As with people, allergies in dogs can be managed but not cured. When their bodies are hypersensitive to something, the reaction is often itching. Dogs can be allergic to food, flea bites, grass and pollen in the environment or direct contact with certain compounds such as laundry soap or hay. The first thing to do is to diagnose the itching, scratching and biting your dog produces on its own as symptoms of a skin allergy. The important thing you and the vet need to do is identify what triggers the itch and find an effective treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Monitor the Itch
Step 1. Pay attention to which parts of the dog's body itch the most
Is there a certain area where you itch more than others? Does it lick its paws more, under the tail or on the abdomen?
The areas that are most easily irritated in allergic dogs are the hindquarters and tail, abdomen and paws
Step 2. Look for areas on the skin with acute dermatitis
Often the itching is so strong that it causes the dog to bite the skin to the point of causing "acute dermatitis". This skin lesion can develop overnight and become very large in a very short time. The skin is pink, moist, hot, and sore. You may also notice sticky material oozing from the wound. These are often open wounds that need to be treated by the vet to relieve the animal.
- Chronic cases of itching can even make the skin so thick and rough that it resembles that of an elephant.
- These forms of acute dermatitis are very often a symptom of allergies to fleas, food, grass, mold, or other substances in the air. There may be more complex underlying conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism). There are also some secondary bacterial and yeast infections (malassezia), which require specific tailor-made treatment.
Step 3. Consider the time of year
At certain times during the different seasons the dog may feel more itchy than normal. It could be caused by spending long periods on the lawn or after eating a certain food. If you can figure out when and how itching arises, you can narrow it down and find more targeted treatments.
Step 4. Check the general health of the animal
If you notice a strong odor on his body, the dog seems excessively thirsty, or is not as lively as ever, you should take him to the vet. In these cases, he will generally be given a blood test and skin swabs to get more information about his health and to find an appropriate treatment.
Step 5. Make a note of when itching occurs
Whenever you see him scratching, write down the circumstances, including where he has been, what he has eaten, and in which area of the body he is itchy. This information can be extremely useful for the veterinarian, thanks to which he can narrow down the possible causes of itching and skin lesions in the animal.
Part 2 of 4: Check for Parasites
Step 1. Check for fleas
The most common cause of itching is fleas. They are most active when the weather is hot and humid. You may see them on the dog or notice that the dog bites and scratches constantly. Fleas move very fast and are capable of jumping very high, so you have to be especially quick to see them. You will most likely find them in the armpit area and under the belly; they are dark, almost black, and flat.
- Check your dog's ears for signs of scratches, redness, blood, or dirt. Also check the belly, groin area, or base of the tail for red bumps.
- One way to look for fleas on your dog is to lay it on a white surface, such as paper napkins, and brush its fur. The flea feces will fall off the comb as you brush it and will be more visible on the white paper.
Step 2. Check if your dog has sarcoptic mange
It is a disease induced by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that usually settles in areas of the skin without hair, such as the flaps of the ears, elbows or stomach. The skin in these spots can be red and scaly. Sarcoptic mange causes significant skin lesions and a lot of discomfort for the dog, because the mite causes very severe itching.
- It is a very contagious infection and can be transmitted very easily to people (in this house we talk about zoonosis) and to other dogs.
- The vet can diagnose this disease by collecting fragments of the dog's epidermis.
Step 3. Check for Cheyletiellosis
This is caused by a mite called Cheyletiella which feeds on the top layer of the skin. In addition to excessive scratching, the dog may have scabs, shedding, dandruff, and back injuries.
- This disorder is also called walking dandruff. The mite pushes the scabs as it moves from point to point, creating the illusion that they are moving.
- You may be able to see the mite, it is yellow.
Step 4. Check for head lice
Dog lice are different from human lice, so don't worry about possible transmigrations. The louse survives either on the dog's dead skin or its blood, depending on the species. You should be able to spot the adult ones on the dog - they are yellow or brown and about the size of a sesame seed. Sometimes they can be mistaken for dandruff, but if you shake the hair they won't fall out.
Other signs of head lice include hair loss (especially around the neck, ears, shoulders, groin area and anus); the dog's coat appears patchy or too dry; small wounds or infections; tapeworms or other parasites that can be spread by lice; even anemia in some very severe cases or in small dogs
Step 5. Make sure you don't have demodectic mange
This is another parasitic disease, commonly called "red mange", caused by small mites that occur naturally in most dogs, but which generally do not cause skin problems, unless the animal's immune system is compromised.. Demodicosis is more common in puppies because their immune systems have yet to fully develop. It can be diagnosed by the vet through a skin scraping.
