Things To Consider When Looking Into Dog Allergies Treatment

Some people may not realize that animals suffer from allergies, just like humans. However, your pet's symptoms are different; therefore, may sometimes go unnoticed. One of the most common symptom's in dogs is skin irritations. There are a few things you should know when considering dog allergies treatment.

What you may notice at first, if your dog is suffering from allergies, is that he or she may chew or scratch on certain areas of the body more than usual. This alone, can cause lesions on the skin that may be red and scaly. Another sign to look for is a pet rubbing his or her face on textured materials, such as carpets or furniture. Hair loss, in a patch-like pattern, is also not uncommon.

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.

The only two ways to really test a dog for allergies is by eliminating certain irritants from his or her environment, or administration of an allergy test. Some of the most common culprits are flea bites, pollen, dust, and certain food additives. Because eliminating one at a time may be quite cumbersome, it may be a good idea to ask your Veterinarian about an allergy test.

Topical therapies can also offer your pet some temporary relief from itching. These can be found in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other solutions. It is a good idea to make sure that you wash your dog frequently, about twice a week, to keep their skin moisturized. Also, after applying any topical treatment, it is recommended that you keep you pet active, and try to deter him or her from licking that area of the body. If pollen is a possible cause, you may also try keeping the feet wiped clean after he or she has been outside.

Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oil, and antihistamines have proven to successful treatment alternatives as well. It may be a good idea to start with a fatty acid supplement to see how the dog responds, as these have very little side effect. If the dog continues to show signs of skin irritations, contact your veterinarian to work with him or her on a treatment plan that includes antihistamines.

Although used as a last resort method of treatment, injections and steroids are other possible options. You will need the guidance of your pet's doctor; however, as there are a great deal of potential side effects involved. A custom shot that is formulated from the the allergy test results can be an option. Steroids are available in both tablet and shot form, but should only be administered after speaking with your Veterinarian.

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 pet health expert who specializes in canine skin allergies.