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Allergies are a very frustrating problem for many dogs.
The good news is these persistent annoyances can often be eliminated if the root cause can be pinned down.
This is a broad topic partly because many different types of allergens affect dogs.
For one, your pet pooch may not agree with certain foods. Environmental factors also cannot be ruled out.
Whatever the case, don’t despair if your dog has nagging allergies!
You can improve matters. We’ll offer ideas for handling these pesky problems.
There are Ways to Help Your Dog With Allergies
Steroids and antihistamines are sometimes given to animals.
Of course, it’s best to try safer alternatives (at least initially).
Seriously!
OTC meds, like Zyrtec or Claritin, should be a last resort. Many dogs die from dangerous medicines each and every year.
Your best course of action?
Get blood work done.
A good vet will work with you to improve or even eliminate your dog’s allergies.
But wait! Have you considered that the source of your dog’s allergies may be airborne. It could be that a pet-friendly allergen blocker will work wonders.
Environmental Factors
Seasonal pollen is a common canine allergy agent.
Pollen levels peak early mornings or late afternoons. This may be the source (when you take your dog on walks).
Trees and grass are also culprits.
The thing is certain parts of the country have many environmental allergens.
Again, airborne problems can be improved with an allergen blocker.
Evalulate Your Household
Another suspect may be what lurks in your home’s furniture and carpets.
Dust mites or mold spores could be playing a role. If so, you must steam clean floors and rugs as well as change air filters.
Also, your dog may benefit from a specially-designed shampoo for dry, itchy or sensitive skin.
Are you a smoker?
Second-hand smoke may be the source of allergies.
Treating K9 Skin Allergies
Atopic dermatitis is a top allergy issue for dogs. It’s one cause for constant itching and scratching.
And it’s often difficult to pin down the source of such symptoms.
Fleas are a possibility. In such a case, try a flea and tick shampoo (one that is designed for pets).
But get an all-natural anti-itch spray for general skin allergies.
Reactions to Certain Foods
Do you share table foods with the family dog?
What you’re feeding them could be the reason for allergies.
Consider changing your policy. Give your buddy quality dog food only.
Be strict!
That will help to uncover what’s causing the allergies. It’s worth a shot!
Some Common Symptoms
Besides skin problems, your dog may be dealing with a number of allergy-related symptoms.
The well-documented problems are:
- Runny eyes
- Itchy ears
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Don’t be quick to use human medication. You may regret it.
The Bottom Line
A vet’s diagnosis is always best, but there are things you can do to reduce a dog’s allergy symptoms.
Shampoo (made for dogs) makes a big difference.
Sometimes antihistamines or even steroids are needed. Unfortunately, these come with risks.
Try to pin down reasons for allergies before turning to risky meds.
In other words, treat the dog’s problems (not just symptoms).
I have a 6 year old English Cream Golden Retriever with epilepsy. She is on Phenobarbital. Her skin is itchy all the time. I’ve been making food, oatmeal bath shampoo and giving a Dinovite supplement. She still scratches. My vet prescribed Prednisone but I am afraid of getting her hooked on steroids. Will adding turmeric help?
Grain-free foods tend to be of high quality and contain good protein sources. It can definitely be beneficial to your dog, allergies or no allergies.
Giving your pet a grain-free diet has been studied now for quite a few years. It can cause serious heart failure. I have changed all my animals back to food with grains in it. There are several vets at our clinic and two of them have told me this. I also asked about it at the pet store I go to and they said the same thing. It is not a good idea to take grains out of your dog’s diet.
I read through some posts and saw that people add Diatomaceous earth to homemade dog food. I have just started doing this due to a skin condition, and it seems so much better, but I want to make sure he’s getting all the right vitamins. How much of the earth do I add to the food I make?
My dog (Labrador mix, 55 pounds) was prescribed by our vet a dose of 50mg Benadryl for his seasonal allergies. I also give him about a tablespoon of coconut oil and one tablet of fish oil per day. It works great for him.
It’s always sad to see a dog suffer with allergies. I have been having great success with turmeric for skin allergies and itching. You can get an easy recipe for a turmeric paste that will hopefully help with the allergy.