Your Dog Allergies Treatment Options
For every seven dogs it is believed there is at least one that has an allergy of some kind. If you find that your furry companion has this condition it can be a difficult situation for both of you to deal with. Dog allergies treatment are easily accessible and provided in a wide variety of forms.
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 is explained by the name. Contact dermatitis is a skin irritation that occurs due to a substance touching the dermis it can be liquid or solid in nature. Canine atopy is the result of something that is inhaled like pollen or mold.
Depending upon the severity of the reaction it may be necessary to seek the care of a veterinarian. Your dog many be prescribed steroids, antihistamines, special shampoo, or an antibiotic to use. Your dog is capable of experiencing anaphylaxis and just like a human will need emergency care in this situation.
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.
Some owners may find dog allergies treatment to be a stressful time as the correct therapy is determined. You should work closely with your veterinarian to discover the allergen and control the symptoms. The goal is to prevent future breakouts and decrease the severity of the reaction.
I’m a canine health practitioner who specializes in dog allergy remedies.
