Man and his best friend definitely have many things in common, one of those being allergies.
There are three basic allergy types among canines – flea allergic dermatitis, food allergy and atopy. Unfortunately, your dog can suffer from more than one of these.
Flea Allergies
Flea allergies can make you want to pull your hair out. If you do, you’re apt to look just like your dog that is experiencing a most intense itch caused by an allergy to the flea’s saliva.
A single bite can be enough to cause Fido to scratch himself until bloody, lose hair and get skin infections. Look closely at your dog’s skin and fur. If you see little black specks of dirt, your puppy most likely has fleas. If in doubt, remove some of the specks and wet them. They will change to a blood-red color.
Killing the fleas is the first step of treating flea allergies. Once you get rid of the biting pests, you need to topically treat the sores created by the biting and itching that fleas cause with antihistamines and corticosteroids. Bathing the dog in warm water with a good anti-itch shampoo and conditioner can provide some relief. In some cases, a veterinarian may have to prescribe internal and/or external antibiotics and steroids to clear up the infection caused by fleabites.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for an allergy to fleas.
Food Allergies
Food allergies can be hard to diagnose, but perseverance will pay off. The reaction occurs because the dog is allergic to one or more ingredients in the food. Common food allergens include cereals, chicken, eggs, milk products and beef.
Excessive licking, chewing and itching are signs of a food allergy. Digestive problems and diarrhea can also be indicators of food allergies. Don’t let the fact that your dog has eaten the same food for years lure you into thinking that your puppy can’t be allergic to his or her diet. Dogs can develop allergies at any age.
It is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian when trying to diagnose the allergen. One of the best ways to determine if a dog is allergic to its food is to feed them a “hypoallergenic” diet for a period of two or three months. Because the source of food allergies is often a protein, the new food may have a venison, fish or duck base instead of chicken, beef and cereals.
In some instances, corticosteroids and antihistamines may be prescribed to help relieve food allergy flare-ups.
Atopy
Atopy, which refers to allergic reactions to airborne substances such as dust mites, molds and pollens, is very common in dogs. Some breeds are more prone to these types of allergies.
The main symptom of atopy is severe itching around the face, feet, lower chest and stomach areas. This often leads to hot spots and other skin infections. Hair loss is common among dogs suffering from environmental allergens. The frequency of occurrence depends on the type of allergen. Some allergens are found year-round. Others are seasonal. Believe it or not, some dogs actually suffer from allergies to grass!
It will probably take a veterinarian to diagnose atopy problems. The first step is to make sure your dog does not have fleas or other external pests. You will also have to rule out the possibility of a food allergy. There are skin and blood tests that can help diagnose environmental allergies.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for atopy. The best you can do is offer relief. If possible, get your dog away from the source of the allergen. A regiment of anti-itch medications, shampoos and conditioners can help. Veterinarians can perform immunotherapy, a process that introduces the allergen into your dog’s system through a series of shots.
In cases where a dog is biting or scratching themselves raw, you can try wrapping or covering the area so that the puppy cannot continue to make it worse.
Overall, allergies are no fun, but the good news is that there are many ways to reduce the irritation and side effects that go with them. Always keeping an eye on your puppy will help you diagnose the problem early.
Related posts:
- Environmental Allergies
- How to Test What a Puppy is Sensitive to
- Understanding Your Puppies Health Needs
- Understanding Ticks
- Canine Food Allergies
