Dog allergy

Allergy in Dogs

A dog allergy is an over-reaction of the body to a certain stimulus. Either pollens, insects, foods, or other things. Allergic reactions and be immediate, or occur within a few hours or days. Fleas cause most of the allergy in dog reactions. Flea control is essential to treating scratching dogs. Please ask your vet for flea control information if you have any problem with fleas on your pet!

Signs that your dog may be suffering from an allergy:

• Skin problems: excessive licking and scratching, redness, paw chewing, rashes

• Diarrhea or vomiting • Breathing problems

• Reddness and inflammation of the ears

• Hair loss

• Behavioural

What can be done about allergies

Most allergies are life long conditions, so the main goal of therapy is to manage the disease.

Common Medications Used:

Fatty acids—takes several weeks (6 to 8)to show benefits. EFA-Z and DermCaps are examples of these medications.

Prednisone- Best to use at the lowest dose, and for the shortest amount of time. Many possible side effects including sleepiness, and drinking lots of water.

Antihistamines—Tavist, also available over the counter is Benadryl, and Chlortrimeton. These work good in combination with fatty acids. Works in up to 50% of pets. If one doesn’t work its best to try a different one.

Bathing Adding Episoothe Oatmeal Shampoo and Episoothe Oatmeal Creme Rinse helps to prolong the effect.

Hyposesnsitization (allergy shots) Works about 70% of the time to reduce itching, and has fewer side effects than most medications. Costly.

Cyclosporin therapy. This is a new approach to allergies. It works by trying to suppress the immune system.

Thanks to many medical advances dog allergy can be managed in most cases. Some dogs require several trials on different medications to finally get the allergy in you dog undercontrol.