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Dog allergies and how to treat them

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Sonoma Valley Sun

As dog owners, we want to do everything we can to make sure our furry friends are healthy, thriving, and happy. We take them out, we play with them, we give them chances to explore the world around them. But realistically, we can’t always be there, nor can we keep track of everything that they eat or rummage through. A lot of us have busy lives. We need to get to the office, often for long and strange hours. With that said, it’s not completely impossible to control different health variables in your pet. Kip dog boarding services tells us that allergies are actually extremely common among dogs, however, they are also a highly treatable and manageable health concern.

At first, it may seem concerning seeing certain behaviors that were not used to seeing in our pets. But once we get a handle on things, we’ll come to find that a simple plan and monitoring system can keep your friend allergy-free.

Food Allergies 

Dogs can have food allergies, just like us. Some are even specific to breeds. A lot of the more common breeds, like Labrador retrievers and pit bulls, actually have common allergies that we might not be aware of. Even then, some dogs have more pronounced reactions than others. Thankfully for us, there are options out there that cater to specific dog breeds. If you need dog food for Catahoula leopard dogs there are bound to be good options out there. Treating food allergies as a matter of specializing the diet. You can add or subtract certain things you give your dog, and observe them to see if there’s an effect. Or you can go with a specialized hypoallergenic food source that is specially formulated for the breed of your dog. 

Seasonal Allergies 

Like humans, dogs can get seasonal allergies. If you happen to see your dog itching, sneezing, and looking like a human would if they had hay fever, they might have seasonal allergies. The treatment here is pretty simple, although you need to go to a vet to really confirm seasonal allergies. If so, I’ll give you a prescription for antihistamine, and advise that your dog not jump into the flower beds for a while.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis 

The number one most common allergy in dogs is flea allergy dermatitis. Yes, even the mention of fleas can send a meticulous pet owner up the walls. But fleas are the reality of having dogs. No matter how well you clean, and disinfect the area, there’s always going to be a few encounters with them throughout their lifespan. Flea allergy dermatitis is primarily due to a dog’s skin being allergic to flea saliva. Flea saliva has all sorts of nasty things that cause erosion, and immunological reactions. Again, you’re going to have to take your pup to the vet to get a solid diagnosis. They may recommend prescription-grade antihistamines, as well as a medicated shampoo or collar. Depending on the breed that you have, you may want to talk to your vet about options that are less irritating to a dog’s skin.  

We love our pets, and we would do anything to make sure they’re healthy. They provide so much love and happiness, that they deserve the same. When it comes to allergies, it might not all magically disappear, but it definitely is treatable with best dog flea medicine.

 




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