Throughout a dog’s life, it has to deal with different types of health problems. However, none of them are as annoying to them as skin allergies.
As a pet parent, how do you deal with your dog’s skin allergies? Let us find out.
See Your Vet
The first step in dealing with your dog’s skin allergies is to see your vet. If you suspect that your dog has skin allergies, never try to treat them yourself. If the vet suspects an allergy, they can help identify what exactly is causing it by taking a look at the symptoms.
Skin allergies are common in most dogs. Itchy skin and skin irritation are common symptoms of allergic skin disease. Your vet is likely going to prescribe, such as, Apoquel, for your dog’s allergies. Apoquel can soothe existing skin conditions and provide relief from the itching. After completing the required dosage, your dog will be relieved of its skin problems.
For food allergies, your vet will likely instruct you to change your dog’s diet. They might also ask you to administer medication. Your vet will also ask you to keep your dog’s environment clean. That is to make sure that it does not catch any allergies from its surroundings.
Collect Impressions from You and Your Dog
If your dog is suffering from skin allergies, your vet will collect impressions from both you and the pet. The skin sample will be sent to a lab for testing and diagnosis. Your vet may also ask questions about your dog’s diet and lifestyle in order to determine the cause of their skin condition.
If your dog has severe allergies, it may be necessary for them to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help identify the exact cause of their allergy so that they can be treated more effectively. Ask your vet if they know any good veterinary dermatologists in your area who specialize in treating dogs with sensitive or allergic skin conditions. They can refer you to the best possible option.
Consider Your Dog’s Environment
Some dogs are more allergic to things they are exposed to, such as pollen and dust mites. Others may be allergic to substances in the air or on their skin that irritate their skin and make them itchy. These include household chemicals, flea bites, stress and anxiety, food allergies, etc.
You have to observe and find out the possible reasons for your dog’s allergy. Get in touch with your vet if you fail to do so. They will provide a more concrete answer and solution.
At the same time, do whatever possible to keep your dog’s environment clean. This includes ensuring fresh air inside the house, keeping the place tidy and dust-free, etc.
Look into Your Dog’s Diet
If your dog has a skin allergy, it may be caused by food. Food allergies are a common cause of skin problems in dogs. You may have noticed that your dog only gets rashes after eating certain foods. That is because allergies often affect specific organs in the body (like the skin) as opposed to others (like the lungs).
Food allergies are also harder to predict than you might think. They are not always tied to particular ingredients or foods. They can develop after eating something new just once. Allergies can also happen randomly without any trigger at all. Sometimes, one type of food makes them better while another type makes them worse.
You must talk with their veterinarian about what kinds of tests should be performed before making any changes in their diet. Unnecessary dietary changes will do your dog more harm than good.
Use Natural Remedies
Colloidal oatmeal is a great moisturizing agent that soothes the skin and calms inflammation. Chamomile is also very soothing and can be used as a topical treatment for rashes, cuts, or scrapes. Lavender is good for calming anxious dogs and giving them an overall feeling of ease. You can also use it in conjunction with chamomile to create a relaxing oil mixture that you can rub into your dog’s coat after bath time.
Vitamin E is another nutrient that supports healthy skin by reducing redness or swelling associated with allergies or injuries. Calendula helps heal wounds on both humans and animals alike, including those caused by allergic reactions. It is especially effective when applied directly to irritated skin areas such as eyelids.
So, the next time your dog has skin allergies, stick to these points, and your dog will be relieved of its skin conditions in no time.