Your Dog Allergies Treatment Options
Approximately one in seven dogs have an allergy of some sort. When your four legged companion has allergies it can be hard for both of you to life with. To address the needs of dog allergies treatment there are a number of different methods to choose from.
An allergic reaction is the result of a substance causing a hyperactive response from the immune system. The allergen, or causative agent, can be inhaled, eaten, or caused by physical contact. In the body’s attempt to dispel the substance the allergy symptoms manifest.
Just like humans the symptoms can be diverse in nature and include the respiratory or digestive system as well as the skin. In general there may be itching, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea. An owner may notice hair loss, their pet chewing on their paws, snoring, watery eyes, or a change in the usual demeanor of their furry companion.
Dogs can be allergic to just as many substances as humans. There are four basic categories that dog allergies fall into. A dog may have food, contact dermatitis, flea allergies, or canine atopy.
Allergies to food and fleas are easily explained by their name. Contact dermatitis occurs when a substance touches the skin that is irritating, this could be a liquid or a solid. Canine atopy is created from an inhaled substance such as pollen, mold, or dust mites.
Similar to humans, the severity of the allergic reaction will demand varied degrees of attention. Your veterinarian may need to give a prescription antihistamine, a specially formulated shampoo, oral or topical steroids or antibiotics. Just as seen with humans, your dog is capable of having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction as well.
There are also a number of different natural herbal remedies that can be used to help tame the allergic reaction. These can include peppermint, chamomile, lavender, and rose to treat the intense itching. Before using oral herbs you should speak with your veterinarian to prevent health complications for your pet. Many oral herbs used to address the symptoms include alfalfa, aloe, Echinacea, garlic, and many others. Care should be used when using herbal remedies for any condition.
In some cases the best advisable form of treatment is the elimination of the causative agent. Flea dermatitis is a perfect example of this, by getting rid of the infestation the reaction also disappears. When food is an issue, it may be necessary to use an elimination diet to discover the allergen, then be sure to not feed that ingredient to your dog. This can be very frustrating due to the time involved to accomplish results.
As seen with humans your pet may suffer from more than one allergen that is causing the aggravating symptoms. There are many options that you can use for dog allergies treatment. When dealing with this issue it is best to have your veterinarian fully involved in the process to promote the best possible response.
Jennifer is a pet health professional who specializes in dog rashes.