An allergic dog is responsible for much of the chewing and itching of dogs around the world. Like humans, dogs may be allergic to food ingredients, grass pollen, weeds and trees, or mold and dust mites in their environment.
Although there are many shampoos and sprays advertised to stop dogs from itching, these commercial products have limited effectiveness. They may provide some short-term relief, but if the source of the allergen is still present, the itch will quickly return.
Where your dog is scratching and chewing can help your vet determine the source of the dog's allergic reaction. Atopic dermatitis is an environmental allergy that is very similar to a human allergy. Dust mites, grass and tree pollen and other airborne particles cause atopic dermatitis, which affects almost 10% of dogs.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis are licking and chewing of a paw, legs that appear reddened and tender, loss of fur and itching are so steady that it interferes with the sleep of the dog. An effective drug is Atopica, which can be safely used for a long time. Atopica does not contain steroids or causes drowsiness in the dog.
If your dog seems to be scratching his back and chewing on the inside of his hind legs, he may suffer from flea-allergy dermatitis. Allergy is not in the flea itself, but in the release of saliva by fleas when they bite your dog. For dogs with flea allergy, dermatitis is not enough to kill adult fleas on a dog, but you must prevent the emergence of new fleas from hatching and biting.
Triamcinolone is often prescribed to veterinarians for the treatment of inflammation and allergic disorders.
It is a corticosteroid and should be prescribed exactly as prescribed. When prescribing corticosteroids, it is extremely important not to discontinue treatment without gradually reducing the dosage. Triamcinolone is the generic name of the drug and may be prescribed as one of several brands such as Cortalone, Vetalog or TriAcet.
If your dog has food allergies, the result will most often be itchy in the anal area. An estimated one-third of dogs with food allergy symptoms are less than one year old. However, food allergy dermatitis can appear at any age and can become a problem even in a dog that has eaten the same brand of dog food for several months or years.
When fangs suffer from food allergies, itching in the anal area can be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, skin rashes and flatulence. Your veterinarian can check your dog to eliminate the environmental causes of allergies and determine if secondary allergic reactions are also a problem.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that can have beneficial effects, but can also cause negative side effects. Dexamethasone is widely used in veterinary medicine and is given by injection, inhalation or topical. When used as a topical treatment, the solution may also include miticide, antifungal or antibacterial to treat skin problems.
Corticosteroids can be vital medicines for your dog and are used cautiously to alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions. Veterinarians often prescribe this treatment as a pill every other day. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and are not recommended for long-term use. For dogs that are allergic to tree pollen and grass, drugs such as dexamethasone, used in the short term, provide quick, lasting relief.
For dogs requiring a longer term allergy treatment with air, Temaril-P may be prescribed by your veterinarian. This anti-inflammatory drug contains a low dose of prednisone and can be taken for longer periods with less risk of side effects than with full-dose corticosteroids. Temeril-P reduces the need for the dog to scratch, which prevents the development of an ulcer or bare area. It is also often used to treat cough or asthma symptoms caused by a dog allergy.
You will not be able to eliminate allergens from your dog's environment, but there is a wide range of medications designed to alleviate or eliminate the symptoms of allergies to dogs.
