Common Causes Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them
November 16th, 2009 by Monique Coincon
If your dog is not well, dog allergies may be the culprit. Any number of environmental factors can trigger an allergic reaction with a similar set of symptoms. Changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior may be signs of an allergic reaction. It can be hard to isolate the cause, so take notes on when the symptoms start and how long they last to present to your vet.
Increased itching and fur loss are often causes of dog skin allergies or food allergies. Other common signs to look for are frequent ear infections or irritability. Do some research into your dog’s breed to find out if reactions to specific allergens are typical, as this may lead to a good starting point in further testing.
Many dogs are allergic to dust and mold. Make sure to keep the area that your dog typically sleeps in free of these common allergens. Dehumidifiers can help cut down on the presence of mold and dust in the air. Your dog’s bed should also be cleaned regularly. Depending on the season, be sure to check your dog for fleas and ticks whenever they come inside as bites can also trigger reactions.
Many vets recommend a series of allergy shots to treat dog allergies symptoms. They can cost as much as $75 a session and must be administered for a few months before measurable improvements are seen. Before a vet will start a dog allergies treatment, it is important to find the exact allergen to which your dog is reacting.
If skin allergies are not the issue, dog food allergies may be the problem. Lethargy, reduced ap petites, and digestion problems are common indicators of allergies to food ingredients. Ear infections and itchy patches could also be caused by a food, not skin, allergy. Allergies can show up at any age, so even if your dog’s diet is the same as it has always been, it could be the source of the problem.
The usual method of diagnosing food allergies is through elimination diets. Veterinarians will put a dog on a highly controlled diet, monitoring every ingredient in the food they eat. Common allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb and fish and grains like soy, wheat, and corn. The first step in the elimination diet will often consist of feeding a dog game meats like duck and venison paired with a starch not typically found in commercial dog food. Ingredients are slowly reintroduced. When dog allergies symptoms reappear, vets know which food is triggering the reaction.
Hypoallergenic dog food is available commercially, and may be recommended for dog allergies treatment. A vet is the best source for procuring this food and it can often be ordered directly through your doctor. This food is typically more expensive than standard food options, and often features organic ingredients. If cost is a factor, use online recipes designed for dogs to make food from scratch. Though time consuming, it can be the best way to known exactly what your dog is eating. For persistent symptoms, talk to your vet about steroids or antibiotics to help in the treatment of dog allergies.
If you’d like to learn more about dog allergies, visitDogTipsDaily.com now. Dog Tips Daily offers tons of useful tips and information on raising and caring for a well-behaved and healthy dog.
- No Comments »
- Posted in Pet Articles
