How to treat dog skin allergies

In the late night, under the table lamp, you are awakened by a frequent scratching sound. Turning your head, you see your usually lively and lovely dog anxiously nibbling at its paws. The fur on its belly is all messed up, and its reddish skin is covered with scratches. At that moment, heartache and anxiety well up like a tide, and you wish you could bear the pain for it. Dog skin allergies are a common problem for pet owners. Seeing their beloved dogs restless due to itching, how to treat it scientifically and effectively has become the most urgent need for every owner.

The reasons for a dog's skin allergy are complex. To treat it accurately, we first need to identify the "culprit". Common allergens include food, environmental factors, parasites, and contact substances. Food allergies are quite common in dogs. Certain protein components, such as beef, chicken, dairy products, and even grains, may be the cause of the allergy. For example, a previously healthy and lively Poodle, after changing to dog food containing beef ingredients, within just a few days, the skin around its mouth and on its abdomen starts to turn red and itch, and hair loss occurs. Environmental factors should not be underestimated either. Pollen, dust mites, and mold spores are abundant in certain seasons or environments, and dogs are very likely to have an allergic reaction when they come into contact with them. Every spring, when the pollen is floating in the wind, many dogs will have symptoms such as itchy skin and red, swollen eyes. They keep rubbing their faces on the ground or scratching their ears, and their uncomfortable appearance makes the owner feel very distressed. In addition, the bites of parasites such as fleas and mites not only directly cause skin itching, but the allergens in their saliva can trigger a more intense allergic reaction. Some dogs are also allergic to dog beds made of chemical fiber materials, plastic food bowls, and even some brands of pet shampoos. After contact, red spots and papules will quickly appear on their skin.

After identifying the allergen, isolating the allergen is the crucial first step in treating a dog's skin allergy. If it is a food allergy, the owner needs to immediately stop feeding the potentially allergenic food and choose hypoallergenic prescription food or dog food with a single protein source. This process may require some trial and observation to gradually determine the food that the dog can truly tolerate. For dogs with environmental allergies, during the seasons when pollen and dust mites are prevalent, try to reduce their outdoor time, keep the indoor environment clean, and regularly use an air purifier and a vacuum cleaner to reduce the concentration of allergens. At the same time, prepare a comfortable cotton pad for the dog and avoid using items made of chemical fiber materials that may cause allergies. If the allergy is caused by parasites, deworm the dog both internally and externally in a timely manner. Use professional deworming drugs and administer them according to the correct dosage and frequency to completely eliminate the parasites and their allergens.

Drug treatment is an important means to relieve the symptoms of a dog's skin allergy. Under the guidance of a doctor, antihistamine drugs are a common choice, which can effectively reduce itching and relieve allergic symptoms. Some dogs significantly reduce their scratching behavior after taking antihistamine drugs and can finally rest quietly. For dogs with more severe symptoms, corticosteroid drugs may be needed. These drugs have a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, but long-term use may bring some side effects, such as endocrine disorders and decreased immunity. Therefore, the dosage and treatment course must be strictly followed according to the doctor's instructions. In addition, local medication can directly act on the allergic area. For example, ointments or sprays containing anti-itching and antibacterial ingredients can relieve skin itching and prevent secondary infections. When seeing the dog relax because the itching is relieved after applying the ointment, the owner's worried heart can be somewhat at ease.

In addition to drug treatment, skin care also plays a vital role in the treatment of a dog's allergy. Regularly bathe the dog and use a mild, hypoallergenic pet-specific shampoo, which can remove the allergens and dirt on the skin surface. However, the bathing frequency should not be too high, as excessive cleaning will damage the skin's barrier function. After bathing, dry the hair thoroughly and keep the skin dry, because a damp environment is conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi, which may aggravate the allergic symptoms. For the damaged skin and infected areas, debridement and disinfection treatments are also needed to prevent the spread of the infection.

Treating a dog's skin allergy is a "protracted war" that requires patience and carefulness. During this process, the company and love of the owner are a powerful driving force for the dog to overcome the disease. When the dog is restless due to itching, gently stroke it and soothe it with a gentle voice; when it cooperates with the treatment, give it delicious snacks as a reward and praise it. Every careful nursing and every warm moment convey the deep love of the owner for the dog. With the progress of the treatment, when seeing the dog regain its former vitality, wag its tail happily, and run freely in the sun, all the efforts are extremely worthwhile. Because in the days of accompanying the dog, their health and happiness are the greatest wish of the owner.