A report published by the American Veterinary Medical Association claims that flea allergy in dogs has witnessed a 12.5 percent increase in the past ten years. It also added that food allergy affects 0.2 percent of the dog population. In view of this, we must admit that life is a lot easier when your dog isn’t itching and scratching all the time.
When dogs scratch themselves, they can create open sores that are painful and sometimes cause infection. Not only is this uncomfortable for your pet, but it’s also gross. The best way to stop your dog from itching is to avoid the allergens that trigger their allergic reaction in the first place.
In some cases, however, allergies can be so severe that they may require medical intervention. Therefore, in this article, we will cover some solutions that can provide instant relief from discomfort and irritation.
Dogs Could Be Allergic Due to Many Reasons
If you’ve ever had allergies in humans, you know that they can be caused by a number of factors, your environment, the food you eat, or even certain medications. However, humans are not the only ones who are affected by allergy symptoms. Dogs also suffer from allergies and other related issues like skin problems and rashes.
The most common causes of dog allergies include pollen and dust mites. Many people have heard that dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies, but there are also year-round allergens that cause problems for some dogs too. Allergies can develop at any time during a dog’s life. And there are certain breeds that are more likely to develop them than others.
To test for dog itchiness, try the skin-scraping method. If there’s a red bump on your dog’s skin after you’ve scraped it with a metal spatula, that’s an allergy. If there’s no bump, then it might be something else. The skin scraping method isn’t 100% accurate, but it can be helpful in determining if your dog has an allergy problem.
Different Types of Dog Allergies
If your dog is scratching a lot and has redness, skin irritation, or hair loss in the affected areas, he may have a serious dog allergy. There are three main types of allergies to look out for: flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies, and atopy.
Flea allergy dermatitis is also called flea bite hypersensitivity or hives. It can occur when a dog’s skin becomes inflamed after being bitten by an insect such as a flea. The itching will often intensify during periods of heat or humidity because these conditions make it easier for parasites to thrive on your pet’s body.
Food allergies are different than environmental allergies. They’re more difficult because the culprits can be any ingredient in their food, which makes it much harder to pinpoint exactly what’s causing the reaction.
Food additives are also a common cause of food sensitivity in dogs. So if you suspect your pup has a dietary allergy, it may be worth cutting out all treats and even rawhide bones until you’ve narrowed down the problem.
Atopy is the second most common allergy in dogs, caused by environmental factors such as pollens and molds. Dust mites are another common cause of atopic allergies in dogs. Pubmed estimates that 10% of all dogs are affected by Canine Atopic Dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis is a lifelong condition in dogs that do not really have a cure. But it can be managed by using prescriptive medications like atopica for dogs. Atopica is an oral solution that is known to provide instant relief to your dog’s itch, which is why it is recommended by 98% of pet owners.
There are several other solutions that provide instant relief from symptoms of allergies. Here are some of the most recommended solutions:
Oclacitinib
Oclacitinib is a newer drug that has been shown to have positive results similar to steroids but without side effects. The drug is not yet FDA approved or available in all countries. While this medication may be perfect for your dog, it’s important to keep in mind that these types of drugs are not right for every dog and may have negative consequences if you give them inappropriately. If you are interested in this method of treatment, talk with your veterinarian first and consider having him test your pooch’s body fluids for allergies before trying any new treatments.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is a drug that can be used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs. It’s not a cure, but it can help manage the condition. Limiting inflammation and the accompanying itchiness is often enough to reduce or eliminate the pet owner’s need for medication.
Cyclosporine itself doesn’t have much of an effect on allergies, but it does work as an immunosuppressant. This means that it reduces your dog’s immune system response. This makes allergies easier to deal with because they can’t cause as much damage when they’re dampened down by a drug like cyclosporine.
Cortisone
A cortisone shot may be given as a short-term remedy that also helps manage itching in cases of allergies or other nervous conditions. Cortisone shots are most commonly given by injection but can also be applied topically to the skin. This is used for many different things, but it’s mostly used to treat pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. It can last up to six months, depending on the individual animal and the dosage used.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can also help reduce itching with side effects that may include drowsiness and loss of appetite. While some dogs are more sensitive than others to these side effects, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before administering these medications. Antihistamines should be used only as a temporary solution to reduce symptoms, not as a long-term treatment plan.
Conclusion
According to Insurance Information Institute, an average American dog owner spends somewhere around $700 annually on vet visits and surgery. So, if your dog is suffering from allergies, you should talk with your vet about the best course of treatment and make sure that they’re not experiencing any pain while they’re waiting for their medicine howitstart.
