Maltese Dog Allergies

Maltese dogs are a small toy breed and are popular among a lot or dog lovers; however Maltese dogs are more susceptible to developing dog allergies. On the other hand, Maltese dogs don’t shed a lot of hair and dander and may be more recommended for people that are more sensitive and have allergies.

Causes of Maltese Dog Allergies

Maltese dogs may develop allergies to a series of factors including pollens, dust mites, perfumes, chemicals or different materials such as metals or plastic dogs may touch. In rare cases, Maltese dogs may have food allergies.

The allergies occur after the dog is exposed to these allergens. Maltese dogs are smaller in size and may be more sensitive and more prone to developing allergies than other larger breeds. It may be common that a Maltese dog to be allergic to several irritants.

Detecting Allergies

An allergic Maltese dog will display several symptoms such as sneezing, breathing problems, dermatitis, itchy skin or even bumps on the skin. The symptoms of allergies will typically occur after the age of 2 or 3 and rarely when the dog is younger. If these symptoms occur earlier, the vet will rule out other possible diseases that cause similar symptoms before suspecting allergies.

You can detect the allergies judging by these symptoms, but you will need a diagnosis from a vet. Blood tests can determine if the dog is allergic to inhalant allergens or different materials. Intradermal testing can also be used as an alternative to blood tests.

However, these tests cannot determine if the dog is allergic to foods. So, if the dog doesn’t seem to be allergic to inhalants or materials he comes in contact with, a series of food trials will be necessary.

Treating a Maltese with Allergies

Most commonly, the vet will administer antihistamines for an allergic dog. The antihistamines will inhibit the histamine production which causes the allergy symptoms.

Even if the most suitable treatment for allergies is the immunotherapy or allergy shots, these can only be effective when administered for at least 6 months. The antihistamines can control the symptoms until the shots become effective; however, there are 25% chances that the allergy shots won’t be effective.

Steroids can also be applied in Maltese dogs affected by allergies. Steroids can be administered as pills or as topical ointments for the rashes and to relieve itchiness. However, both steroids and antihistamines may have serious side effects, which can be more serious than the initial allergy symptoms.

An allergic dog should also be bathed more frequently with a natural shampoo, which should reduce the allergies, as the skin pores may allow some allergens to enter the dog’s system as well.

Maltese Dogs for Allergic People

Even if a non allergenic dog breed hasn’t been invented yet, there are a few dog breeds that will cause fewer allergies in sensitive people.

The Maltese dogs produce less dander and dander is the main allergen that causes the allergic symptoms in humans.

 

Comments