Dog allergies can be difficult to diagnose. Regardless of the cause of the allergic reaction, the symptoms often manifest in the same way. Anything from a change in the thickness of a dog’s coat to loss of appetite can be caused by exposure to an allergen in the dog’s diet or surroundings. Deciding whether symptoms can be tied to an allergy or some other cause can be difficult, so be sure to share as much information with your veterinarian on when and how symptoms present to work toward determining a cause.
If your dog is itching more than usual or if the thickness of the fur has changed, get in touch with your vet to talk about the possibility of dog skin allergies. Other common signs include frequent ear infections and paw licking, and the presence of either is cause for a visit to the vet. Familiarize yourself with aliments that are common to specific breed to aid in finding a cause.
Allergies to dust and mold are common in dogs, and the solution may be as simply as increased vigilance maintaining the dog’s environment. Install a dehumidifier near your dog’s favorite area to cut down on mold and make sure all bedding it kept clean. Fleas and ticks can also trigger allergic reactions, so be vigilant in check your dog regularly.
Many vets recommend a series of allergy shots to treat dog allergies symptoms. They can cost as much as $75 a session and must be administered for a few months before measurable improvements are seen. Before a vet will start a dog allergies treatment, it is important to find the exact allergen to which your dog is reacting.
If skin allergies are not the issue, dog food allergies may be the problem. Lethargy, reduced appetites, and digestion problems are common indicators of allergies to food ingredients. Ear infections and itchy patches could also be caused by a food, not skin, allergy. Allergies can show up at any age, so even if your dog’s diet is the same as it has always been, it could be the source of the problem.
The usual method of diagnosing food allergies is through elimination diets. Veterinarians will put a dog on a highly controlled diet, monitoring every ingredient in the food they eat. Common allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb and fish and grains like soy, wheat, and corn. The first step in the elimination diet will often consist of feeding a dog game meats like duck and venison paired with a starch not typically found in commercial dog food. Ingredients are slowly reintroduced. When dog allergies symptoms reappear, vets know which food is triggering the reaction.
Talk to your vet about hypoallergenic foods as part of a dog allergies treatment. For some, this option is cost prohibitive, and making dog’s food for themselves may be a viable option. Do it yourself recipes for dog food can be found online and in dedicated recipe books. Owners can also speak to vets about the possibility of prescription antibiotics or steroids to lessen the dog allergies symptoms.
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