Treating Dog Allergies

Watch for Allergies

If your dog has a rash and continually scratches, chances are he may have an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to substances such as smoke, pollen and flea bites. However, unlike humans who have nasal symptoms of sneezing and nasal discharge, dogs show signs of possible allergies with skin problems. Besides scratching, an allergic dog may also chew and habitually lick his skin. Allergies must be treated because if ignored, they can lead to bacterial infections.

Allergy Testing

Skin testing and bloodwork can be done to determine allergies. In a skin test, a small amount of antigens is injected into the dog's skin. After a short time, the area surrounding the injection site is studied to see whether the animal has an allergic reaction. Blood tests are even better than skin tests because they can determine specific allergies. The laboratory can give recommendations for treatment plans in addition to input from the vet. The RAST test and ELISA test are the two standard blood tests.

Treating Flea Allergies

Flea allergies rank as the most common allergy in dogs. You can choose from some of the most effective commercial products sold in pet stores, such as Advantage and Frontline. Several of the products require doing blood tests before using them, as they also protect against heartworm. Be sure your dog isn't infected with fleas before starting heartworm medications. Besides treating your dog, treat the environment, too--including yards and inside the house on carpets and bedding.

Inhalent Allergies

Inhalant (atopy) allergies are allergens that dogs inhale, such as mildew, dust mites, pollen and mold. Symptoms include paw chewing, licking under the legs, armpit and groin areas, or a dog rubbing his head on a carpet. If most of the scratching is in the dog's ears, a vet may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Treatment may involve steroids given in either pill form or though injections, but only done by a vet. If steroids aren't needed, treatment can be done at home by regular bathing using a hypo-allergenic shampoo and conditioner.

Food Allergies

To rule out a food allergy, take away everything else your dog puts in his mouth. After about 2 months, everything will be cleared out of his system. Have him eat from stainless bowls, removing chew toys and rawhides. If he has an allergy, avoid the offending foods.

Bacterial Allergies

Bacterial allergies are irregular reactions to the normal skin bacteria of the bacterium staphylococcus (staph). Dogs suffering from staph usually lose hair and have skin crusting similar to ringworm. A diagnosis should be made by a vet based on patient history, repeated symptoms and intradermal skin testing. Treatment involves antibiotics to control pain for immediate relief. Desensitization with staph is done for long-term treatment.

Contact Allergies

Although rare in dogs, contact allergies are typically found through scratch testing and avoidance, which is the best treatment. Dogs can be allergic to items such as their flea collars or wool bedding. If avoidance is impossible, antihistamines, fatty acids, topical shampoos and biotin can control itching.

Resources

• Allergy and Atopy Treatment in Dogs
• Natural Pet Care
• Treating Allergies in Dogs