There is a possibility the irritation your beloved pooch is displaying is due to dog skin allergies. This condition can make both pet and owner totally miserable with the uncontrollable itching. Here is what you should know about this situation.
Allergy symptoms are the result of the body’s reaction to an allergen. The allergen triggers an excessive response by the immune system, which causes problems rather than correcting them. An allergen can be any number of different substances that may have been ingested, inhaled, or touched.
The most noticed sign of allergy problems in a dog is itching. They may also develop hives, sneezing, have a change in behavior, and experience hair loss. It is estimated that one in seven dogs suffer from some form of allergies.
The allergies a dog suffers from can be classified in four groups. When flea allergy dermatitis is caused by flea problems. When the allergen is a substance such as mold, grass, pollen, or dust mites it is considered a canine atopy. Food allergies have become more common in pets, the feed you provide to your pet may have ingredients such as rice that triggers an immune response. Contact dermatitis is the result of an external irritant that has made its way past the coat of your pooch.
Flea dermatitis is the most commonly treated allergy complaint. To verify an infestation of fleas the use of a fine comb to catch the dander or fleas from the coat of your companion can be employed. Dogs with this type of allergy are responding to the saliva of the bite this parasite inflicts. The best way to treat or prevent this type of allergy is to eliminate the pest from the animal and the environment. You may need to treat your pet, your home, their bedding, and your yard.
There are a number of different methods to combat the allergy symptoms which may include prescribed steroids, antihistamines, or shampoo to sooth the inflamed skin. Occasionally, when sores develop on the skin it may be necessary to use topical or oral antibiotics. When hair loss is a problem, this can only be treated with time.
Hives can develop on your pet which are similar to those found on humans. Hives have red, raised wheals that show anywhere on the body. In some areas, the raised wheal will also cause the hair to raise. Dogs can also experience swelling of the eyelids during an allergic reaction. Hives usually manifest approximately 30 minutes after coming in contact with an allergen.
Hives are a common result of an insect sting or bite, and can happen after receiving an injection. Some topical solutions such as soaps or the insecticides used to control fleas will produce the itchy spots. When these skin eruptions peak and ebb regularly, it is due to something in the environment the dog is using.
Trying to determine the cause of the allergic reaction can be very frustrating. Dog skin allergies may take a long time to find the reason and implement a solution to the problem. An elimination process is time consuming and difficult and stressful to pet and owner alike.
I’m a family pet health consultant who specializes in canine skin allergies.
