Common Dog Skin Problems: ALLERGIES

A variety of allergic reaction can plague dog skin. It is common, it can be lifelong, it is a challenge to diagnose, can even be resistant to attempts at treatment once identified. All the other categories of dermatitis must be ruled out before a diagnosis of allergic dermatitis can be made.

Dogs exhibit allergy symptoms through their skin rather than their sinuses. Parasite, food, or environmental allergies all can cause skin problems. Of the three, the easiest to cure is parasite allergies, which can easily be prevented with flea and tick repelling medication. Even though you do not see any parasites on your dog, an allergic dog can experience an allergic reaction weeks after only one flea bite.
Food can also cause skin allergies, which cause your dog to chew on his skin and excessively lick himself. Diagnosing a skin allergy usually requires a food trial, during which you remove your dog from all food except one novel protein and vegetable source, such as duck or venison and potato. Food items are gradually added back in until the allergens are identified. Dogs can also have allergic reactions to grooming products.
Anything around us can be an allergen – carpeting, blankets, dust mites, mold spores in the air, plastic food dishes, furniture stuffing, and even ornamental plants all have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in your dog. The most common type of environmental allergy is atopic dermatitis. Dogs with Atopy lick and chew at their paws and scratch their face, eyelids and ears. A peek at the skin often reveals an ugly rash. There is a new product to treat Atopic Dermatitis in dogs called Atopica, which works wonders.
Oral antihistamines can help neutralize some of the destructive effects of internally released histamines but there is often no cure for environmental allergies. The most effective treatment is to identify and avoid exposure to the allergens. This can be determined through a blood test and skin test. Treatment of allergic dermatitis includes topical medicated soothing baths, ointments, and sprays.Regularly bathing your dog with an oatmeal shampoo or wiping him down each time he comes in from outside can ease symptoms on dog skin.
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