Allergies in Dogs: Causes and Treatments

It is quite common for human to have allergies with something like milk, nuts, beans, fur and more. But, do you know that dogs have their own allergies too? Check this article to understand better.

You probably already know that human beings are susceptible to allergies but did you know that allergies in dogs are also very common? Dogs, like humans can be sensitive to things in the environment, food, bug bites. While we may exhibit nasal symptoms or watery eyes, allergies in dogs present on their skin more often than not. If you have a pet who is constantly presenting with scratching, rubbing their face on the carpet, gassy, or diarrhea there is a good chance they have allergies or sensitivities to something in their environment.

Fleas

Unbelievably some dogs have an intense reaction to fleas. It is not the fleas themselves but something in the saliva that sets off intense bouts of itching and even bald spots. This is one of the simplest allergies in dogs to combat. The best defense for a flea allergy is to keep your pet on a strict treatment regimen. There are several good over the counter treatments you could consider as well as prescription flea treatments. It is a good idea to switch between brands since fleas can become immune to the affects of the medication.

Food

It is not at all uncommon for a dog to develop food allergies. Even a pet that has eaten the same dog food all their life can suddenly have an allergic reaction. Most people determine this as the cause of the reaction in their dog when they have recently changed feed, however these dog allergies can develop over time and be harder to spot.

If you suspect canine food allergies, you need to determine which ingredient is to blame. This can be a long drawn out process as you are going to have to drastically limit your dog’s food intake and slowly reintroduce different potential allergens. During this time, you will have to closely monitor what your dog eats and be quick to spot the signs of an allergy.

Inhaled Allergens

Just like for many people there are inhaled irritants as well. Pollen, dust mites and molds are all common allergens for dogs. These can be a little harder to determine but watching for symptoms can tell you a lot about what you are dealing with, for instance if you notice the dog problem exists all year round you could be dealing with mold or dust but if it is seasonal it is likely pollen.

Treatments

The treatment options will vary somewhat depending on the allergen; however, cool baths with Epsom salts, oatmeal or a medicated shampoo can help. It is important to note that these will only provide temporary relief from itching and scratching but are generally safe enough to use frequently. You might also want to consider allergy shots.

Your veterinarian can advise you better on whether or not you should consider dog allergies shots. These treatments are effective but they often take several months to take effect and they are not cheap. If your dog is suffering from serious allergies where they scratch constantly or are suffering greatly you might want to consider the shots as a viable option.

Conclusion

Dog allergies can be frustrating to deal with but there are many treatment options available. What you need to do for your pet will depend on what kind of allergies they are suffering from. Some will be easy to treat while others require more medication or medical intervention. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action.