Dog Skin Allergies

Dog allergies can be a very frustrating problem for both owners and pets. Unfortunately, dogs that suffer from allergies are usually affected by more than one type of allergen. Finding the best remedies for dog allergies can be difficult since each dog is unique. Obviously, the best remedy is to avoid exposure to the offending allergen. However, many dog parents don’t even know what their dog is allergic to which can make treatment difficult.

Remedies for dog allergies vary depending on the offending substance. These include oral antihistamines, steroids, fatty acid supplements, allergy shots, or bathing with medicated shampoo. Steroids usually only provide short-term relief and should not be used as a long term solution since overuse can cause other medical issues. Other remedies for dog allergies may be based on your dog’s diet if a food allergy is suspected. This involves putting your dog on a very strict diet consisting of an unusual source of protein and carbohydrate such as venison and potatoes or duck and green peas.

Effective flea control is also essential if your dog suffers from flea allergy dermatitis. Use flea control products such as Frontline Plus that work on contact, not products that are absorbed systemically such as Revolution or Sentinel. You want the flea to die on contact, not after it bites your dog (the flea biting your dog is what causes the allergic reaction). Simple remedies for dog allergies involve bathing your dog frequently to keep his skin in good health and to reduce allergens he might pick up from spending time outdoors. However, don’t give too many baths as this will dry out the skin and potentially make the problem worse.

So what are the best dogs for people with allergies? First of all, I need to tell you that there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog! The term “hypoallergenic dog” was coined by breeders and pet stores as a way to market their puppies. Dog allergies are caused by dander (microscopic particles of dead skin) and proteins found in dog saliva and urine. Since all dogs have skin, saliva, and urine there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. So please don’t buy into all the marketing hype! The best dogs for people with allergies are typically those that shed less. While dog allergies aren’t caused by fur, dander does stick to fur as it falls off the dog’s body. The most popular dogs who tend to shed less and therefore produce less dander are Poodles, Shih-Tzus, Chihuahuas, Schnauzers, the Bichon Frise, and Maltese. However, there’s no guarantee that any of these dogs will not cause an allergic reaction because they still have dander, but on a lesser scale. Most scientists agree that allergies are caused by genetics. Therefore, the best dogs for people with allergies is going to vary from one person to the next.

Even if you’re allergic to dogs you can still find a way to live comfortably with your canine companion. Many human doctors simply tell you that you need to “get rid” of your dog if you want to relieve your allergy symptoms. While this may seem like a simple solution to the doctor it’s definitely not easy for those who consider their pets to be members of the family. If you’re allergic to dogs there’s a few simple things you can do to help.

First, your dog should not be allowed in your bedroom or in areas where you sleep. This will help you rest more comfortably at night. This can be achieved by keeping the bedroom door closed at night and while you’re away. Second, people that are allergic to dogs should vacuum and dust as much as possible. Remember, if you’re allergic to dogs the problem isn’t so much the fur, it’s the dander. Dander is dead skin that flakes off in microscopic pieces. Fur does collect dander and other allergens like dust and pollen so keeping the place tidy will help a lot. Third, your dog should be brushed daily. This will help control the dander. If you can’t handle the job, ask someone who isn’t allergic to dogs for help.

Also, don’t give your dog too many baths. Only bathe your dog if he’s gotten into something yucky. If a dog is bathed too often the skin becomes very dry which increases dander. Giving your dog daily doses of a fatty acid supplement can also help prevent dry skin and reduce shedding.

Allergy free dogs is a topic often debated in the pet industry. People who suffer from allergies often want to adopt allergy free dogs. While some dogs might shed less than others (such as poodles, Yorkshire terriers, chihuahuas, etc.) the fact is there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Allergy free dogs are simply a marketing strategy developed by breeders and pet stores to help sell puppies.

Allergic individuals are reacting to proteins found in the dog’s saliva, dander, and urine. Since all dogs have dander, saliva, and urine, it’s misleading to say that one particular breed is better for people with allergies. Another common misconception is that more people are allergic to cats than dogs. However, cats groom themselves more than dogs and also urinate in litterboxes kept inside the home. The basic lifestyle of cats simply results in more allergy-causing proteins being spread throughout the house.

As you know, there are many pet stores and breeders advertising that they have allergy free dogs for sale. It’s important to keep in mind that while one dog may not cause an allergic reaction for one member of the family, it may do so for another. This can vary even with dogs and puppies that come from the same litter. Your genetic makeup as well as that of the dog or puppy is what determines whether or not an allergic reaction will occur. Sorry President Obama, but allergy free dogs do NOT exist!

Allergies that dogs have may look a lot different than what you see in humans. A human allergic reaction most commonly appears as sneezing, runny nose or congestion. On the other hand, allergies that dogs have cause itchy skin. As the dog continues to scratch the itch, the skin may turn raw and become infected–especially if the dog licks and chews at the affected area as well. When the skin becomes infected veterinarians refer to the condition as allergic dermititis. In the veterinary literature you may also come across a term known as pruritus which simply means, “itchiness.” While allergies that dogs have are generally genetic in nature it can take several years before the dog becomes affected.

Many owners don’t understand why veterinarians recommend a food trial to eliminate the possibility of a food allergy. They say, “Fido has been eating this food for years!” However, while the dog’s immune system may have been able to control its response to the offending allergen at one time, this reaction can change over the course of a few days, months, or years. It’s important to recognize that while allergies that dogs have may look different than what you see in humans, the treatment programs can be quite similiar.