Allergies are a common problem for dogs and cats. Some allergies are seasonal, while others are year-round problems. Dogs may develop food allergies, flea allergies or even contact allergies to things such as detergents on their bedding or grasses in their yard. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, take them to your veterinarian immediately so they can determine the cause and make treatment recommendations.
Combating allergies with medications
Signs of food allergies typically appear between 6 months and three years of age but can develop at any time. Medications are vital and the easiest and fastest way to combat pain and vomiting. Keeping an extra supply of apoquel for dogs is a must. Food allergies are more common in dogs than cats, and small breeds (such as terriers) seem to have a higher risk than larger breeds (like Great Danes).
Flea allergies
Many pets are allergic to flea bites; however, fleas are more often the source of secondary skin infections in hypersensitive pets.
In the case of an allergic reaction to flea bites, your dog’s skin will become red, itchy and irritated. The symptoms usually start between 2 and 72 hours after a bite and may include excessive licking or scratching followed by hair loss in the affected area. You should feed them a pill of apoquel for dogs, but if the condition doesn’t seem to settle, you should contact a veterinarian if you’re unsure whether your pet has been bitten by a flea and has an allergy to them.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis may be suspected if most or all of your pet’s hair loss and skin lesions occur on the face, ears, armpits, abdomen and paws.
There can be major hair loss in areas like the abdomen and paws. Dogs’ most common signs of atopic dermatitis are itching and scratching; however, some dogs with allergies may also have skin lesions. In addition to itching and scratching (which can be very severe), other symptoms include:
- Skin infections are caused by bacteria or yeast (yeast infections are common in atopic dogs).
- Secondary infections from scratching can spread to the lymph nodes or internal organs.
Vet exam
The first and most important thing to do when you suspect your dog has an allergy is to take them to the vet for a full exam. A complete examination can help diagnose the exact cause of your dog’s symptoms and give you a treatment plan. Your vet may recommend that you try over-the-counter oral medications or weekly allergy shots before prescribing more advanced treatments such as prescription creams or steroids.
Your vet can help figure out what allergies your dog might have.
Your vet will do a physical exam and blood tests to look for signs of infection. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s condition is an allergy or an infection, don’t worry—your vet can help clarify this.
The best way to treat an allergic reaction is to keep your pet away from the cause of the allergy. If your dog has fleas, use a flea repellent on him and keep him out of the grass or other areas where ticks might be found. If you suspect he’s allergic to something in his food or treats, try switching brands for a while before returning if necessary.
