Preventing and Treating Canine Allergies
When we think of pets and allergies, we humans usually focus first on how we are allergic to them – their fur, their dander, their saliva. Our dogs, however, may also suffer from allergies (though rarely to our fur, dander or saliva).
Dogs can experience allergies to various substances. These include pollen and dust, food proteins and flea saliva. A dog suffering an allergic reaction may experience such symptoms as itchy skin, excessive scratching and licking, red skin, hair loss and even digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
Types of Canine Allergies
Veterinarians divide dog allergies into four groups:
Environmental Allergies
Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, these are reactions to such airborne irritants as pollen, mold and dust mites. Within this group, dust mites are considered to be the most problematic. Dust mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders. They eat skin cells shed by people. They thrive in warm, humid environments. In most homes, such items as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites. The atopic dermatitis they cause can bring on itching and skin bumps around the dog’s eyes, lips and ears.
Treating dust mites calls for a multi-pronged approach. This includes regular cleaning of dog blankets and beds, use of dust mite-proof bedding, treatment with prescribed shampoo and possible applications of medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Food Allergies
Like humans, dogs sometimes react to specific proteins in food. Potentially problematic foods may include dairy, beef, chicken, soy, fish and eggs. Distinguishing between a food allergy and atopic dermatitis can be challenging for vets. One approach is to prescribe corticosteroids for the condition. If the cause of itching and rash is dermatitis, the steroid treatment should be effective. If it is not, then a food allergy may be to blame.
One way to test for the type of allergy plaguing the dog is to first eliminate all possible allergens (typically proteins) from the dog’s diet until the allergic response disappears. Then, reintroduce the possible allergens, one at a time, and watch for the allergic response to flare up again. Once the problem foods have been identified, the owner can avoid them and monitor to make sure the animal’s allergic reaction has subsided.
Allergies to Parasites and Biting Insects
The main culprit in this category is our age-old nemesis, Ctenocephalides Canis, the common dog flea (yes, cats get them too). Ticks, mosquitoes, mites, wasps and bees can also cause trouble for our dogs, however.
To protect Princess from these pests, prevention is the best strategy. Spot-on drops, special shampoos, sprays and collars can be effective, as can oral medications. These medications are generally ingested by the dog and then absorbed into the bloodstream or tissues. They work by disrupting the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, causing their death.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies are comparatively unusual among dogs. Still, they do sometimes occur. Common causes include:
Grooming products and cleaning supplies
Other household chemicals (for example, detergents, disinfectants, insecticides)
Plants (juniper brush, oleander and bottlebrush, for instance)
Medicines (streptomycin and neomycin, for example)
Metals (such as nickel or chromium in a dog’s collar).
As with the other allergic reactions, these tend to be individual-specific. Some dogs will show sensitivity to one or more of these allergens, while other dogs can wallow in them and show no ill effects.
If a dog displays a contact reaction to a specific allergen, the best course is to eliminate the allergen from the dog’s environment. If that is not practical, then be sure to keep the animal away from the offending substances.
Owners Must be Alert and Prudent
An itchy dog is a miserable dog. Owners can reduce the likelihood of allergy-associated suffering by doing a few prudent things. Manage your pet's exposure to allergens through regular grooming, a clean environment and a healthy diet. Regular brushing and bathing can help remove allergens from your dog's coat and skin. Keeping your home clean and well-ventilated can reduce airborne allergens. A hypoallergenic diet can also help minimize food-related allergies. Make sure to use a collar or oral medication to reduce flea and tick exposure.
Most dogs won’t recognize the cause of their suffering and therefore won’t take action to avoid repeat exposure. It’s up to us to be observant and take the precautions necessary to prevent itchy dog syndrome (just made that up, but we all know what it is.)