- Demodectic mange is not very contagious and humans are not infected with it. It is usually the mother who passes it on to the puppies when she is nursing them. Symptoms are most noticeable around the eyes and mouth when the puppy's immune system is still unable to defeat the parasite.
- There may also be some hereditary predisposition. It is not uncommon for puppies to have red mange if their parents have also been infected at some point in their life.
Step 6. Check for ringworm
Ringworm isn't exactly a worm, but rather a fungus. This infection causes itching, the formation of small circular-shaped crusts (about one centimeter in diameter) and the loss of hair (alopecia) in one or more areas of the body; typically starts on the muzzle or paws. It is a contagious infection that is easily transmitted to humans (zoonoses) and other pets. Your vet will be able to diagnose if your dog is suffering from ringworm and will be able to recommend the right therapy, which involves the use of a fungicide.
- When the infection is mild, treatment can be topical, but in more severe cases, the dog may need to take oral antifungal medications.
- The treatment of ringworm also includes the need to disinfect the house. It can take months for the infection to be completely eradicated.
Step 7. Understand what shouldn't cause itching
The dog may be suffering from a condition that causes the same symptoms as a parasite, or another similar disorder, and which could be misleading in determining the cause of the itch. Alopecia and Cushing's disease are two possible examples.
- Alopecia, the loss of hair, which can be caused by hypothyroidism, generally does not cause itching. However, if your dog suffers from hypothyroidism he may have more skin problems than a healthy dog.
- Dogs with Cushing's disease tend to drink a lot of water and want to eat continuously. This disorder also causes hair thinning and less undercoat. The abdomen can also be almost totally bald, and the skin appears thinner.
Part 3 of 4: Finding Treatments for The Itch
Step 1. Discuss possible treatments for the dog with your vet
Since there are so many causes of itching, there is a wide range of possible treatments that your doctor might prescribe. Some pets can improve their health by taking antihistamines, while others may want a short course of steroids to manage the discomfort. However, there are always new drugs that are placed on the market all the time.
Use the medications prescribed by your vet following the instructions provided. The drug helps control itching and facilitate the healing process
Step 2. Apply flea treatment
Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common causes of dog itching. Preventing your dog from being bitten by fleas often is the first step to relieving and reducing your pet's itchiness, even if you don't see any parasites. Dogs can develop an allergic reaction to the saliva of even a single flea which causes them to itch severely.
It is important to subject your dog and all other animals in the house to regular monthly flea treatment, as well as the surrounding environment to free him from the presence of these annoying parasites
Step 3. Get your dog treated for parasitic mites
This is different than for fleas. In severe cases of generalized demodectic mange, months of treatment may be required, while scabies can usually be cured in a few weeks. It is the vet who prescribes the right medications based on the specific problem.
Scabies can easily spread to other animals and humans. If you want to completely eradicate the infestation it is important to treat the whole environment in which the dog lives and to pay particular attention to other animals that could be infected by the infection
Step 4. Get a prescription for a specific shampoo from your vet
Your doctor can direct you to a product that can help manage itching, as well as treat bacterial and yeast infections. This type of shampoo can be used in addition to the oral medication.
- Over-the-counter flea shampoos, as well as medicated coal tar shampoos, are likely to further irritate open wounds. Consult your vet before trying any treatments you find freely at the pharmacy.
- Bathing is fine for relieving itching, but don't use a shampoo that's intended for humans. A mild oatmeal-based shampoo specially formulated for dogs can temporarily reduce itching. If your furry friend's skin has abrasions or is infected, do not use shampoo or a topical treatment without first checking with your vet. You could aggravate the problem by applying an inappropriate product.
- Don't over-wash your dog. A bath once a month is all a healthy dog needs, but some need to be bathed even less frequently. Wetting it too much deprives it of the natural oils present on the skin. If your vet prescribes a special shampoo, get advice on how often you need to wash your dog based on his specific problem.
Step 5. Learn about the steroid prednisone
The most common treatment for many cases of moderate or severe itching is the steroid prednisone, which provides temporary relief. By reducing the itching, the dog scratches less and the skin can heal better and sooner.
