Your Dog Allergies Treatment Options

There is currently an estimated one in every seven dogs that suffer from some type of allergy. When your beloved companion has this problem it is hard for both you and your pet to cope with. There are many dog allergies treatment options you can provide to your pooch.

When the immune system has a greater than normal response to a substance, the result is an allergic reaction. A substance that your pet's skin has come in contact with, eaten, or inhaled can be the allergen. As the over excited immune system attempts to expel the allergen from the body the result is allergic symptoms.

The skin is the most commonly noticed site of allergic reactions, but can also effect the respiratory and digestive system. A canine may display excessive itching, sneezing, begin regular vomiting, or have sudden problems with diarrhea. Hair loss is also noticed by owners, as well as paw chewing, watery eyes, snoring, or a change in the personality of their companion.

Dogs can be allergic to just as many substances as humans. There are four basic categories that dog allergies fall into. A dog may have food, contact dermatitis, flea allergies, or canine atopy.

Food allergies and flea allergies are self explanatory by the name they are given. Contact dermatitis is the result of an irritant touching the skin. An allergy to inhaled substances such as mold, pollen, dust mites, and many other items is referred to as atopy.

Depending upon the severity of the reaction it may be necessary to seek the care of a veterinarian. Your dog many be prescribed steroids, antihistamines, special shampoo, or an antibiotic to use. Your dog is capable of experiencing anaphylaxis and just like a human will need emergency care in this situation.

There are a large number of herbs that have been used both topically and internally to handle the problematic symptoms of this condition. Topical solutions made from peppermint, lavender, rose, or chamomile can provide immediate relief from the itching. You may provide oral herbs like garlic, Echinacea, alfalfa, aloe, or others with the guidance of your veterinarian. Extreme care should be used when using herbal remedies, you will need the supervision of a veterinarian to prevent health risks to your pet.

In some cases the best advisable form of treatment is the elimination of the causative agent. Flea dermatitis is a perfect example of this, by getting rid of the infestation the reaction also disappears. When food is an issue, it may be necessary to use an elimination diet to discover the allergen, then be sure to not feed that ingredient to your dog. This can be very frustrating due to the time involved to accomplish results.

Some owners may find dog allergies treatment to be a stressful time as the correct therapy is determined. You should work closely with your veterinarian to discover the allergen and control the symptoms. The goal is to prevent future breakouts and decrease the severity of the reaction.

Jennifer is a pet health practitioner who specializes in dog skin allergy treatment.