Dogs can get bumps for various reasons, including bacterial infections, heat rash and food allergy symptoms.  A little detective work on your end can help you figure out why your dog has bumps.

Bacterial Infections

Dogs can get bumps that are signalling the beginning of a bacterial infection. These red, often itchy bumps can occur seasonally, especially during the summer months when dogs may spend time swimming.  Rinse your dog well any time they go swimming to make sure to rinse off any harmful bacteria. Bacterial infections may need antibiotics if not caught early enough.  Some alternative ways to deal with a possible bacterial infection can be found in this article.

Heat Rash

Heat rash occurs in sensitive dogs, especially short coated breeds.  Heat rash can look just like a bacterial infection, but is more likely to show up on days when the heat is persistent and on dogs who have a hard time cooling down.  Using a cool washcloth to gently cool the areas should help resolve heat rash, but a persistent rash that lasts more than a few days should be looked at.

Food Allergies or Food Intolerance

There are many reasons why a dog could get bumps on their skin, but one of the most prevalent reasons is due to their food.  Even if your dog is on a high quality diet, they may be getting small amounts of food elsewhere that is causing them distress.

Check Your Dog’s Food

First, check that you are feeding a food that does not contain , artificial flavors or colors, low quality grains and common allergens such as corn, wheat and soy.  Chicken and beef are both common culprits of skin issues in dogs.  If you’re buying your food in the grocery store, there’s a chance that your food contains a contributor to your dog’s skin problems.  The best places to find good foods are local pet stores.  These are usually run by folks with a passion for pet nutrition and a lot of knowledge, as well as a wide variety of foods for your pooch to try.

Check Your Dog’s Treats

When your dog only weighs 20 pounds, a few treats a day of something that doesn’t work for your dog can wreak havoc on their system.  If you’re giving your dog treats, check the ingredients to make sure they are high quality.  Follow the same guidelines as their food.

Restrict Your Dog’s Diet

Limiting what food your dog gets or even the ingredients in your dog’s food can help you figure out if a particular food or ingredient is the problem.  Foods that use one protein source and one carbohydrate source make it easier to narrow down what is causing your dog’s bumps.  Keeping a food journal during this time can help you keep track of foods that your dog has already tried.

Outside Foods

You may be diligent about what you give your dog, but what about your dog walker, groomer and friendly neighbor?  How about your kids?  Let everyone know that your dog is on a restricted diet so that you can be absolutely sure of what your dog is eating.

Addiction Foods carries a wide variety of foods with limited ingredients, foods that are extra high in Omega fatty acids and foods that use novel proteins.  We have lots of great articles on dog nutrition, as well as a full line of canned foods, dry foods, dehydrated foods and treats.