Dog Allergies and the Itchy, Scratching Dog

Dog allergies must be the most frustrating of all dog problems. Dog owners that have a dog with allergies are often frustrated and confused about the cause of the dog allergy. The absolute frustration of the dog with allergies is that the symptoms are often very similar despite having a different cause. This has lead to a plethora of confusion and misinformation multiplied exponentially by the rise of the internet where spurious information is churned out in alarming volumes.

Many itchy, scratching dogs have an allergy. Fleas and mange mites can cause an itch but this will go away by removing the parasite. Good flea control will prevent flea allergy dermatitis. There is a new product called Comfortis by Elanco which is a fantastic flea control.

What about those recurring itches? You go to the vet because the dog is itchy. You get treatment that works and you use it and everything clears up. Things seem fine for a little while but before you know it, the problem is back. Another trip to the vet. More money! Yes it's an allergy but what is it? It's driving you crazy and your dog is miserable from scratching and licking day and night.

Dog allergies are complicated. The most common dog allergy is flea allergy dermatitis. The most common cause of itching and scratching in dogs still is, always was and always has been the common cat and dog flea. Fleas make your dog itchy. Use a flea control that is of high quality and use it as directed........not occasionally when you find fleas. Use flea control properly. That is step one. It's amazing how we ignore the most obvious cause. I have people say to me every day "my dog never gets fleas". Well they do.

Other dog allergies include atopic dermatitis, food allergy and contact allergy.

Atopic dermatitis is an allergy to pollen, dust mites and household spores primarily. This is similar to eczema in people as these dogs have a faulty protective skin barrier. Pollens cross the skin triggering an allergic reaction. The allergens are also inhaled during breathing and ingested during licking. Corticosteroids are very effective but have serious side effects. Immunotherapy can be successful but not in all cases.

Food allergy is also common. The symptoms are very similar. It takes a careful history and a trained eye to spot the subtle differences but there are some.

Contact allergy for all the hype is far less common. It certainly can exist. Your pet could be allergic to something it comes into contact with such as bedding, rugs, shampoos, floor coverings but more commonly certain plants. Wandering Jew is a common plant that causes contact allergy. Contact allergy is far less common than canine atopic dermatitis or canine food allergy.

Dog allergies sure are a frustrating problem. You need to seek proper advice from someone trained in canine dermatology. There sure is a lot of misinformation out there about dog allergies.

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