Things To Consider When Looking Into Dog Allergies Treatment

Many people suffer from allergies on a every day; however, not everyone realizes that dogs are no strangers to the same irritations and discomforts. If a dog is displaying signs of skin problems, this may be a symptom of an allergic reaction. There are a few thing to consider; however, when looking into dog allergies treatment.

First of all, the most common signs that a dog is suffering from allergies are itching and skin irritations. You may notice him or her chewing or scratching excessively, and rubbing his or her face on the carpet. The skin may also appear red and dry in some areas, due to excessive scratching and chewing. There may also be hair loss, which may be patchy and erratic.

Ear infections can also be a common symptom associated with allergies. The ear's wax producing glands can often overproduce when there is an allergen present, this can allow for an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, which may lead to infection.

Although avoidance is recommended, you may not know which allergen is the culprit. Common irritants for dogs are food additives, pollen, flea bites, and dust mites. Eliminating one possible source at a time may take too long to give your pet the relief he or she needs. In this case, you may want to ask your doctor about performing an allergy test for your dog.

If avoidance of the irritants is not working, the next step is to use topical therapies such as anti-itching shampoos and lotions. This may only give your pet temporary relief, which is why it is recommended that you wash them in these solutions at least once, if not twice, a week. I may also be a good idea to wipe his or her feet clean after outdoor exposure, if you suspect pollen to be a possible factor. When using topical treatment, you may want to keep your dog active for a while, to keep him or her from licking the treated area.

Fish oil based Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to help reduce symptoms. Fortunately, adding these to your pet's diet poses little risk of side effects. If this does not seem to be enough to tackle the problem; however, you may want to speak with your Veterinarian about the addition of antihistamines. Because there are several forms of antihistamines, with varying degrees of side effects, it is best to consult your Vet before adding this to the treatment plan.

Other possible options in managing the problem are injections and steroids. These are usually a last resort option, as the side effects can vary greatly. If injections are necessary, your pet will have to undergo an allergy test. Based on the results, a custom injection can be ordered by your Vet. Steroids are available in both injectable and tablet form, but you need to ask about the potential side effects before electing that option.

If you believe your dog may be suffering from symptoms associated with allergens, you should consider contacting a Veterinarian to discuss any possible dog allergies treatment. It is always a good idea to seek professional advice when dealing with your pet's health.

I'm a dog health authority who specializes in alopecia x.