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Step 1
Itchy, watery eyes are a frequent sign of allergies, but there are other signs and symptoms to be aware of.
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Step 2
Hot spots are a very common sign of an allergy, usually to fleas. I have found that a flea shampoo is NOT effective, because the dog is likely to get more fleas just as soon as he is out of the tub. And, with a flea allergy, even a single bite can keep the flea allergy going.
I have found that flea dip is preferable to either flea shampoo or a flea collar. A flea dip does more than kill the fleas: the residue stays on the dogs coat and repels the fleas for many days.
The monthly pills for fleas are slower acting but also much more effective than either the flea shampoos or flea collars. A flea dip is faster than the flea pills, but, the flea pills work for a longer period of time. -
Step 3
If your dog is fond of licking his feet or scratching his armpits, look for redness between his toes and in his armpits. He might have a contact allergy to grass. Medicated shampoos are available at the vets office. For best results, let the shampoo sit in his coat before rinsing: the directions for how many minutes should be on the bottle.
My dog uses a medicated shampoo called Sebolux weekly, which decreases his symptoms by perhaps 50%. And, as this takes the oil out of his coat, on the recommendation of the veterinarian I also give him fish oil.
A frequent sign of past chronic allergies is dark pigmented areas on the dogs belly: t means that that area of skin has been affected in the past. -
Step 4
And, when all else fails, I give my dog 25 mg. of Benedryl. (Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is the generic equivalent). THIS DOSE IS FOR A 20 POUND DOG, a smaller or a larger dog will need a different dose!
A vet can give you the proper dose for a different sized dog.
This will make your dog sleepy, so I prefer to give it at night.
Comments
betterbody said
on 9/26/2009 Thank you for these details. Pets with allergies suffer too much.
tamron said
on 9/24/2009 I just took my dog to the doctor he had all the symptoms that you described they gave him a allergy shot. Great info. Right on the money 5*