A dog with a skin allergy can be difficult to handle from a pet owner’s perspective, as many dogs suffer from dry, itchy skin and rashes on a chronic basis. Other dogs suffer from rashes and skin abnormalities that arise literally overnight for no apparent reason.
A dog’s skin allergies can be difficult for owners to handle, but following these tips will enable owners to ease their dog’s itching, scratching, pain and discomfort.
Identifying the Irritant
Determining the cause of a dog’s skin allergy is vital to treating the problem, as exposure to the irritant must be limited or eliminated all together.
In many cases of a dog’s skin allergy that arises suddenly, the discomfort is the result of contact dermatitis; an allergic reaction involving the skin that arises from contact with an irritant, such as a shampoo, a spray that’s applied directly to the dog’s coat or skin. Other irritants can include residue from certain plants or household cleaners and chemicals (like carpet powder or laundry detergent). Insects and parasites can also trigger reactions. If a dog happens to be allergic to fleas, a flea bite will cause much more than just the normal itchy spot – a large rash can result.
More chronic and less sudden causes of allergic reactions involving a dog’s skin include medications or foods (or food ingredients). Certain medical conditions and diseases can also create symptoms similar to an allergy. Thyroid disease and fungal infections are among the most common situations involving skin irritation and hair loss that can be mistaken for an allergy.
Treating and Easing the Symptoms of a Dog's Skin Allergy
There are several measures that dog owners can take to help ease a dog’s skin allergy symptoms. They include:
- Wash the dog using dish soap to remove the irritant. Many chemicals and plants leave a residue or oil on the dog’s skin and coat, resulting in continued exposure to the irritant. Removing the irritating oil or residue from the equation will help ease the symptoms in many cases. Dish soap should be utilized to break-up the oils, which will not be removed by normal shampoos.
- Provide topical relief with anti-histimine and/or hydrocortisone medications. Anti-histimine and hydrocortisone will help to stop the body’s reaction to the allergen that’s affecting the dog’s skin. Hydrocortisone sprays are available at most pet stores, and even at the supermarket’s pet section. For a small area of skin irritation, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce the dog’s skin irritation.
- Provide relief with oral medications. In addition to topical treatments, many dogs experiencing a mild or moderate skin allergy will also benefit from a dose of Benadryl, which is typically given every eight hours at a dose of one to two milligrams per each pound of body weight. Benadryl is not among the most potent drugs in canines, therefore, more serious allergies will require prescription oral medications or injections. Pet owners should always check with their veterinarian before giving medications to a dog, especially if the pet is already on a medication.
- Limit exposure to the suspected irritant. If an owner suspects that a particular chemical, food, plant or other item is triggering a dog’s skin allergy, exposure should be limited or eliminated entirely. In the case where the irritant is unknown, systematic periods of limited exposure can help owners to rule out certain items or substances as the cause of the dog’s skin dryness, itching, redness or irritation.
- Provide supplementation. In cases where dryness and flakyness is present, providing dietary supplementation can help the dog's skin to improve, even if the problem is due to another problem like parasites or allergies. Try a commercial coat and skin supplement from the local pet supply store, or try a home remedy involving olive oil. Improve dry skin by soaking a piece of bread in olive oil and serve, or mix a few tablespoons of oil in with the dog's meal.
When Is It an Emergency?
In a small percentage of cases, an allergic reaction can turn deadly, as the dog will experience anaphylactic shock. Contact dermatitis is not typically responsible for triggering a deadly allergic reaction. Most commonly, a deadly allergic reaction in a dog is caused by a medication or vaccination, an insect bite.
Signs that a dog is experiencing an acute systemic reaction to an allergen include swelling of the face and/or paws, difficulty breathing, panting and salivation, vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness and seizure. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s possible that the dog is experiencing an acute and potentially deadly reaction, therefore anti-histimine medication and immediate veterinary attention will be required.
Related Reading
Owners who found this article helpful may also be interested in learning more about the causes and treatment of dry, itchy skin in dogs, the solutions for dry skin and shedding, and about allergies in canines.
 |
