Treating Your Dog's Allergies: Scratching, Licking, Coughing, Sneezing, Stomach Upset

There are five different types of allergies that can be found in dogs: contact, inhalant, flea, food and bacterial. If your dog scratches excessively, he may be allergic to something. Dogs can be allergic to such things as tobacco smoke, flea bites, mold, pollen, certain foods, wool, grass, trees and even other animals. The primary signs of allergic reactions in a dog is scratching, chewing and licking the skin. This can lead to skin damage which can lead to bacterial infections.

There are three different ways that an allergic reaction can manifest itself. The most common is itching of the skin. This itching can be localized in one area or generalized all over the dog. Another way that the allergy manifests itself is that is affects the respiratory system, resulting in sneezing, coughing and wheezing. Sometimes there may be a nasal or ocular (eye) discharge. The third way that an allergy may manifest itself in a dog involves the digestive system, which results in vomiting and diarrhea. The dog may experience all or just one of the manifestations of allergic reactions.

Treating Allergic Reactions that Involve Itching

Shampoos and sprays are often used to help the dog stop itching. There are a variety of anti-itch shampoos and conditioners on the market and they can be quite effective in helping relieve the dog from itching. There are also sprays and creams that are available. For more severe cases, the dog may be required to take oral medications or even allergy shots for the allergy to give him some relief. It is important to watch the dog carefully to make sure that the dog has ceased the scratching, licking and chewing. It should also be evaluated to make sure that the dogs behavior is, indeed, a result of allergies and not a reaction to stress.

Treating Allergic Reactions that Involve the Respiratory System

There are prescription medications available for dogs whose allergic reactions manifest themselves in respiratory distress. Your veterinarian can prescribe oral medications or shots to give the dog some relief. It is also important to pin point the cause of the allergy so that it can be removed from the dog's environment. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat the allergic dog.

Treating Allergic Reactions that Involve the Digestive System

One of the best ways to treat allergic reactions that involve the digestive system is to try eliminating different foods, one at a time, until it is determined which food is causing the problem. Oral medications may be prescribed to relieve the dog, but the best treatment is to find the offending food so that you can eliminate it from the dog's diet.

Understanding and treating your dog allergy correctly will save you lots of money in the long run. And of course a healthy dog by your side always.