Some people may not realize that animals suffer from allergies, just like humans. However, your pet’s symptoms are different; therefore, may sometimes go unnoticed. One of the most common symptom’s in dogs is skin irritations. There are a few things you should know when considering dog allergies treatment.

The first thing you should look for is changes in your pet’s behavior. He or she may rub his or her face on textured surfaces, or scratch more than usual. You may also notice them chewing on certain areas, such as the feet, which may cause dry, scaly patches on the skin. Hair loss is also a common sign, which may be seen in inconsistent patterns on the body.

Ear infections can also be a common symptom associated with allergies. The ear’s wax producing glands can often overproduce when there is an allergen present, this can allow for an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, which may lead to infection.

The only two ways to really test a dog for allergies is by eliminating certain irritants from his or her environment, or administration of an allergy test. Some of the most common culprits are flea bites, pollen, dust, and certain food additives. Because eliminating one at a time may be quite cumbersome, it may be a good idea to ask your Veterinarian about an allergy test.

If avoidance of the irritants is not working, the next step is to use topical therapies such as anti-itching shampoos and lotions. This may only give your pet temporary relief, which is why it is recommended that you wash them in these solutions at least once, if not twice, a week. I may also be a good idea to wipe his or her feet clean after outdoor exposure, if you suspect pollen to be a possible factor. When using topical treatment, you may want to keep your dog active for a while, to keep him or her from licking the treated area.

Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oil, and antihistamines have proven to successful treatment alternatives as well. It may be a good idea to start with a fatty acid supplement to see how the dog responds, as these have very little side effect. If the dog continues to show signs of skin irritations, contact your veterinarian to work with him or her on a treatment plan that includes antihistamines.

If your dog does not seem to respond to any other form of treatment, injections and steroids are other possible options. It is recommended; however, that all other alternatives are exhausted before considering this. Your Veterinarian may be able to customize an injection formulated from your pet’s allergy test results. Although steroids have been found to be very helpful in the treatment of allergy symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult your pet’s doctor about any possible side effects.

Don’t forget that seeking the advice of a Veterinarian is always recommended, when you have any medical concerns regarding your pet. If you recognize any of these symptoms in your dog’s behavior, you may want to schedule an appointment to discuss suggested dog allergies treatment with your pet’s doctor.

Jamie is a family pet health guru who specializes in treatment for dogs with skin problems.

Dog owners should learn to recognize dog allergy symptoms. In recent years there is increased incidence of allergic reactions. Being allergic means a person suffers a hypersensitive response to an allergen. An allergen can be any substance that is otherwise harmless.

Things which cause allergies are referred to as allergens. They are otherwise harmless to most people. To those who are hypersensitive to them, they trigger an immune response. This does not happen with immediate exposure, but develops over a period of time. Antibodies build up to attack the allergens. Special white blood cells, called mast cells, wage war against the allergens. Symptoms occur which cause acute discomforts to the person or animal.

The skin disorders of allergic response is quite miserable to dogs. Rashes, redness, and bumps result in intense itching. In attempts to obtain relief, the animal scratches, causing abrasions. The skin breaks often become infected, causing more discomfort. This frequently results in hair loss at the site and surrounding area. The continual discomfort may cause hyperactive behaviours to be exhibited.

Atopic allergies occur most frequently. These are from inhalation of various substances. Molds, dust, pollen, smoke, air fresheners, and other airborne particles are causative agents. According to some veterinarians, a combination of airborne and skin contact sources are the cause of symptoms.

Contact dermatitis allergies are from direct skin contact with offending sources. Carpet fibers, grass, bushes, fabrics, lawn fertilizers, plastics, are possible allergens. Highly scented shampoos, or other topical applications may also cause allergic reactions.

Dogs are not allergic to fleas. Flea saliva, however, contains a protein they are allergic to. Those that are accustomed to flea bites may build up a tolerance to it. Those that are not may become allergic soon after the first exposure. The bite areas become irritated and inflamed, and itching may be severe. Hair loss is not uncommon.

People should refrain from sharing their food with pets. Many food items for humans are toxic to dogs. Grapes, raisins, chocolate, onion, and others can cause illness or death. All types of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and grains may be allergen sources. Some become allergic to dog food they have eaten for years. A good quality brand should be provided. Even then, hypersensitivity is possible. Manifestaton is with signs of itching anywhere on the dog. Anal itching may cause the dog to scoot on the carpet or lawn.

Sometimes, sarcoptic mange can be mistaken for an allergic reaction. The signs are similar, with much scratching. It is often referred to simply as mange. Sarcoptic mange is caused by mites that burrows under the skin. In humans, it is called scabies. It requires a special medication to kill the mites. Cool baths may help skin discomforts temporarily. Diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian. Treatment with products containing natural ingredients can be safe and effective.

Jennifer is a family dog health professional devoted to dog skin allergies. She highly suggests all-natural remedies for canine skin allergies.

If you are a dog owner, then you have heard of dog allergies. It is a fact that dogs have a lot of allergens that can affect them, whether through the air, water, food, or environment. This makes it difficult for a dog owner to find the perfect dog allergy treatment for his pet, since canines are very adventurous animals and it is inevitable for them to completely keep away from any allergen.

Allergies come in different forms for canines. Some allergies can be triggered simply by coming in contact with the skin, others by ingestion, and others by inhalation. There are so many common objects found in the surroundings that can be allergenic to dogs, so dog owners have to be cautious in exposing their pets to these harmful allergens.

Contact allergies are acquired by a dog when its skin comes in contact with a possible allergen like grass, plants, and toxic chemicals. Food allergies can be developed when a dog ingests food that contains soy, wheat, yeast, beef, and other foods that are not designed for canine consumption. Inhalant allergies are caused by pollution, smoke, and even scents from air fresheners.

One form of contact allergy that has been classified as a form of allergy itself is flea allergy. This is the most prevalent form of allergy in dogs, thus the major classification. Fleas are tiny parasitic creatures that suck blood from bigger animals. What causes the allergic reaction is the saliva of the flea, and not the bite itself.

Whichever type of allergy a dog may acquire, once a canine has been infected by it, its skin is always affected. An area of the dog’s skin becomes extremely itchy and swollen, and as a form of instinct, the dog scratches the itchy area. After repeatedly chewing, gnawing, scratching, and licking the itchy skin, it develops a condition called allergic dermatitis.

Dog owners have this condition to fear because allergic dermatitis is usually difficult to treat, and it may even stay on the dog for its entire lifetime. There are a number of treatments that veterinarians prescribe to dog owners to use on their dogs. Some of them include topical creams, soothing baths, ointments, sprays, oral antihistamines, and steroids.

Steroids may be prescribed by veterinarians, but they are not actually effective in treating allergic dermatitis. They can even worsen the condition. Once allergic dermatitis persists, it may already be infected by bacteria. Since steroids have cortisone, a substance that can inhibit the production of lymphocytes, it prevents the immune system of dogs to naturally fight the bacterial infection. In that case, steroids may only allow the infection to develop.

Allergies have no real cure. However, there are treatments that can help soothe the itching and swelling of the skin. DERMagic Natural Skin Care products are effective products that can eliminate the itchiness and inflammation of dogs’ skin. They can also fight against bacteria and help in the healing process of the infected area. Every dog owner should have the proper knowledge about the needs and sensitivities of their dogs so they may be able to prevent the development of allergies.

Jennifer is a pet health pro specializing in dog hot spots. She recommends DERMagic all-natural products and solutions for cat allergy treatment