Prevention is a major part of the battle when treating dog allergies. But for some, dog flea medications, antihistamines, hypoallergenic dog food and other treatments for dog allergies may be needed.
Symptoms of Dog Allergies
The most common symptoms of a dog with allergies are:
- Chewing and biting on the tail, leg, paws and stomach
- Frequent sneezing or coughing
- Recurrent itching
- Hives
- Rashes
- Diarrhea or vomiting
Hives, rashes and stomach problems like vomiting or diarrhea could be an indication of a more serious problem and should be seen by a veterinarian.
Some allergies may be seasonal. Fleas are worst in the Summer and can cause rampant itching. Spring and Fall tend to be worse for mold, hay fever and other airborne problems.
Flea bites are a common cause of discomfort. Some dogs are allergic to the flea's saliva.
Some warning signs that your dog has fleas are:
- Dark brown specks of flea dirt in your dog's coat
- A gray, dust like film in your dog's bed may be flea eggs
- The presence of a red bumpy rash on your dog's stomach or hind legs
- Frequent scratching and biting
Dog Food Allergies
Like humans, dogs can have similar food allergies. Lactose or gluten intolerance as well as other diet issues can cause stomach problems. See your veterinarian and ask her about how to determine the problem in your dog's diet. By process of elimination or conducting food allergy tests you can determine the culprit and eliminate it from your dog's diet.
There are many hypoallergenic dog foods available. Many dogs are allergic to the gluten in wheat which is a common ingredient in many dog foods. Flint River Ranch makes dog food without any wheat or chemical preservatives. Natures Variety and Pinnacle also have good products for dogs with food allergies.
Dietary Supplements as a Method for Treating Dog Allergies
Changes in a dog's diet or supplementing its diet can sometimes reduce or eliminate problems from dry or itchy skin. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil brewers yeast can make excellent supplements to a dog's diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids can help a dog's coat and can reduce the effects of skin allergies. It is important to make sure that the supplement is derived from fish oils as others may have the opposite effect. Brewers yeast can also help a dog's skin to be less itchy and lessen the effects of dry skin. Using the two together can often have great results.
Dog Allergy Treatments
Many dog allergies are caused by airborne allergens; these could include:
- Mold
- Pollen
- Dust
- Household cleaners
These can cause itchy skin, sneezing or coughing. Vacuuming often and using natural cleaners like vinegar can go a long way towards keeping your dog healthy and happy.
A lukewarm bath with an oatmeal dog shampoo can help to reduce the itching.
Having your dog avoid the allergens can often lessen or eliminate the problem. Consider these options:
- Don't let your pet into rooms with carpeting. If that is not a reasonable solution then put it into a non-carpeted room while you vacuum and dust the carpeted areas. Keeping your allergic dog away from the allergens while they are stirred up can help reduce the problem.
- Keep your dog out of the basement or garage where mold may be more prevalent.
- Wash your dog's bedding, sweaters, etc, often in hot water and use a hypo-allergenic detergent.
- Keep your dog away from freshly cut grass or farm areas with hay.
- Running the air conditioner in place of open windows will reduce the pollen and dust in the house.
If you suspect that your dog has fleas, flea shampoos and frequent brushing can help to eliminate the problem. Dog flea medications may be needed for serious infestations. Prevention is the best method of treatment. Using a product like Frontline Plus or Program Tablets as directed will generally keep your dog flea free.
Dog Medication
Antihistamines are commonly used for controlling allergies in humans and animals. There are a variety of antihistamines available and it's hard to know which one will work best for your dog's allergy. You may need to try a couple of options before having success.
Side effects of antihistamines can include dry mouth, lethargy, diarrhea or drowsiness. Contact a veterinarian for the proper dosage based on your dog's breed and size.
Steroids are sometimes prescribed for severe cases of itching or inflammation. Cortisone is the most commonly prescribed dog steroid and has been shown to be highly effective in reducing allergy symptoms. Cortisone is not an anabolic steroid and does not impact body or muscle growth. Common side effects of steroids may include; increased hunger and thirst, weight gain, panting or depression.
While short term use of steroids can be very safe, they should be used as a last resort and only under the careful guidance of a veterinarian. Long term use can lead to liver and pancreas damage.
Roger Vernon - Roger Vernon attended art & film school in Chicago before starting a career in software development. He has managed teams for a wide ...
