If your dog is licking his paw, chewing on his hind leg or scratching his stomach constantly he may have canine allergies. Allergies are frequent problems for canines and can cause itching so severe that a dog will literally mutilate his skin by chewing and scratching in an attempt to stop the constant itching.
Flea allergy dermatitis is a common cause of skin irritation for many dogs. It is the saliva deposited by the flea when it bites that causes the reaction and many dogs suffering from the dermatitis will have hair loss. This allergy is responsible for a condition known as heat spot that can be found just above the base of the tail of an affected animal. Skin irritations and frequent ear infections can be a sign of several forms of allergy in dogs. The ears may produce more wax as part of the allergic reaction. This provides a fertile environment for the growth of bacteria and yeast if the dog's ears are not frequently cleaned.In dogs, an allergy to grasses, to fleas or to certain foods may cause the same allergic response on the dog's skin.
Untreated allergies can leave dogs with crusty patches, dry skin, red spots, and bald spots or oily coats.Dogs respond to allergens much as people do and may have an allergy to grass or weeds, to fabrics or fabric finishes, to cleaning products, to some plastics and milk products. Dust mites in the house and flea bites are frequent causes of skin allergies in canines. Some dogs seem to run through life with no skin problems or allergies at all while terrier breeds and larger breeds such as Setters, Retrievers and Dalmatians seem prone to allergic reactions.
Allergies caused by inhalation of pollens will be seasonal and the reaction can worsen as the dog ages. Your veterinarian may prescribe pills or shots to treat seasonal allergies with prednisone or other steroidal medications prescribed for seasonal allergies. Usually one course of treatment is enough to protect the animal through the time span the pollen is present each year. Corticosteroids are highly effective at stopping the itch of an allergic canine but should be limited to avoid side effects of long term use.
Atopy is an allergy to inhaled substances. Atopica is a treatment containing cyclosporine to suppress the immune system and well tolerated by most dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend Atopica as an effective treatment for canine allergies. Some animals experience side effects of cyclosporine such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, or loss of appetite. These symptoms as well as any lethargy or jaundice visible as yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin or guns should be promptly reported to your vet.
If grass or weeds are the trigger for an allergic reaction you can minimize the allergic response by keeping grass cut short, rinsing or wiping the dog's paws when it comes in the house. Keep your dog indoors when pollen counts are high. Dust mites can be controlled by frequently washing your pet's bedding in hot water and keeping your dog off stuffed furniture where the mites may reside. Uncarpeted rooms are best and an air conditioned home with frequent filter changes helps reduce the dust mite population.
Molds are a frequent offender in causing canine allergies. Molds can form in shaded portions of the yard after frequent rains or be spread by humidifiers if filters are not maintained. Dogs should never be confined to a basement or storage room where mold be might present.
Dogs suffering from allergic reactions can be miserable. The licking and scratching that is a normal canine response to itchy skin often leads to skin infections and hard to heal lesions. Your veterinarian can help determine whether canine food allergies or seasonal environmental pollens are the cause. He can then recommend a medication for canine allergies that will ease the itch for your best friend.
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