If your dog has allergies he will probably experience the same common symptoms that most other allergy dogs do, such as skin problems and ear infections. Allergies can occur at certain times or can bother your dog all year long. Depending upon what the dog is allergic to, treatment of allergies is usually simple and effective.
Skin Problems
Many dogs with allergies experience problems with their skin. If your dog is scratching excessively; has red, flaky skin or is rubbing his face along the floor or couch, chances are, he is suffering from allergies. In addition, many allergy dogs will lick and chew at their feet. Dogs with allergies may lose patches of hair and have crusty or oily skin. Your dog can actually cause sores and wounds from scratching and chewing at the skin. If the cases are severe enough, antibiotics and Elizabethan collars may be needed.
Chronic Ear Infections
Another symptom of dogs with allergies is chronic ear infections. When your dog’s body is fighting against an allergen, the ears usually produce large amounts of wax. Bacteria and yeast tend to grow more when there is excess wax and debris, which causes infections. Additionally, if your dog has pendulum ears, that is, ears that are floppy, he is even more prone to ear infections as the ear flap blocks the canal from getting air.
Diagnosing Allergies
The most definitive way in which to diagnose what your pet is allergic to is through allergy testing. This can be done with either blood or intradermal testing. You can try to determine on your own what your dog is allergic to by observing when his allergies occur. If he starts showing symptoms during certain times of the year, he is likely allergic to a substance such as pollen or ragweed.
Treating Allergies
The course of treatment for a dog with allergies depends on how
severe the allergies are. Many dogs will respond well to
antihistamines. However, it may take a few tries until you find which
antihistamine works the best for your dog. Giving your dog cool water
baths with oatmeal shampoos may also help to soothe the skin.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial in dogs with
allergies. These supplements help the skin reduce the effects of
histamine and other chemicals that the body releases when it comes in
contact with an allergen.
Steroids are often given to dogs
with allergies if the itching and inflammation is severe. Steroids can
have many side effects, therefore, they are typically used sparingly.
Allergy
injections are extremely effective in dogs with allergies because the
serum used is made specifically for what the dog is allergic to. Your
veterinarian will need to draw blood to determine how the serum should
be made. The dog usually needs injections weekly or monthly. The
downside to this is it requires a lot of dedication from the pet owner
and can be very expensive.