Dogs With Skin Problems

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Posted by Bobbie | Posted in cure | Posted on 18-09-2011

Tags: dog, dogs, dogs with skin problems, dogs with skin problems black spots on skin, dogs with skin problems home remedies, dogs with skin problems ringworm, dogs with skin problems with pics, health, online, pet

A Guide To Your Dog Skin Allergies

Did you know that dog skin allergies can cause your beloved companion to have a change in their usual demeanor? Both pet and owner suffer when there is an allergic reaction. Here are the facts of the situation.

An allergen is the substance that causes the allergy symptoms we are familiar with. When the immune system identifies an allergen, instead of fixing the problem it overreacts and creates the uncomfortable symptoms we know as allergies. The allergen itself can be any number of different items that the dog came in contact with.

The most noticed sign of allergy problems in a dog is itching. They may also develop hives, sneezing, have a change in behavior, and experience hair loss. It is estimated that one in seven dogs suffer from some form of allergies.

The allergies a dog suffers from can be classified in four groups. When flea allergy dermatitis is caused by flea problems. When the allergen is a substance such as mold, grass, pollen, or dust mites it is considered a canine atopy. Food allergies have become more common in pets, the feed you provide to your pet may have ingredients such as rice that triggers an immune response. Contact dermatitis is the result of an external irritant that has made its way past the coat of your pooch.

Of the four kinds of allergies, flea dermatitis is the most common. If you suspect fleas, use a flea comb to verify flea dander or the fleas themselves on your pet. In this case where fleas are the causative allergen, your pet develops a reaction to the saliva of the flea bite. The simple way to remedy this problem is to eliminate the pest from both the canine and the environment. This may include the need to treat the dog, the home, and the yard.

There are a number of different methods to combat the allergy symptoms which may include prescribed steroids, antihistamines, or shampoo to sooth the inflamed skin. Occasionally, when sores develop on the skin it may be necessary to use topical or oral antibiotics. When hair loss is a problem, this can only be treated with time.

Hives are one way in which allergic reactions manifest on the skin of your pet. These appear as raised wheals anywhere on the body including the face. Skin patches may cause the hair to rise up in the affected area. The eyelids of the dog may also swell at this time. Typically this type of reaction happens within about 30 minutes of being exposed to the allergen.

Insect bites or a sting, and injections can induce an eruption of hives. Insecticides and soaps are also notorious for triggering hives as well. If a situation is experienced in which there is a regular increase and decrease in symptoms it can be assumed that the agent is environmentally linked.

Trying to find the reason for the dog skin allergies can be extremely frustrating. An owner may have to go through a long period of elimination to determine the exact allergen. Both you and your companion will suffer as you figure out the reason for the problem.

I'm a family pet health expert who specializes in black skin disease.

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