the skin, they often appear as a pink hairless mass. They sometimes form sores or wounds and may change in size. Under the skin, they’re usually a soft to firm lump.
Surgical removal can cure lot of mast cell tumors. Other treatment options depend on the location and aggressiveness of the tumor. These options may include injectable treatments into the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Why You Should See Your Vet About Pit Bull Skin Issues
Skin conditions can profoundly affect your Pit Bull’s quality of life. You know how irritating it is to be itchy — imagine feeling that way 24/7!
Many skin conditions, such as allergies, mange, or hot spots, can predispose your pet to developing a skin infection. Most skin conditions will not improve while an active infection is going on.
Your veterinarian is your best source for determining the cause of your Pit Bull’s skin issues, as well as developing a treatment plan. You should contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following skin issues:
- Excessive itchiness
- Red or inflamed areas
- Pimple-like spots or crustiness
- Hair loss
- Excessive scaliness or dandruff
- Yeasty odor
- Oozing or greasy skin
- Parasites like fleas
- A mass on or under the skin
How to Care for Your Pit Bull’s Skin
While you can’t necessarily prevent all Pit Bull skin problems, there’s a lot you can do to help manage and monitor your dog’s skin health at home.
The following tips will help you care for your Pittie’s skin:
Bathe only when necessary. Over-bathing may remove good oils and disrupt the skin barrier, so you should only bathe your dog about once a month unless your dog is dirty or your veterinarian recommends more frequent bathing.
Use soothing shampoos. When shampooing, opt for soothing or moisturizing shampoos like dog-friendly oatmeal shampoos. If your dog has a diagnosed skin condition, your veterinarian may recommend a specific shampoo.
Try a conditioning spray. Consider soothing dog-safe conditioning sprays to help keep your dog’s skin moisturized and protect their skin barrier.
Stay away from allergy triggers. If your dog has a known allergy, avoid triggers. Otherwise, speak with your veterinarian about allergy medications.
Use parasite prevention. Keep your Pittie on regular parasite prevention to prevent flea, tick, and mite infestations.
Keep up with brushing. Brush your dog’s coat to remove dead skin flakes and furs. It’s also a great time to check your dog’s skin!
Don’t skip vet visits. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups (usually at least once a year for young adult dogs and twice a year for seniors) to check for skin growths. Contact your veterinarian if you notice a lump on your Pit Bull.
Consider a prescription dermatology diet. Speak with your veterinarian if you think this may be helpful.
Conclusion
Pit Bull skin issues are a well-known health problem affecting these types of dogs. By knowing the types of skin conditions a Pit Bull may experience, Pit Bull pet parents can be better prepared to keep their Pit Bull happy and healthy. If you have any concerns about your Pit Bull’s skin, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
