DOG ALLERGIES

DOG ALLERGIES

Dog Allergies are quite prevalent although less so for puppies. One of the most obvious signs of dog allergies are skin eruptions, itching, rashes, hair loss, dermatitis, and ear infections.

What makes the allergies worse is when your dog begins to lick excessively, chew, scratch, and rub to alleviate any of the irritations. This can lead to open sores, infections and other problems.

If left untreated, dog dllergies can get increasingly worse.

WHAT CAUSES DOG ALLERGIES?

Allergies seem to develop when dogs have a weakened immune system. What causes a weakened immune system? This may happen when dogs get too many "combination" injections at the same time...receive excessive cortisone drugs or are eating commercial dogfood.

Dogs allergies that are most prevalent include: grass, trees, dust mites, mold, and commonly...fleas. Most often, these allergies are triggered through skin contacting an allergen rather than through inhalation.

THE MOST COMMON DOG ALLERGY

Fleas are a common cause of allergies and it only takes one bite to set it off. Protection against fleas is therefore a must. There are some excellent products available such as Advantage, Frontline, Revolution, and Sentinel.

A couple of these require simple blood tests before they can be used because they also protect against heartworm disease. You must always make sure your dog is not infected by heartworm before starting on heartworm medication.

To protect your dog from fleas, it is also important that you treat his environment. Fleas live in your yard, grass, sand, dirt, carpet, bedding and just about anywhere. Fleas are also quite resilient so you must break the flea's life-cycle to deplete their numbers. Treat your house, yard, and your pet. Make sure the products you use are safe for ALL your pets. A WORD OF CAUTION. - NEVER use over-the-counter products unless they are recommended by your vet. Certain store products can be deadly - especially to cats.

Dog Allergies can also be triggered by;
* household chemical agents like chlorine
* chemicals used for cleaning
* food bowls made of plastic
* gases emitted from chemicals in furniture or buildings
* synthetic carpets
* regular dog care products like heartworm or flea products
* some types of grass or plants

DOG ALLERGY TESTING

Allergy tests are done either by skin testing or through blood tests. In skin tests, the dog is partially shaved and small amounts of possible allergens are injected under or applied to the skin to see what reaction there is. Blood tests are sent to a special laboratory and results can take a week or two.

Blood tests tell you not only what the allergy is, but HOW allergic your dog is. This test will cover 20 or more different pathogen. You can also test for food allergies this way.

Working together, the Vet and the labs will advise you of the many treatments that can be done at home and by the Vet.

TREATING DOG ALLERGIES

If the dog allergy is not too bad you can treat your dog with oatmeal baths and antihistamines. Dogs who suffer badly often require year round attention. Treatments may include flea products, steroid injections, antihistamines, steroid tablets, special diets and soothing baths.

DOG FOOD ALLERGIES
Fewer than 10% of dogs have allergies to what they eat. Certain dog food companies like Only Natural Pet Store have created specific diets for those allergic dogs.

ANTIGEN THERAPY
Once any blood work has determined what the dog is allergic to, the lab can make an antigen therapy which the dog will undergo to begin de-sensitizing him. This antigen is an injectable form of what the dog is allergic to and are injected under the skin at regular intervals. This allows the dog's body to buildup a tolerance to it. Although this takes months and may continue every so often to maintain the effect, it is the most promising form of dog allergy treatment.

Dog Allergies although infuriating, frustrating, and time consuming can usually be alleviated, and remember - It is best to start treatments as early on as possible if you want to relieve the misery of dog allergies.