Dog Skin Allergies: You Are Not Alone In Your Frustration

Did you know that dog skin allergies can cause your beloved companion to have a change in their usual demeanor? Both pet and owner suffer when there is an allergic reaction. Here are the facts of the 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.

Itching is the most commonly recognized symptom of an allergy condition. There may also be sneezing, hair loss, changes in typical behavior, or hives. An average one in seven canines are believed to have allergies of some kind.

There are four basic types of allergies that canines suffer from. Flea allergy dermatitis is due to an infestation of fleas. Canine atopy is as result of some form of an inhaled allergen such as pollens, grass, mites, and molds. They can also suffer from food allergies, including foods that would normally be thought to be easily digested such as rice. There is also contact dermatitis, in which some form of topical irritant has triggered an immune response.

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.

The skin irritation associated with allergen reactions may require treatment with antihistamines, steroids, or bathing in soothing shampoos. In extreme cases where there are sores involved it may require the administration of antibiotics either orally or topically. Your furry companion may also experience some hair loss which will need time to regrow.

Hives are one way in which allergic reactions manifest on the skin of your pet. These appear as raised wheals anywhere on the body including the face. Skin patches may cause the hair to rise up in the affected area. The eyelids of the dog may also swell at this time. Typically this type of reaction happens within about 30 minutes of being exposed to the 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 find the reason for the dog skin allergies can be extremely frustrating. An owner may have to go through a long period of elimination to determine the exact allergen. Both you and your companion will suffer as you figure out the reason for the problem.

Jennifer is a canine health consultant who specializes in treatment for skin problems in dogs.