Things You Should Know About Dog Allergies Treatment
Many people suffer from allergies on a every day; however, not everyone realizes that dogs are no strangers to the same irritations and discomforts. If a dog is displaying signs of skin problems, this may be a symptom of an allergic reaction. There are a few thing to consider; however, when looking into dog allergies treatment.
First of all, the most common signs that a dog is suffering from allergies are itching and skin irritations. You may notice him or her chewing or scratching excessively, and rubbing his or her face on the carpet. The skin may also appear red and dry in some areas, due to excessive scratching and chewing. There may also be hair loss, which may be patchy and erratic.
Another common symptom caused by allergies is chronic ear infections. Because the ear’s wax producing gland responds to the presence of allergens, by overproducing, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to multiply. When this happens, infection is likely.
Although avoidance is recommended, you may not know which allergen is the culprit. Common irritants for dogs are food additives, pollen, flea bites, and dust mites. Eliminating one possible source at a time may take too long to give your pet the relief he or she needs. In this case, you may want to ask your doctor about performing an allergy test for your dog.
If avoidance of the irritants is not working, the next step is to use topical therapies such as anti-itching shampoos and lotions. This may only give your pet temporary relief, which is why it is recommended that you wash them in these solutions at least once, if not twice, a week. I may also be a good idea to wipe his or her feet clean after outdoor exposure, if you suspect pollen to be a possible factor. When using topical treatment, you may want to keep your dog active for a while, to keep him or her from licking the treated area.
Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oil, and antihistamines have proven to successful treatment alternatives as well. It may be a good idea to start with a fatty acid supplement to see how the dog responds, as these have very little side effect. If the dog continues to show signs of skin irritations, contact your veterinarian to work with him or her on a treatment plan that includes antihistamines.
If your dog does not seem to respond to any other form of treatment, injections and steroids are other possible options. It is recommended; however, that all other alternatives are exhausted before considering this. Your Veterinarian may be able to customize an injection formulated from your pet’s allergy test results. Although steroids have been found to be very helpful in the treatment of allergy symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult your pet’s doctor about any possible side effects.
If you believe your dog may be suffering from symptoms associated with allergens, you should consider contacting a Veterinarian to discuss any possible dog allergies treatment. It is always a good idea to seek professional advice when dealing with your pet’s health.
Jamie is a canine health specialist who specializes in canine skin problems.