Keep in mind that steroids cause side effects and must be taken with caution. Prolonged use can cause liver damage or adrenal gland problems
Step 6. Discuss with your veterinarian whether it is appropriate to give him an antihistamine
This is also useful for calming an allergic reaction. There are many types of effective antihistamines, and your vet will be able to tell you some over-the-counter, in addition to those that can be prescribed.
- There is no drug that is universally effective for all dogs, so you need to start "antihistamine therapy" to determine which one is best for your four-legged friend.
- Be aware that antihistamines cannot help your pet if they have an acute itch, but they are often given after an initial steroid cure so that allergy symptoms are kept under control over time.
Step 7. Try an antibiotic
If other methods do not lead to positive results, the doctor usually recommends antibiotic treatment afterwards. If the dog has damaged the skin to the point of infecting it, this drug is needed to fight the bacteria.
Step 8. Discuss with your veterinarian whether to test your dog for allergy
A blood test or skin test can be done to figure out which elements - such as pollen, certain trees, grasses, insects, or molds - trigger allergies in your furry friend. Food allergies are most easily identified through food elimination tests.
Your vet may suggest injections if allergies are the cause of the itch
Step 9. Find a veterinarian who is experienced in dermatology
If your pet has been suffering from itching for a long time and is scratching to the point of skin damage, ask your vet to refer you to a dermatologist. This vet specializes in skin conditions and will likely be able to find the best care and treatment for your pet.
Step 10. Avoid the itch remedies you find without a prescription
Over-the-counter medical products - like coal tar shampoo, tea tree oil, emu oil, and aloe vera - are all desperate solutions that owners try in hopes that something might work. Always consult your vet before trying any non-prescription treatment on your dog.
- You should also avoid other home remedies, such as turpentine, petroleum jelly, mouthwash, or vinegar.
- A few attempts at home to help the pet can even make the problem worse for you and the dog itself.
Part 4 of 4: Changing the Dog's Diet
Step 1. Observe the dog's current diet
Improving his nutrition usually also helps his health, especially if the dog is allergic to certain foods.
Check the ingredients of his food. Check that proteins and not carbohydrates are the main ingredient. Essential fatty acids are great for skin and coat health and should be included in the ingredient list
Step 2. Try giving him some fatty acid supplements
Some of these, such as fish and flaxseed oil, are useful in cases of allergic skin diseases. You can find them on the market in many formats, including capsules or liquid solutions.
Follow the directions on the product or your veterinarian's instructions for the right dosage
Step 3. Ask the vet to initiate a food elimination process
If you are concerned that your dog has a food allergy, your doctor may suggest a food elimination process with a completely new and completely different diet for the pet. This new diet will need to consist of products that the dog has never eaten before.
- For example, if you've always fed lamb and rice dog food with delicious beef and wheat morsels, your new diet shouldn't contain any of these foods.
- The food elimination process typically takes 2-3 months.
- It is important to follow a strict diet (including treats) if you want to get results from your experiment.
- It may take several tries to determine which foods you are sensitive to.
- You could also get dog food at specialty pet stores, but a special diet recommended by your vet is often required to manage your pet's food allergy.
- Once you have found the correct diet, then you can start testing his body with small amounts of one item at a time to see if the dog starts to itch again after introducing a new food.
Advice
- Some dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Cocker Spaniels, appear to be more prone to allergies than others. However, any dog, even a mixed breed one, can develop allergies at any time in their life.
- Give your pet flea treatment all year round. Fleas are, in fact, the main culprits for itching in dogs.
- Do not completely shave his fur all over his body. A targeted cut to remove the hair in the infected areas helps the skin in that specific area, but, without the advice of the veterinarian, avoids completely shaving the entire animal. In some cases, when even a healthy dog's coat is trimmed, it may regrow another color or not regrow at all.
- There is no single drug or treatment that is appropriate or effective for all animals. More than one therapy may also be needed to resolve the problem.
- Keep in mind that more often than not you will find yourself managing the symptoms of the itch, rather than the cause. It takes time and observation to identify the responsible factors that trigger this disorder.
Warnings
- Steroids and antibiotics are needed to manage many severe cases of allergic skin diseases early on. Each drug causes side effects that you should analyze with your veterinarian both in the early stages of treatment and when the therapy is prolonged over time.
- Remember that allergies are only managed, not treated, and new ones may develop during the life of the animal. This can be very frustrating and uncomfortable for both of you at times, but it is important to know the nature of the disease to ensure the health and happiness of your faithful friend.
