Many people don’t realize that their dogs, just like human
beings, can suffer from allergies. In fact, about twenty percent of
the dogs in the United States alone suffer from one allergy or
another, with flea allergy dermatitis being the most common form of
allergies in dogs. Other types include atopic dermatitis, food
allergies, and inhalant allergies.
Signs and symptoms of dog allergies may vary but are often
marked by persistent itching and discoloration of the skin (most
common in skin allergies), coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and mucus
discharge (most common in inhalant allergies), and nausea, lethargy,
vomiting, and diarrhea (common to food allergies and other
ailments.)
Over-the-counter preparations and treatments for common dog
allergies exist and may be purchased at any good pet supply store,
but care should be taken when choosing such treatments. Consultation
with a vet is the best first course of action for several reasons.
First of all, what you think is an allergic reaction may actually be
signs of a more serious ailment and a vet should be the one to
determine whether that is the case. Secondly, if the allergy is
severe enough, over-the-counter treatments may not be sufficient to
treat the symptoms and a prescription strength treatment may be
required. There is also the chance that the dog does not have an
allergy at all. The last thing you want to do is medicate your pet
unnecessarily.
If you do think your dog has some type of allergy, consult
your vet. The doctor will be able to perform tests to determine
whether an allergic condition exists, how severe it is, and what the
proper treatment will be. If the dog has an allergy to certain
foods, it will be imperative to restrict the animal’s diet to
eliminate those items that cause a reaction. The vet’s testing
methods can help to determine whether this type of allergy exists as
well. If the dog has flea allergy dermatitis (an allergic reaction
to the saliva of fleas, rather than to the insects themselves), an
extreme flea prevention regimen will be recommended.
Just like humans, dogs that suffer from various allergies can
live comfortably with them if they are detected and treated
properly. It is important to keep in mind that this is not a time to
“play doctor” by attempting to diagnose and treat a possible
allergic condition yourself. Only your veterinarian is qualified to
determine whether your dog is suffering from allergies and what
course of action to take.
About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal
expert from Nashville, TN. Visit
http://www.doghealth411.com/ for
more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.
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