Pet Forum

Let's discuss the causes, symptoms, treatments and pictures of dog allergies. We'll start the discussion of dog allergies off with a basic explanation of what a dog allergy is.

What are dog allergies? One of the most common conditions affecting dogs is allergy. In the allergic state, the dog's immune system overreacts to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which he is exposed. There are five known types of allergies in the dog: contact, flea, food, bacterial, and inhalant. Each of these has some common expressions in dogs, and each has some unique features.

What causes dog allergies? Some component of the air around us, such as pollen, mold spores or household dust, could cause allergies to your dog. This is known as inhalant allergy. Frequently dusting and vacuuming the areas where your dog usually stays helps a lot. Flea infestation is one of the biggest problems experienced by dogs. What’s even worse is that some dogs are allergic to the saliva that fleas produce. The treatment for flea allergies is to control, and if possible, eliminate the fleas. Regular grooming and brushing of your dog’s hair is quite helpful. You can also use any of the numerous anti-flea products that abound in the market, such as flea shampoos, foggers, sprays and medications containing pyrethrin. Another common type of allergy that dogs experience is allergy to certain components of dog food. An effective way to manage food allergies is to change the dog’s diet to a hypoallergenic one. Then gradually introduce a certain kind of food one at a time, waiting approximately a few days to a week to observe if the dog reacts to it. Once you have determined what components cause the allergies, you can permanently remove it from your dog’s diet.

What are some symptoms of dog allergies? Dogs with allergy problems can be seen sneezing, coughing, trying to scratch uncontrollably, red and watering eyes, and other common symptoms.

What dog allergy treatments can I try? There are 6 dog allergy treatments that may be beneficial for your dog:

1- Treating the dogs symptoms may include; cool baths with or without colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or medicated shampoos. This can be done frequently but provides only temporary relief. Caution should be used with sprays and ointments because many contain potentially harmful substances. According to Dr. Ackerman, Dermacool is a safe spray containing witch hazel. Cortispray is a low dose, nonsystemic cortisone spray which can be safely used for short periods of time.

2- Allergy shots are very safe and many people have great success with them, however, they are very slow to work. It may be six to twelve months before improvement is seen. Substances that are tested include cats(!), feathers, wool, molds, dust, trees, insects, plants and pollens. Before testing, your pet must be free from all steroids, oral or injected (including those found in ear and eye medicines) for a specified period of time in order for the test to be valid. In all about 60 different substances are tested for.

3- These compounds reduce itching by reducing inflammation. Unfortunately, they also affect every organ in the body. Steroids should be considered only when the allergy season is short, the amount of drug required is small or as a last resort to relieve a dog in extreme discomfort. Side effects can include increased thirst and appetite, increased need to urinate and behavioral changes. Long term use can result in diabetes, decreased resistance to infection and increased susceptibility to seizures.

4- Antihistamines can be used with relative safety in dogs. About one third of owners report success with them. The major drawback, as with people, is sedation. Dr. Ackerman recommends that a minimum of three different types of antihistamines be tried before owners give up on this therapy. According to Dr. Johnson, the most common problem with this type of treatment is that owners give the drugs at doses that are too low. Check with your vet on correct dosing. Examples of antihistamines commonly used for dogs include: Tavist, Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Atarax and Seldane.

5- These fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents. They reportedly are helpful in 20% of allergic dogs. My own experience puts this figure a little higher. They are certainly worth a try because they are not harmful and have virtually no side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils (especially krill and cod) and omega-6 fatty acids are derived from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), such as oil from the evening primrose. These supplements are different from those sold to produce a glossy coat. They tend to reduce inflammation that may lead to skin sores but are not as effective in reducing itching. Products that contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids include: Omega Pet, Derm Caps, and EFA-Z Plus.

6- If you know which substances your dog is allergic to avoidance is the best method of control. Even if you are desensitizing the dog with allergy shots, it is best to avoid the allergen altogether. Molds can be reduced by using a dehumidifier or placing activated charcoal on top of the exposed dirt in your house plants. Dusts and pollens are best controlled by using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter. Air conditioning can also reduce circulating amounts of airborne allergens because windows are then kept closed.

Dog allergy pictures:

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