Treatments for Dogs Allergic to Dust Mites

Dogs allergic to dust can receive treatment which can be of different types. Dust mites are present everywhere in our environment and it is difficult to avoid them. The dust mites feed on different debris and dead skin cells shed by humans or pets and they can cause allergies in a lot of canines. The allergen is an enzyme which is excreted by the dust mites. 

Dust Mites and Canine Allergies

The dust mites are microscopic creatures that can be noticed if they are against a darker surface. They are blue in color and have 8 legs. Typically, dust mites live between 10 and 20 days and they produce feces (over 2,000 fecal particles during the 10 to 20 days) which have a high percentage of enzymes, which will irritate some dogs. Dust mites may also cast their skin and this causes allergic reactions also.

Dust mites thrive in any environment, especially indoors and dry environments. Dust mites reproduce quickly and feed on different types of organic substances such as dead skin cells.

The allergic reactions to dust mites will include:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchiness
  • Eczemas
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Runny nose

Immunotherapy

Presently, the immunotherapy is known to be the most efficient treatment for dust mites allergies or other types of allergies. The immunotherapy is a treatment of shots that are administered on a regular basis throughout over 6 months or even years. The allergy shots are meant to enhance the immunity of the dog to the dust mite enzymes and will also suppress his reactions.

This treatment works in over 75% of pets and this is also due to the fact that the allergies are a disease of the immune system.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines such as Benadryl are often prescribed to dogs that are allergic to dust mites. However, the response of the dog is only temporary; he will not have allergic reactions as long as the antihistamines are administered.

The antihistamines work on suppressing the immune system and stopping the production of histamines.

Corticosteroid Treatment

Corticosteroids are effective in managing dust mite allergies. The steroids will suppress the immune system and there will be no sneezing and itching due to the dust mites.

There are also corticosteroid creams that are particularly effective in reducing swelling and skin irritation.

The corticosteroid treatment has the disadvantage of being only a temporary solution. Once the medication is stopped, the allergic reactions will return.

In addition, the steroids may have a few significant side effects, such as:

  • liver or kidney failure
  • adrenal insufficiency
  • weight gain
  • water retention

Avoidance

Avoidance of dust mites is not easy as these mites are difficult to eliminate and can easily return. The dust mites may be eliminated with disodium octaborate tetrahydrate powder.

The dust mites may also die if exposed to extreme temperatures (i.e. over 60 °C or 140 °F or below 0 °C or 32 °F).

Clean the dog’s environment regularly and get bedding that attracts fewer dust mites.

 

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