Dog Skin Allergies

There are many different substances which can cause dog allergies. This is what makes dog allergies so difficult to treat and diagnose. These substances can include environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, mites and dust, as well as certain ingredients in food, and parasites such as fleas. Scientists estimate that 10 to 25% of all dogs are affected by some type of allergy.

An allergic reaction occurs because the immune system overreacts to substances called antigens. Antigens are usually proteins which can be found in all types of substances (as described above). These proteins are usually harmless in dogs that aren’t allergic to them, but in affected dogs starts a chain reaction which triggers the formation of histamine, a chemical that causes intense inflammation in body tissues.

Inheritance and genetics plays a large role in whether or not your dog will have problems associated with allergies. This is especially true in regards to atopy or atopic dermatitis which is a hereditary condition produced when the dog is exposed to an offending environmental antigen. Common signs associated with atopy in dogs include biting, scratching, chewing, licking, hair loss, sweating, secondary skin infections, and secondary skin changes such as hyperpigmentation (darkening) and lichenfication (thickening).

In humans, if both parents suffer from atopy, there’s an 80% probability that their children will also be affected. If only one parent has atopy that probability drops down to 60%. The risks are similar in dogs and certain dog breeds are more well known for their allergy problems than others. While mixed breed dogs are probably at a lower risk for having problems, they certainly can suffer from allergies as well.

Many dogs will suffer from more than one type of allergy which makes the condition even more complicated. Identifying what triggers your dog’s allergic reaction is an important part of the treatment process. Substances known to trigger an allergic reaction are referred to as allergens and will vary greatly from one dog to the next. Depending on what your dog is allergic to, effective treatments may be hard to find.

Dog allergies usually start to develop between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. However, there is never a set time frame for when symptoms will appear. In the case of dog food allergies, the sensitization period may be 2 years or longer. Some dog owners refuse to believe that their dog may be suffering from a food allergy because he was fed the same food for many years before the skin or ear problems started. But the sensitization process can take just as long.

If you think your dog has skin problems associated with allergies you should discuss different treatment options with your veterinarian. Depending on your dog’s signs and symptoms there are a few different options. Your veterinarian may recommend a food trial, flea medication, or a short trial of medication or steroids to see if it helps to relieve the symptoms. If your dog has a long term or persistent problem it may be a good idea to seek help from a veterinary dermatologist. These veterinarians are specialists in their field and only treat cats and dogs with skin problems. They probably have more experience dealing with dog allergies than your general veterinarian.

If you’re lucky the problem will only be temporary but if your dog truly does suffer from allergies it will probably be a life-long condition. Certain medications like cyclosporine (Atopica) are expensive but if it saves you from making multiple trips to the veterinarian in the long run it may be worth it.

Many owners want to know the most popular and effective dog allergy remedies. The problem is that what works for one dog might not help another. There are so many variables to the equation that it can be nearly impossible to find a solution that works for all dogs. However, there are some natural remedies that you can try as long you check with your veterinarian first. It’s important to remember that natural products and even supplements can cause interactions with other medications your dog might be taking.

You may be able to find an oral product called natural hydrocortisone which is derived from soy. This supplement typically doesn’t have the side effects of traditional steroid-based dog allergy remedies. There is also a supplement available that contains a plant-based form of cortisone and a Chinese herb called Kai Yeung. These remedies are also made for people and can be found through holisitic veterinarians or natural food stores.

Other dog allergy remedies include the use of fatty acid supplements, oatmeal baths, and the introduction of a strict homemade diet or prescription diet developed specifically for allergies. Since this is a condition that can’t be cured, the main purpose of using these additional therapies is to keep your dog comfortable while preventing future problems.

There are many different types of dog allergy medications available from your veterinarian as well as some that you can purchase over the counter. Probably the most common dog allergy medication is diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Benadryl can be given for acute allergic reactions such as those relating to insect bites or bee stings. Some dog allergies require the owner to give Benadryl on a more long term basis but this option should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Other dog allergy medications include steroids, cyclosporine, and other antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. Steroids can provide your dog with much relief but most veterinarians agree that long-term use of this dog allergy medication may not be appropriate. Medications that are typically better suited for long-term use include oral antihistamines. Dogs tend to respond differently to this type of treatment so several variations may need to be tried before you find one that works for your dog.

Cyclosporine (Atopica) is a recently approved dog allergy medication specifically developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Another treatment option includes the use of prescription shampoos but these usually only provide your dog with short-term relief. Remember, if one type of medication doesn’t work there are plenty more to try. You should discuss with your veterinarian which types are most appropriate for your dog’s specific condition.

Dog allergy symptoms will vary from one dog to the next depending on the allergen or allergens present and the dog’s genetic makeup. The most common dog allergy symptoms include itchiness and irritated skin. Many dogs also develop ear, eye, and skin infections. Swelling of the face and respiratory distress can also be a sign of an acute allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention by a qualified veterinarian.

Other dog allergy symptoms not related to the skin include gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea and vomiting. Females that are not spayed can also experience irregular heat cycles in response to dog allergies. Licking and excessive grooming of the paws and legs are also common signs. As a result the dog’s fur may turn a dark shade of red or brown in response to pigments from the dog’s saliva.

Dogs may also rub their face and belly on the carpet. All these behaviors cause major skin inflammation as well as lesions, hair loss and dry, flaky skin. Some symptoms often become so severe that the dog develops a skin infection secondary to the original offending substance. Many dogs also suffer from more than one type of allergen causing a variety of dog allergy symptoms. These can be difficult to diagnose and manage without much dedication and patience by both the owner and attending veterinarian.

There can be many complications associated with dog allergies. Eye infections secondary to an allergic reaction can be common in some dogs. This is especially common with allergic reactions related to environmental triggers such as mold, dust and pollen and other allergens that cause dog allergies. Eye infections can occur as the offending allergen works its way into the dog’s eye, causing redness, itchiness and swelling.

Veterinary dermatologists estimate that 50% of dogs affected with canine atopy or atopic dermatitis are also affected with conjuctivitis secondary to dog allergies. Eye problems associated with dog allergies are usually easy to manage with proper medication. Atopic dermatitis is a genetic and chronic disorder that causes your dog to itch and develop skin irritations in response to a number of environmental allergens. The conjunctiva of your dog’s eye is a mucous membrane that covers the underside of each eyelid. It also covers much of the exposed surface of the eyeball when the eye is closed.

In response to dog allergies, the eye and conjunctiva often become red and infected causing much discomfort to the dog. Luckily, there are numerous medications available from your veterinarian that can help make your dog more comfortable.