Allergy Medicine for Dogs

Allergy Medicine for Dogs

It is interesting to know that dogs also suffer from allergic attacks. However, just like human beings, your dog can sometimes also unnecessarily react to harmless allergens.

If you notice that your dog licks or scratches himself a lot, it might be having an allergic attack.

The dog might also sneeze a lot and have red patches from scratching himself. You might also observe that your dog has diarrhea.

Before procuring allergy medicine for dogs, always consult a pets' veterinary doctor.

Types of Allergies in Dogs

There are several types of allergies in dogs. It is important to know what type of allergy your dog is suffering from.

The discomfort brought about by an allergic reaction is depressing to the dog and its owner.

It is also important to know that the symptoms of different allergies might overlap. This makes diagnosis hard.

The most common types of allergies in dogs include:

1. Skin allergy - This allergy is also known as allergic dermatitis. It is caused by fleas, certain food types as well as environmental factors.
2. Food-related allergy - This type of allergy in dogs is the most difficult to identify. This is because it is commonly confused with food intolerance.
3. Acute allergic reaction - Just like humans, your dog might suffer from anaphylaxis. This can be caused by an acute allergic reaction.

Some environmental allergens can cause seasonal allergy, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis. Such allergens include dust, pollen and mold.

Talk with a veterinary officer to correctly identify the type of allergy your dog has.

Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs

Symptoms of allergies in dogs may vary depending on the type of allergy.

Some of these symptoms include:

• Vomiting,
• Sneezing,
• Itchiness,
• Watery eyes,
• Excessive licking,
• Hives,
• Ear infection,
• Diarrhea,
• Swelling of the ears, mouth and ear flaps.

Some of these symptoms could also be as a result of other conditions. This is why it is important to consult with a vet to rule out an allergic reaction.

Dogs with allergic reactions may also get infected with bacterial infections. This may result in scabs and skin irritations. It can also cause hair/fur loss.

Common Causes of Allergies in Dogs

It is important to know the exact cause of an allergic reaction in your dog.

These are the common causes of allergies in dogs:

• Food ingredients,
• Pollen from trees, weeds and grass,
• Flees,
• Perfumes,
• Shampoos and cleaning products,
• Mold,
• Prescription medicines.

Diagnosis of Allergies in Dogs

Diagnosing allergies in a dog is very similar to diagnosing allergies in human beings. Further tests can be conducted to determine allergic reactions. Intra-dermal skin tests can be conducted on the affected animal.

Diagnosing food allergy can be done using diet elimination. This test produces results after 12 weeks.
Dermatitis allergy caused by fleas is the easiest to diagnose. It is as simple as identifying fleas and trying to eliminate them.

It is important to note that allergies will not always be determined by testing.

Most susceptible to allergies - A majority of healthy dogs are susceptible to allergies associated with environmental factors. However, some breeds are more susceptible.

These include:

• German Shepherds,
• Bulldogs,
• Dalmatians,
• Boxers, among others.

NB: It is not easy to avoid all allergens, especially environmental ones.

Treatment of Allergies in Dogs

There exists a wide variety of allergy medicine for dogs. However, it is always advisable to work with your vet to identify what works best for your dog.

Anti-histamines - You should consult your vet on which anti-histamine drug is best for your dog and the correct dosage.

The challenge with anti-histamines is that they do not work in a majority of dogs.

Allergy injections - These injections help your dog develop resistance to the allergen causing the reaction. This is more effective than just treating the symptoms.

Cleaning your dog - You should clean your dog to eliminate allergy-causing allergens. It is especially important following an outdoor activity.

Medicated shampoo - Bathing your dog with medicated shampoos helps to get rid of allergens found on his skin. Use skin-friendly shampoos to avoid skin irritation.

Medicated or prescription sprays - These sprays treat bacterial and fungal infections. They will be prescribed by your vet.

Conclusion

Allergy medicines for dogs vary with different breeds. However, to find the right medicine it is important to work with your vet.

There are various treatment options available at home. You should try and wipe your dogs after walks to eliminate allergens.

It is also important to do a proper diagnosis. The skin-prick test is the same that is conducted in human beings.

Involve a vet and be sure to follow all instructions and prescriptions.

It is important to keep a close eye on your dog after introducing new foods, vaccines and drugs.

Just like in humans, anaphylaxis is also fatal in dogs. However, it is quite rare.

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