Skin Allergies in Dogs - Treatment

Dogs irrespective of their breeds are prone to skin allergies. Its most common symptom is itchy skin on dogs. It can be identified with continuous scratching or licking of skin, scaly skin rash, chewing or biting of paws and tails and rubbing face. All these are efforts on the pet's part to get relief from itching and burning sensation of the skin. Sometimes, it may even lead to ear infection. When you as a pet owner see them suffer like this, you feel frustrated. In such condition, the only way you can help them out is by giving them proper skin allergies in dogs treatment that works best on them.

Causes of Skin allergy in Dogs

Dog allergies occur when certain allergens enter their body and their immune system assume it to be harmful. So, the immune system react adversely releases antibody substances histamines in order to eliminate the allergen from its body. As a result, the irritating allergy symptoms in dogs start showing up. The most common form of dog skin allergy is atopic dermatitis or atopy. It is triggered by allergens such as dirt, pollen, mold, dust mites and so on. These kinds of allergic reactions are more common on dogs with weak immune system. Presence of parasitic insects like dog fleas, leech, tick in their fur can be responsible for skin allergic reaction. It is the saliva of all these insects which when comes in contact with the skin causes irritation and discomfort. Sometimes, skin allergy may result from skin contact with same irritants. It could be certain types of plants or grass or some chemicals.

Treatment for Skin Allergies in Dogs

When you take your pet with allergy to the vet, the causes of dog skin allergy is ascertained first with the help of blood test or skin test. Then there are several allergy medicines for dogs that are used for controlling the symptoms. Antihistamines are most popularly used for treating allergic symptoms in dogs as they have minimum side effects. They are available in two forms: sprays for topical administration and oral antihistamines. Those with diphenhydramine is considered to be the best antihistamines for dogs. However, some dogs do not respond well to this medicine.

Cortisone is available in the form of injections, sprays and pills and it is another effective medicine used for skin allergies in dogs treatment. It has side effects and should be used with great care. Cyclosporine is one such medicine that works really well in reducing the skin inflammation and also helps in controlling the overreaction of the immune system. If it is found that secondary skin infections have developed on their skin due to excessive scratching, then antibiotics are given to treat bacterial infection and antifungal medicines are used on fungal infections. Along with these medicines, fatty acids supplements such as fish oil tablets are recommended as it improves their overall dog health. It also possesses inherent anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce the skin allergies.

Dog Skin Allergies Natural Remedies

Along with the medicinal dog skin allergies treatment, you can give a soothing relief to the constant itching sensation with the help of a cool bath where Epsom salts or baking soda has been added to the cold water. Add some oatmeal into 2 quarts of water and boil it for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool down and then strain out the solid oatmeal. Use the liquid part as the last rinse after bathing your pet. Application of diluted apple cider vinegar on the infected skin can give them a lot of comfort. This should be applied using a soft towel or a cotton ball. When olive oil is added to dog food, then it helps them to deal with allergies better. Soak a bread in olive oil and offer it to the dog. Or you can simply add a few tablespoonful of olive oil in their regular food.

These are some of the most effective skin allergies in dogs treatment available with you. The only way you can prevent recurrence of canine skin allergies is avoiding the allergens that can trigger such reactions. Many cases of skin allergy in dogs have been successfully treated with hyposensitization or allergy shots. Here the allergen that causes allergy is given in small dosages through injections so that their immune system gets desensitized. As it starts enduring the allergen the doses are increased gradually.