Constant scratching, chewing, and head shaking can make your dog’s life a living nightmare.
More often than not, allergies are the true source of painful inflammation and irritation dogs suffer from.
When you think of allergies, you typically think of harmless substances that cause irritation when a typically functioning immune system overreacts.
Finding these allergens can be the result of a painstaking observation process.
Here you will learn what is causing the reactions, and most importantly, how to prevent them.
The Three Main Types of Canine Allergies
There are three primary types of allergies (atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and flea allergies), and each will have unique symptoms and diagnostic processes to differentiate.
- Atopic dermatitis occurs when dogs exhibit an adverse response to substances that can be inhaled or that come in contact with the skin (i.e. pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.).
- Flea allergy dermatitis presents when dogs have an adverse response to the flea saliva.
- Food allergies occur when a dog's immune system has an adverse response to a food protein - chicken, beef, dairy, or wheat.
Knowing whether or not one of these describes your dog will help you create a targeted plan.
Recognizing Signs of Allergies in Sensitive Dogs
Allergic reactions in humans cause symptoms such as sneezing and eye irritation.
In dogs, allergic reactions are expressed primarily through the skin and ears. Some of the signs are listed below.
Always be on the lookout for: dogs chewing and licking their paws until the fur on their paws becomes stained a brownish-red color, constant (often bad smelling) ear infections, paw licking, and excessive scratching, and dogs rubbing their faces, including their muzzles, on carpets and furniture.
Severe bacterial and/or yeast infections often occur as a result of constant, excessive itching and scratching.
Early symptoms should be treated to avoid the potential for more severe, broken skin wounds to occur.
Managing Environmental and Contact Triggers
Complete avoidance of all environmental allergens by your dog with atopic dermatitis is very difficult if not impossible.
Instead, addressing this allergen load on the skin is most important.
A very simple, yet effective technique is to wipe your dog’s paws and belly (each time your dog comes in from a walk) with damp (unscented) pet wipes to remove any pollen before a reaction occurs.
To help wash away trapped allergens, give regular baths using a soothing, veterinarian-prescribed oatmeal or medicated shampoo.
And, consider using a HEPA air purifier to decrease dust mites and mold spores in the household.
Recognizing Food Related Issues
Sometimes figuring out itching caused by environmental factors is easier than knowing whether it’s linked to food sensitivities. “Simple” digestive concerns can be caused by an immune system response to non-food related things.
Many online tests are marketed as ways to help you figure out if your pet has a food sensitivity, and the whole process is really a money grab.
To test, there is a 3 to 4 month elimination diet process under the supervision of a vet.
For this process, your dog eats a prescription diet and often a specialty food made from novel proteins (think kangaroo or venison) or hydrolyzed proteins (protein molecules are so small that the body does not register that it is there).
During the elimination process, no treats, flavored medications or table scraps are allowed (unless otherwise directed by your vet).
Long-Term Support and Allergic Dermatitis Treatments
Advanced veterinary treatments can ease the symptoms of severe allergic dermatitis in canines.
Specific safe itch blockers block genesis itch in the nervous system, unlike many traditional steroid-based drugs which have many bothersome and harsh side effects.
Omega 3 fatty acid supplements aid the skin's natural barrier.
They reduce inflammation on the inside. Our guide for Wrinkle Maintenance 01. Cleaning and Skin Infection Prevention may be of use to you.
Chronic allergy management strategies include environmental control and dietary modification in addition to careful routine monitoring.
Wipe paws, consult a professional for food trials, utilize the available current veterinary treatments, and consider the health and quality of life of your pet.
Scratching is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of allergies.
Relieving the itch will change your best friend's day to day life.