It has become more and more common for pet owners to identify allergic reactions in their dogs. An estimated one in seven dogs currently suffer from allergic symptoms, according to the article "Skin Allergies and Reactions in Dogs" at WebMD. These symptoms usually target the skin, resulting in an itchy, irritable, and unpleasant pet. Identifying and eliminating the trigger are the best option for treatment.
Types of Canine Allergies
WebMD breaks common canine allergies into four basic categories, any of which may be to blame for a dog's skin irritation:
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis, caused by flea or insect bites and saliva.
- Canine Atopy, a result of inhaled allergens including dust, grass, mold, or pollen.
- Food Allergies, from the pet's diet.
- Contact Allergies, caused by irritants in cleaning products or other household items that contact the skin directly.
As a result, hives may appear on the dog's skin as raised, circular bumps that cause intense itchiness. Sometimes, skin lesions or sores can appear from repeated scratching or biting and an infection may result. Acting quickly to relief a dog's itchiness is the best course of action.
Other Signs & Symptoms
For some dogs, the irritation doesn't stop at the skin. Chronic ear infections may also be a sign of a dog allergy that affects the sensitive skin and warm environment of the inner ear, resulting in yeast infections. Treating the infection won't solve the problem, so finding the cause of the allergy is important.
Other signs may include chewing or licking the paws constantly, biting the legs, red marks appearing on the belly, and greasy or flaking skin. Some dogs also develop a strong odor during a particularly intense allergic reaction, according to Cheryl Minnier's article "Skin and Allergy Problems in Dogs."
Identify the Cause
Always seek veterinary advice when a pet is experiencing such tremendous discomfort, but also start to pay attention to the dog's behavior at home. Notice when the dog begins to react, whether it is directly after a meal or a house-cleaning, after a walk or during the night. Learning the patterns of the pet's discomfort and itchiest moments can help to eliminate some options of the cause.
Hives are a common symptom of insect bites or contact allergens, such as shampoos or floor cleaners. Using a hypo-allergenic shampoo can help eliminate this response and lead to an answer. If bug bites are suspected, however, try brushing the dog on a white sheet. If black or sand-colored bits appear on the sheet, these are flea eggs and droppings. Consult a vet to kill the flea infestation and treat the skin irritation.
For food allergies, a reaction may occur right away and last for hours or even days. Changing the pet's diet is the best way to solve this allergy problem, but can take weeks or months of trial and error before finding the cause.
Treatment Options
There are many short- and long-term treatment options available to make the dog's life easier, according to Minnier.
- A cool bath containing colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salt, or hypo-allergenic shampoo.
- Allergy shots administered by a veterinarian, usually after conducting tests to identify the dog's allergic triggers.
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Antihistamines, similar to human treatments, which control the symptoms.
- Omega-3 fatty acids added to the pet's diet may boost immunities to lessen symptoms.
If a pet is suspected of having an allergy, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. A miserable pet is not something any owner wants to experience and, untreated, may lead to more medical problems and complications in the future.
References:
- "Healthy Dogs: Skin Allergies and Reactions in Dogs" Web MD.
- Minnier, Cheryl. "Skin and Allergy Problems in Dogs." K9 Web.
Stephanie Haddad - Stephanie Haddad is a freelance writer living in the Boston area with her husband, their dog, and their new daughter. She focuses her work ...
