Treating Skin Allergies in Dogs
Resolving the Itching and Scratching for the Allergic Dog
Apr 25, 2009
Skin allergies in dogs are probably one of the most frustrating and difficult scenarios to treat. Allergies by nature are recurrent problems, so affected dogs need to observed closely for signs of itchiness and started on appropriate medication as soon as symptoms become evident.
Allergens which Cause Skin Allergies in Dogs are Cumulative
Skin allergies in dogs have a cumulative effect. Allergic dogs may do well when only one of the allergens they are sensitive to is present in the environment. (Allergens are compounds which produce an allergic reaction.) However, when another allergen is added, the dog's tolerance level may be surpassed and itchiness may occur.
As a result of the cumulative nature of allergic skin disease in dogs, it is advisable to prevent exposure to allergens whenever possible. To that effect, flea prevention and control becomes extremely important in managing the allergic dog.
Frequent Bathing Removes Allergens from the Skin of Allergic Dogs
Another simple task that can make a big difference for dogs with skin allergies is frequent bathing. Many medicated shampoos have compounds in them that are aimed at soothing injured skin and calming inflammation. In addition, the act of bathing the dog can remove allergens from the hair coat of the dog which may contribute to skin allergy flare-ups.
Bathing can be problematic when using topical flea prevention medications. Though most of the topical flea prevention medications claim to be water-proof, many veterinarians feel that the efficacy of these products is diminished when the animal is bathed frequently. Therefore, it may be advisable to consider an oral flea prevention product, such as Comfortis or Capstar, during the periods when frequent bathing is being performed.
Medications Effective in Treating Skin Allergies
There are a number of medications which are commonly used in treating skin allergies in dogs. Diagnosing the cause of skin allergies is usually necessary before appropriate medications can be chosen.
Medications commonly used in dogs with skin allergies include:
- cortisone products such as predinisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone. These medications are not without side effects so they need to be used judiciously in treating skin allergies.
- cyclosporine. This is a medication which seems to be fairly effective at reducing the inflammation associated with skin allergies and calming the immune system of the affected dog. However, the pricing of cyclosporine may be prohibitive for larger breed dogs.
- antihistamines such as Benadryl and many others. These medications tend to have a variable effect between dogs. For some allergic dogs, antihistamines work very well in controlling symptoms of allergic skin disease. For other dogs, very little effect is seen. However, antihistimines are considered to be worth trying in most cases since the side effects associated with antihistamines is much lower than with steroid medications and they are typically inexpensive medications.
- fatty acid supplements. Fatty acid supplements work by improving the overall health of the skin.
- antibiotics,which are frequently needed to treat secondary skin infections.
- anti-fungal medications, which are frequently needed to treat secondary yeast infections.
Hyposensitization or "Allergy Shots" in Dogs with Skin Allergies
Hyposensitization involves testing to determine which allergens the dog is most sensitive to and then introducing those allergens to the dog in ever-increasing dosages to desensitize the dog's immune system to the allergen.
Hyposensitization is an effective technique when used in the hands of a well-trained dermatologist, but hyposensitization requires regular injections of allergens and it is not without risk.
Hypo-Allergenic Foods in Dogs with Skin Allergies
Many dogs with skin allergies suffer from food allergies. Therefore, dietary control can play a role in controlling the allergic skin disease.
Diets used in treating skin allergies in dogs are typically novel protein diets or hydrolyzed protein diets. Novel protein diets attempt to introduce a food with a protein source that the dog is not likely to have eaten previously, in an attempt to avoid foods which may produce allergic reactions within the dog's skin.
Hydrolyzed diets are diets which contain proteins which have been broken into small portions which the dog's immune system is not likely to recognize as an allergen.
Other Forms of Treatment for Dogs with Skin Allergies
There are an array of topical medications which are marketed for dogs with skin allergies. Products like hydrocortisone cream or ointment, Genesis spray, and many others are sometimes used to provide temporary relief from inflammation and irritation.
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