Learning More About Allergies in Dogs
Can dogs have allergies?
Yes, we have allergy problems all the time. There are four main categories of allergies: environmental, pollens and molds and grasses that they breathe in, food allergies, flea allergies, and contact irritation. For instance, if they were exposed to fertilizer in the yard or something like that. The most common symptoms of allergies are itching, scratching, chewing, licking on their feet, shaking their head, things like that. The diagnosis often depends on a pattern. If they have good times and bad times out of the year, that would be suggestive of something in the environment that comes and goes as the seasons change. History has a lot to do with the diagnosis, and obviously, the symptoms themselves are pretty specific to an allergy problem. By far, the most common complication we see from allergy irritation is secondary infection. Either yeast or bacterial infections are most common.
How can you find out what is triggering an allergy in my dog?
The only way you can find out definitively what is triggering the allergy is through skin allergy testing. Blood tests don't paint an accurate picture. For clarity on that question, we typically refer to our dermatology colleagues, and they will do testing in the patient's skin to find out what they have a direct reaction to.
What are the treatment options for mild allergies in dogs?
It depends on how severe the allergies are. If they're mild, sometimes over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief. Unfortunately, only about 15% of the pet population responds favorably to antihistamines. More often than not, if the irritation is significant, you're going to need help from your veterinarian to get everything under control. Again, over-the-counter antihistamines can provide some mild relief.
What are the treatment options for significant allergies in dogs?
Alternative treatments focus directly on the itching and scratching they experience. Apoquel is most commonly used. There's also an injection called Cytopoint that provides fast, almost immediate relief from itching. These are the most common allergy medications.
What is immunotherapy for dogs?
Immunotherapy is a process of desensitizing the patient's body to the instigating allergen. Based on results from allergy testing, your veterinary dermatologist can formulate a serum that, little by little, slowly over time, will make your immune system less sensitive to those environmental factors. It's really the gold standard of care because it's non-pharmaceutical, and over the long term, for your patient or for your pet, it's definitely the best option.
How can my dog's allergy reactions be addressed at home?
Antihistamines or steroids are what we use to address an allergy reaction. At home, if you notice hives, facial swelling, or anything like that, Benadryl goes a long way in reversing those effects. If the reaction is severe, getting to your veterinarian as quickly as possible for more potent therapies, such as steroids, is recommended.
I think every pet owner with an allergy dog thinks theirs is the worst, but I had a little Shih Tzu that was horribly afflicted with allergy problems. We were able to provide control. That's the key with allergy management: it's a controllable condition, not a curable one. I know all too well the frustration that comes with having to control a problem like that, as well as the expense that goes along with that control.
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