Antibiotics for Dogs with Allergies

Dogs with allergies are often prescribed antibiotics that reduce bacterial infections in the body. Pets of all breeds are susceptible to allergic reactions and the most common forms of allergies that develop include food allergies, inhalant allergies and flea allergies. When the dog suffers from an allergic reaction, his body will show signs of skin irritation and rash along with a few accompanying symptoms.

While some allergies are treated with diet modification and topical medication, others need to be treated with the administration of antibiotics. Although antibiotics effectively kill different types of bacterial infections, they need to be administered appropriately because they are known to cause various side effects.

Using Antibiotics for Canine Allergies

If the dog is suffering from an allergic reaction, he may develop hives, facial swelling and show signs of excessive itchiness. The pet will start biting, scratching or chewing affected areas of the body and this in turn will give rise to skin lesions and secondary bacterial infections. If these infections are left untreated, they will become severe and cause your pet a lot of pain and discomfort.

Although food and inhalant allergies are commonly seen in most pets, bacterial allergy infections occur in rare cases. These are caused by staphylococcus or staph infections. Pets suffering from this allergy require immediate treatment with antibiotics. However, since staph infections recur in pets, most dogs are given desensitization shots to develop immunity to the staphylococcus bacteria.

Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics Include:

Precautions

The medications listed above are prescription drugs that need to be administered only according to vet instructions. Since every antibiotic is formulated differently, it's important to find out what type of bacterial infection your pet is suffering from before administering any antibiotics.

Most antibiotics have certain drug interactions. You should therefore inform the vet about any other over the counter drugs or medications that you're giving your pet. Also read and follow all the instructions that are listed on the package so that you don't overdose your dog. If the dog develops any adverse reactions after taking the antibiotics, you need to seek prompt medical help.

Tips for Pet Owners

Since allergies are common in both cats and dogs, you need to find out the cause of the allergic reaction and take precautions to prevent your pet from coming in contact with known allergens. It's best to control flea infestations in and around the home and feed your pet a nutritious diet that builds his immune system.

You should also avoid smoking around your dog, because most pets are sensitive to cigarette smoke. Wash your pet's bedding at least once a week and follow regular grooming procedures to make sure that his body is free from any external contaminants.

If the dog is given antibiotics frequently, he may develop resistance to these medications. If your pet suffers from frequent allergic reactions you may have to desensitize him or use herbal remedies as a long term solution.

 

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