Treatment for Dust Mites, Atopy & Itching in Pugs
Atopy is another term for atopic dermatitis in dogs. It is caused by hypersensitivity to an allergen such as house dust mites, which are considered the primary cause of the condition. Pugs are one of the breeds thought by veterinarians to have a strong disposition for developing canine atopy.
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Symptoms and Diagnosis
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Signs of atopy in a pug are foot licking, face rubbing and scratching the groin area. The skin will be red and inflamed. Diagnosis of allergic conditions is often complicated. Initially the vet will take skin and blood samples to test. The vet may check for parasites and secondary bacterial and yeast infections, which can also cause itching. In some dogs, food allergies may cause itching and must be ruled out.
Conventional Treatment
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In dogs, as in humans, allergic conditions are frequently inherited and treatment is life long. The conventional treatment for atopy is corticosteroids such as prednisone, given orally or by injection. These relieve the itching, but have side effects, so they are used only in the short term for acute attacks. Antihistamines like Benadryl are also used to relieve itching. Reduce the pug's exposure to dust mites by frequently washing and cleaning their bedding.
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Natural Treatments
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Frequent washing with hypoallergenic shampoo containing aloe vera and oatmeal is recommended during an attack, as is giving your dog high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed. These have been found effective in 11 to 27 per cent of dogs. A diet free of additives may relieve symptoms in some pug dogs.
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References
- Photo Credit Sitting Pug image by LOLA from Fotolia.com
