Allergy: Is Your Dachshund Suffering From It?

Learn more about dog allergy and stop that itching and scratching...

Allergy may not be included in the list of top diseases that could affect a Dachshund, but that doesn't mean that your Dachshund can't possibly acquire this health problem. Dogs, just like humans can suffer from trouble caused by allergies. As dog owner, it is important that you are well aware of this problem in order for you to identify if your Dachshund is really suffering from it.

Below are the different kinds of allergy.

Atopy – Atopy is also known as allergic inhalant dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. These airborne disease is usually caused by environmental factors such as dust mites, molds, house dust, human dander and feathers or pollen from grasses, trees and weeds. Symptoms of atopy include itching resulting to frequent scratching and biting on the feet, muzzle or face, armpits, groins and ears. Worst cases of atopy may be characterized by redness, hair loss, crusts and scaling, ear problems and skin infection. This disease is diagnosed through physical examination. The vet will need to find out your Dachshund's history of symptoms and have to differentiate it from other skin diseases such as food hypersensitivity, flea allergy dermatitis or contact dermatitis. There is lots of known treatment for this disease. The highly recommended treatment is to avoid the allergens as much as possible. Medication includes antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunotherapy or allergy shots. Medicated shampoo or diet rich in Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are as well recommended.

Flea Allergy – Flea allergy or flea allergy dermatitis is an allergy caused by flea saliva passed into the dog's skin when it bites. Not all dogs can acquire flea allergy with a single bite but dogs with flea allergy will quickly experience the symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling. Symptoms of flea allergy are scratching, loss of hair, crusts and erosions of the skin and pimple-like bumps. In some severe cases, thickened skin with darkened areas will develop. Red, oozing and very painful sores are also present in this kind of allergy. This problem is best prevented through eliminating the fleas in the environment. It is important to keep your surroundings clean to make sure that fleas are completely removed. The market is offering wide selection of commercial products used to kill fleas. Just read the label carefully as to the proper usage of the product, or it is better to ask your vet for suggestions.