Some Effective Approaches For Dog Allergies Treatment

That there are several effective approaches to dog allergies treatment is a reflection of the fact that allergic reactions in canines have four main causes. Determining the specific allergen may involve some testing since the different types of allergens provoke common symptoms. Treatments have been developed that are effective in the majority of cases. For the most stubborn conditions, steroid or immunotherapy are treatments that are usually successful.

The two most common causes of allergic reactions are atopic, or inhalants, mainly dust mites, pollen, mold and mildew, and allergens that are present in flea saliva. The symptoms of an allergy are most commonly caused from inhaling an antigen, or a substance which causes the production of antibodies. Studies show that in excess of 40 percent of canines react to the offending substances in flea bites.

Other less prevalent causes are allergic reactions to food or of the skin. Skin problems include the mange and ringworm, which are fungal infections. A pet exhibiting bad reactions to a food is usually allergic to one of the main ingredients found in most dog foods. Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis are two other rarely occurring skin conditions that may be caused by contact with substances that provoke a reaction or from irritating chemicals.

Complicating a specific diagnosis as to exactly what antigens are to blame, is the fact that the same symptoms, itching and skin problems, characterize the different types of disorders. Vomiting and diarrhea may indicate a food allergy, and continuing ear problems or increased bowel movements are other possible signs. A food trial, in which the pet is placed on a novel food diet for twelve weeks, is the method used to isolate the food responsible.

A similar approach of avoiding the cause helps to diagnose a skin problem. An exclusion trial consists of restricting the pet to an uncarpeted room and away from grass and other plants. If the problem decreases, gradual reintroduction of allergens is done until symptoms return. The majority of symptoms produced from inhalants or fleas are controlled with simple treatments.

Fish or flax oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to be the best single remedy to alleviate the pets symptoms. Histamines, chemicals released in the body when fighting antigens, produce the characteristic symptoms, which fatty acids are instrumental in decreasing. There are also antihistamine drugs developed for humans that are effective for canines.

Biotin, or vitamin B7, has been found to be an effective therapy for a good percentage of animals. Remedies that are applied to the pets skin, such as anti itch salves, sprays or shampoos, are called topical therapy. Those solutions, as well as hydrocortisone shampoos, offer temporary relief and do not treat the cause.

When none of the above methods are adequate for dog allergies treatment, steroids produce good results, but are not recommended for long term use, because immune or endocrine system problems may develop over time. Immunotherapy, involving allergy skin testing and a series of injections, is a highly successful approach for most animals. This therapy takes a dedicated pet owner, but results in significantly reduced reactions to allergens.

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