The first sign of allergy in dogs is itching; dogs will lick, bite or scratch their skin until it is red, raw and even to the point where the skin is oozing with sores.
Finding out what your dog is allergic to can be difficult as often more than one substance is involved.
Types Of Allergies - 50% of all allergies are caused by flea saliva, just one flea can cause a dog that are allergic to flea saliva to itch intensely, lasting for up to two weeks.
- House dust, mould or pollen are the next big allergen.
West highland white terriers and shar peis tend to be more prone to these types of allergens.
- Food allergies sometimes occur in dogs and there are some diets that can be used for official diagnoses of the type of food responsible for the allergic reaction.
- Bacterial skin infections are most common in allergic skin reactions.
What To Do Your vet will do skin testing to find out what our dog is allergic to.
He will do this by injecting small amounts of different substances under the skin, when the skin reacts by getting swollen and red within 15 to 30 minutes you know your dog is allergic to this substance.
If nothing is found the next step will be to put your dog on an elimination diet for 12 weeks.
The best treatment for allergies is Hypo sensitization.
Your dog will be given small amounts of "allergy shots" injections of the actual allergen that he is allergic to, every week for a period of time.
Gradually your vet will increase the dosage until your dog becomes immune to the allergen.
Other things that will help are cortisone and antihistamines to reduce the itching, antibiotics will solve bacterial infection problems, hypo-allergenic shampoos and regular treatment for fleas to prevent infestation.
Finding out what your dog is allergic to can be difficult as often more than one substance is involved.
Types Of Allergies - 50% of all allergies are caused by flea saliva, just one flea can cause a dog that are allergic to flea saliva to itch intensely, lasting for up to two weeks.
- House dust, mould or pollen are the next big allergen.
West highland white terriers and shar peis tend to be more prone to these types of allergens.
- Food allergies sometimes occur in dogs and there are some diets that can be used for official diagnoses of the type of food responsible for the allergic reaction.
- Bacterial skin infections are most common in allergic skin reactions.
What To Do Your vet will do skin testing to find out what our dog is allergic to.
He will do this by injecting small amounts of different substances under the skin, when the skin reacts by getting swollen and red within 15 to 30 minutes you know your dog is allergic to this substance.
If nothing is found the next step will be to put your dog on an elimination diet for 12 weeks.
The best treatment for allergies is Hypo sensitization.
Your dog will be given small amounts of "allergy shots" injections of the actual allergen that he is allergic to, every week for a period of time.
Gradually your vet will increase the dosage until your dog becomes immune to the allergen.
Other things that will help are cortisone and antihistamines to reduce the itching, antibiotics will solve bacterial infection problems, hypo-allergenic shampoos and regular treatment for fleas to prevent infestation.
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