Dogs can suffer from allergies, just like humans. Allergic dermatitis is a fairly common disease, but it can be very painful for dogs. Although dog allergies can't be cured, you can control them by limiting their exposure to allergens, and giving medication. If your dog is properly cared for, you can help him live a happier and healthier life.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Determining the Cause of the Reaction
Step 1. Evaluate the location of itching or hair loss in the dog
Sometimes, you can find the cause of an allergic reaction just by looking at the location of the itchy rash on your dog. The condition of a dog's skin and coat can also indicate the severity of an allergic reaction.
- For example, if your dog has a rash on his paws, he may be allergic to grass or anything else he touches on a walk outside.
- A rash around a dog's bottom can indicate an allergic reaction to fleas. It is in this area that fleas tend to bite more often.
Watch Dog Behavior:
Dogs with allergic dermatitis may exhibit other symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping or eating, grooming their coat too much, or changing their normal habits.
Step 2. Take the dog to the vet for examination
If you think your dog has allergic dermatitis, your vet can help him get good care. Although dog dermatitis can still be cured at home, it should still be checked by a doctor for other health problems or secondary infections.
The vet will also rule out potential causes of the dog's rash other than allergies
Step 3. Provide the dog's medical history with the veterinarian
He needs to know as much as he can about the dog's food and environment to be able to find the cause of the rash.
- If your dog has ever had a rash or hives, tell your veterinarian. If you have come across a treatment that has worked for a rash or hives in the past, tell your veterinarian as well.
- Also, consider whether there is a pattern in your dog's symptoms, such as hives that get worse in the summer and get better during the winter.
Step 4. Get an allergy test to determine the cause of the problem
Once the vet has identified the cause of allergic dermatitis in dogs, he or she will perform blood or skin tests to confirm the diagnosis. Although allergy testing can be expensive, this procedure can help determine the best treatment for your dog.
- Allergy tests sometimes give false positive results. Most veterinarians will not rely solely on allergy testing to make a diagnosis. However, allergy testing can confirm a diagnosis your veterinarian already believes in.
- Keep in mind that your vet will likely order tests to rule out other causes of itching, such as parasitic disease.
Method 2 of 3: Testing Reactions with Drugs
Step 1. Start flea prevention in dogs
Even if your dog doesn't leave the house much, or you've never seen him infested with fleas, flea prevention is very important. Flea control can be purchased online or at pet stores. This medicine is usually available as a liquid that can be applied directly to the dog's skin once a month.
- Apply the medicine behind the dog's head, between the shoulder blades. If your dog is quite irritable, it's a good idea to ask someone else to hold the dog while you apply the medication.
- If your dog has allergic dermatitis, your vet can suggest a prescription flea control medication. It is more effective than drugs sold in pet stores, and kills fleas at all stages of their life, including when they are still eggs.
- Since preventive/preventive treatments often take several weeks before the effect is seen, it's best to find another quick-acting medication to make your dog feel comfortable.
Step 2. Bathe the dog with medicated shampoo
Shampoos containing cortisol and other anti-itch medications can relieve itching while the rash heals. This shampoo can be purchased at pet stores and the internet.
- Your veterinarian can suggest the use of certain brands. Some vets also sell stronger shampoos in their clinics.
- When bathing your dog with medicated shampoo, try not to get it in your dog's eyes or mouth.
Variation:
If your dog doesn't like bathing, taking medicine baths can actually stress him out. You can also try a medicated spray, which is sprayed directly on the area to relieve itching.
Step 3. Try a fatty acid supplement
Fatty acid supplements have anti-inflammatory properties and can also help relieve itching in dogs. This product is available in liquid or pill form. You can drip the supplement directly into the dog's mouth. If you're not used to giving your dog pills, put the medication in your dog's food or treat, such as a slice of cheese.
- If you give your dog a fatty acid supplement, make sure the product is safe for him.
- Your veterinarian can suggest specific brands, or sell products in their clinic that can help dogs.
Step 4. Get antibiotics to treat secondary infections
Since a dog's paws and paws are dirty, bacteria can enter the skin when scratching. Irritated skin can become infected, which increases the dog's pain and discomfort.
When the vet examines the dog, he or she will be able to identify areas that may be infected. As a guarantee, the vet will prescribe antibiotics for the dog
Step 5. Talk to your veterinarian about prescription medications
If your dog is very itchy, he may need a prescription medication to relieve it. Usually, this drug is in the form of tablets that can be given to dogs at home.
- This medication is a temporary solution, meant to relieve a dog's itching in the short term while the preventative medication takes effect.
- Some drugs are able to control allergy symptoms in dogs, such as Apoquel and Atopica.
- Ask your vet about Cytopoint, which is a medication to relieve allergy symptoms for 4-8 weeks.
- You can also ask your vet about options for immunotherapy injections for dogs.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Allergens from Home
Step 1. Give the dog a hypoallergenic diet
Commercial dog foods use many fillers, such as corn and soybeans, which can be allergic to dogs. Dogs can be allergic to certain ingredients, such as protein or carbohydrates. Giving your dog a hypoallergenic diet will help you determine the cause of the problem.
- Look for foods that include the words "complete and balanced" on the packaging. This is a food with the amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals your dog needs to live a healthy life.
- If you're interested in one brand, try asking your vet. For those based in the United States, go to https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/about-pfi/#producer-members and see if the associated brand is on the list. All of the producers on this list comply with the rules of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Step 2. Vacuum and use a flea-killing product on carpets and furniture
If your dog has allergic dermatitis, clean the house thoroughly until the fleas are completely removed.
- Your veterinarian can recommend a flea control product that will kill fleas at all stages of their life, while still being safe for pets.
- Wash dog bedding at least once a week. Dust-proof sheets can also help keep your dog's bedding fresh.
Step 3. Try using a humidifier to get rid of mold
Just like humans, dogs can also be allergic to mold. Installing a humidifier in your home can help clean the air and remove mold from the environment.
Humidifier will also help improve the quality of life of residents of the house
Tip:
If your dog is exposed to an allergen outside the home, wipe its paws carefully before returning home to prevent the spread of the allergen inside.
Step 4. Replace the air conditioning (AC) filter
Like humans, dogs can also be allergic to dust, pollen, and other particles in the air. Good screening ensures that the dog is not exposed to all of these airborne allergens.
- Place activated charcoal on top of all soil in pots at home to prevent pollen from flying into the air.
- Use a full year HEPA filter air purifier to keep the air in your home clean and fresh.
Tips
Dogs don't have to have fleas to develop a flea allergy. Dogs that are only occasionally bitten by fleas may have a stronger reaction than dogs that come into contact with fleas more often
Warning
- Unlike humans, allergies in dogs do not go away on their own. If your dog has allergic dermatitis, he will have the same reaction for the rest of his life. Good preventive control is essential so that the dog does not suffer additional reactions.
- If your dog is allergic to fleas, flea control and prevention is very important. Even if you don't see any fleas in your home or dog, these pests will return if prevention efforts are stopped.
