Top 5 Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them:
Food, Bacteria, Fleas, Atopy and Contact
by Xiomara Iraheta
You may have thought that allergies were reserved to humans, but unfortunately man’s best friend shares similar seasonal discomfort with us. While dogs don’t manifest their allergies in the same way as humans do (runny noses and puffy eyes) they suffer from allergies all the same. Here’s a guide to equip you on a quest in detecting your pet’s allergies with some suggestions as to how to address them.
1. Food – Unlike humans, dogs aren’t born with food allergies. Most food allergies are developed in response to certain foods they’ve eaten for a long time; often times proteins and grains are at the root of the problem. Look for organic, no-grain and non-rendered meats from: The Honest Kitchen and Dogswell.
2. Bacteria – There are numerous germs or Staphylococcus common to dogs. The trouble rises when your dog becomes allergic to one of them. You will begin to see small, round bald spots. The easiest way to treat them is by applying an antibiotic.
3. Fleas – Those small insects cause big problems! If you get them inside your house make sure to wash all your bedding in hot water and vacuum carpet thoroughly. Flea bites on your pets often irritate their skin causing inflammation and other types of skin infections. Make sure you cover all your bases with a spray such as Flea the Scene , a skin soothing insect spray with sunscreen. This all natural spray helps to keep fleas, tick and mosquitoes away for up to four hours and it also has a sunscreen.
4. Atopy – Atopic dermatitis, Atopy and Canine Dermatitis are names for skin conditions in dogs, often those allergic to airborne allergens. Potential allergens can include pollen, dust mites, trees, weeds, mould spores, even people dander. So whether the dog is inside or outdoors many allergens lurk in the air.
To protect your canines make sure to bathe and brush them often to remove pollens grasses and other allergens. Bathing dogs every week or as often as is necessary depending on the breed is important. Since environmental allergens are usually absorbed through the skin, weekly bathing can prevent itchiness , washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin. If an allergen cannot be washed away or avoided, fatty acid supplements in the diet can help reduce skin problems.
5. Contact – Contact allergy isn’t too common in dogs but it often proves to be the toughest one to spot. Taking a careful look in choosing your dog’s flea collar and avoiding certain fabrics such as wool and down in pillows can save your dog from a terrible itch or skin irritation.
Hopefully this list informs you of something that can help protect your dog from certain allergies. As always, make sure to consult your veterinarian for any serious problems.