What You Should Know About Dog Skin Allergies

The erratic behavior your dog has been displaying may be a result of dog skin allergies. Allergies for pets can make not only the animal but the owner miserable from the symptoms. When faced with this situation, this is what you need to know.

When the body reacts to an allergen it creates the signature allergy symptoms we notice. The body's immune system response to an allergen is so extreme that is creates an unwelcome effect rather than a corrective one. A pet can come in contact with an allergen from touching it, smelling it, or eating it.

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 categories for the allergies a dog can develop. The first is flea allergy dermatitis which as the name suggests is the result of an infestation of fleas. Atopic dermatitis is created from environmental allergens that are inhaled these would include substances such as molds, pollens, grass, and dust mites. Food allergies are on the rise, with pets becoming sensitive to things such as rice. Another form is called contact dermatitis which is the skin reaction associated with a topical irritant.

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.

Insect bites or a sting, and injections can induce an eruption of hives. Insecticides and soaps are also notorious for triggering hives as well. If a situation is experienced in which there is a regular increase and decrease in symptoms it can be assumed that the agent is environmentally linked.

Trying to determine the cause of the allergic reaction can be very frustrating. Dog skin allergies may take a long time to find the reason and implement a solution to the problem. An elimination process is time consuming and difficult and stressful to pet and owner alike.