My Dog Has Spring Allergies
These environmental changes can trigger dog allergies that can run for several weeks. You can easily prevent these allergies from flaring up by staying in control of your dog’s immediate environment, especially through regular flea control and bathing.
Watch out for symptoms manifested by your dog. If your pet is scratching, licking, and chewing, or has scabby and flaky skin, it's possible that it has acquired one of the following common spring allergies:
1. Flea Bite Allergies
Spring is the season for fleas to multiply, and this could make your dog prone to flea bites. Forty percent of dogs in America are affected by flea bites allergy, and studies show that the protein contained in a flea saliva is the main allergen.
The treatment for this allergy is two-fold: (1) Treating your dog, and (2) Treating your house. You must make your house flea-free. If they keep multiplying, then your dog will continue to scratch.
Take note that extreme scratching can cause hair loss and hot spots for your pet. To relieve the itch, give your dog more frequent baths, using medicated soaps, shampoos or topical sprays. (Check your dog's vet to make sure the products you use are safe!)
2. Atopic Allergies
Allergens like pollen, molds, and dust, when inhaled by your dog, can cause atopic allergy. It usually results in severe itching. At least fifteen percent of dogs in America suffer from atopic allergy.
To treat this allergy, administer medications prescribed by your dog's veterinarian, which may include steroids and antihistamines to help alleviate the symptoms. You also need to keep your pet away from the allergens that may be causing the allergic reaction.
To alleviate the problem investi in a good quality air cleaner for your home. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters get rid of more irritants than regular air filters.
3. Food Allergies
This is probably the least common type of spring allergy for dogs, making it slightly harder to pinpoint. Dogs may start developing allergies to certain foods, and it may not be obvious until you see the symptoms, which include increased scratching and red, swollen patches on the dog's skin.
Common food allergens include beef, chicken, lamb, dairy, and fish, although dogs can become allergic to almost any kind of food. If you suspect your dog to be suffering from food allergies, consult your dog's veterinarian. Slowly introduce your dog to hypoallergenic prescription foods or foods prepared at home, and see if the allergy subsides.
The best way to diagnose your dog’s condition is to consult a veterinarian. A knowledgeable veterinarian can perform tests to prove the presence of an allergic reaction. A proper treatment plan can be recommended to your dog as soon as a positive blood or skin test is administered.
Written by Zack Philbin for http://www.unleashmagazine.com/
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