That there are several effective approaches to dog allergies treatment is a reflection of the fact that allergic reactions in canines have four main causes. Determining the specific allergen may involve some testing since the different types of allergens provoke common symptoms. Treatments have been developed that are effective in the majority of cases. For the most stubborn conditions, steroid or immunotherapy are treatments that are usually successful.
Atopic, or inhaled substances, are the most prevalent cause for allergic symptoms. These include mold, pollen, mildew, dust and dust mites which contain antigens, or substances introduced that cause the creation of antibodies. The second most common cause are allergic reactions to flea bites, which includes at least 15 antigens. Tests show that about 40 percent of dogs have negative reactions to flea bites.
The third common cause is allergic reactions to food. The foods most often involved are the same ones that are the primary ingredients found in pet foods on the market. A rarer form of allergy are skin conditions, which may include ringworm or the mange, both fungal infections. Two types of contact dermatitis, Allergic or Irritant, also exist, and are caused by exposure to harsh chemicals or certain metals or antibiotics.
Complicating a specific diagnosis as to exactly what antigens are to blame, is the fact that the same symptoms, itching and skin problems, characterize the different types of disorders. Vomiting and diarrhea may indicate a food allergy, and continuing ear problems or increased bowel movements are other possible signs. A food trial, in which the pet is placed on a novel food diet for twelve weeks, is the method used to isolate the food responsible.
Avoidance of the allergen is a common strategy to reduce symptoms for food, flea, atopic and skin problems. By removing and then reintroducing suspected allergens one at a time, one may discover the cause. Restricting ones pet to a clean, uncarpeted room and keeping them away from possible allergens is called an exclusion trial. Slowly introducing possible causes, including rubbing a substance such as grass on the paw, will help to identify it.
The first step one can take is to add Omega-3 fatty acids to their pets diet. This is fish or flax oil and they assist in reducing the effects of histamines, which are responsible for the itching and skin conditions. If the fatty acids do not take effect in a few weeks, antihistamine drugs, originally designed for humans, can also work for canines.
Temporary relief from itching can be obtained with topical therapy, consisting of shampoos, sprays, ointments and solutions that are applied to the skin. Some containing hydrocortisone are especially effective. Biotin is a chemical, known as vitamin B7, that relieves the symptoms for a minority of dogs.
In the most stubborn cases, immunotherapy, similar to allergy testing and injections for humans, is used as a dog allergies treatment. This consists of skin tests to determine the allergens involved, then giving weekly injections until immunity builds up. Steroids are another effective remedy, but because they may affect the immune and endocrine systems, their use is normally reserved for severe cases.
Atopic, or inhaled substances, are the most prevalent cause for allergic symptoms. These include mold, pollen, mildew, dust and dust mites which contain antigens, or substances introduced that cause the creation of antibodies. The second most common cause are allergic reactions to flea bites, which includes at least 15 antigens. Tests show that about 40 percent of dogs have negative reactions to flea bites.
The third common cause is allergic reactions to food. The foods most often involved are the same ones that are the primary ingredients found in pet foods on the market. A rarer form of allergy are skin conditions, which may include ringworm or the mange, both fungal infections. Two types of contact dermatitis, Allergic or Irritant, also exist, and are caused by exposure to harsh chemicals or certain metals or antibiotics.
Complicating a specific diagnosis as to exactly what antigens are to blame, is the fact that the same symptoms, itching and skin problems, characterize the different types of disorders. Vomiting and diarrhea may indicate a food allergy, and continuing ear problems or increased bowel movements are other possible signs. A food trial, in which the pet is placed on a novel food diet for twelve weeks, is the method used to isolate the food responsible.
Avoidance of the allergen is a common strategy to reduce symptoms for food, flea, atopic and skin problems. By removing and then reintroducing suspected allergens one at a time, one may discover the cause. Restricting ones pet to a clean, uncarpeted room and keeping them away from possible allergens is called an exclusion trial. Slowly introducing possible causes, including rubbing a substance such as grass on the paw, will help to identify it.
The first step one can take is to add Omega-3 fatty acids to their pets diet. This is fish or flax oil and they assist in reducing the effects of histamines, which are responsible for the itching and skin conditions. If the fatty acids do not take effect in a few weeks, antihistamine drugs, originally designed for humans, can also work for canines.
Temporary relief from itching can be obtained with topical therapy, consisting of shampoos, sprays, ointments and solutions that are applied to the skin. Some containing hydrocortisone are especially effective. Biotin is a chemical, known as vitamin B7, that relieves the symptoms for a minority of dogs.
In the most stubborn cases, immunotherapy, similar to allergy testing and injections for humans, is used as a dog allergies treatment. This consists of skin tests to determine the allergens involved, then giving weekly injections until immunity builds up. Steroids are another effective remedy, but because they may affect the immune and endocrine systems, their use is normally reserved for severe cases.
No comments:
Post a Comment