Does Your Dog Have Allergies?
Provided by P&G Everyday Solutions
An itchy puppy isn't unusual. However, if you start noticing constant scratching
accompanied by a rash, fur loss or disruption of the digestive tract, then it's
time to consult your veterinarian — particularly if your pet is having difficulty
breathing.
Dogs are affected by many of the same allergens — dust, pollen, food and insect
bites — as we are. And although you won't find them reaching for a tissue,
you might notice them biting or chewing on the affected spots to ease their discomfort.
In fact, pet allergies tend to manifest themselves through skin irregularities —
the equivalent of your runny nose or watery eyes.
Contact Allergy
Contact allergies, which are triggered when your pet's skin comes in contact with
an irritant such as a flea collar or wool blanket, are generally the least common
culprit. Skin may become discolored or have a strong odor, and constant scratching
may cause hair loss in the affected area. Fortunately, contact allergies are relatively
easy to diagnose and treat.
Inhalant Allergy
Substances that cause inhalant allergies are the same for humans as they are for
puppies. Dust mites, mildew, pollen and mold often trigger allergic reactions, which
primarily affect paws, ears, armpits or groin area. Pollen-heavy seasons yield the
most cases, but year-round symptoms may point to dust mites and mold. Your veterinarian
can recommend the best treatment — ranging from a steroid injection to an
oatmeal bath — to provide relief.
Flea Allergy
Unlike contact allergies, fleas are the most common reason for itchy skin. However,
it's not the flea itself that causes the reaction, but the proteins it secretes
in its saliva when it bites. In addition to itchiness, puppies may develop small,
bumpy rashes near the tail, although the rash may appear anywhere on their bodies.
Frequent baths, prescription flea medicines, veterinarian-recommended repellents
and antibiotics are standard remedies.
Food Allergy
Dogs aren’t born with a food allergy, but they may develop one (usually to an animal
protein) over time. Symptoms include the prerequisite itchiness, in addition to
digestive and respiratory ailments. Although specific food allergies are difficult
to discover, it's not impossible. You'll need to experiment with different diets
to determine the culprit, beginning with a regimen of hypoallergenic or homemade
foods over the course of at least eight weeks. Of course, you should consult your
veterinarian before modifying your pet's diet. You'll also need to restrict your
pup from any other treats, vitamins or scraps.
To combat puppy allergies:
- Bathe your pup in an oatmeal bath or Epsom salts
- Place activated charcoal around houseplants to decrease mold
- Vacuum your home often
- Close windows and use the air conditioner during high-pollen seasons
- Feed your puppy a hypoallergenic dog food
- Use a veterinarian-approved method to treat your puppy for fleas
