Dogs don't sneeze when they have allergies like humans do. Instead, they develop a skin condition called allergic dermatitis, which can make them extremely itchy. At Marina del Rey, our team of veterinarians will go over the symptoms of allergic dermatitis in dogs and provide you with effective treatment options.
About Allergic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as allergic dermatitis, is a common skin irritation found in cats and dogs. This condition causes damage to the skin barrier, leading to inflammation, dryness, bumps, redness, and severe itching. Your pets may rub, lick, bite or scratch the affected area in response to an allergic reaction triggered by airborne substances like pollen or house dust, or substances they ingest. Unlike humans, pets don't sneeze often but may have sensitive skin.
Pets with atopic dermatitis are susceptible to secondary skin, ear, and yeast infections, which can exacerbate their allergic condition. In controlled cases, any skin infection or fleas can trigger flare-ups, prompting you to seek immediate consultation with the expert vets at Shane Veterinary Medical Center. Protect your pets from the discomfort and pain caused by atopic dermatitis by ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms
- Rubbing their body on the ground or against furniture, for example.
- Licking themselves
- Chewing/ Biting themselves
- Scratch at their feet, flanks, ears, armpits, or groin, causing patchy or inconsistent hair loss and reddening and skin thickening.
- The skin itself may be dry and crusty or oily depending upon the dog.
- Dogs may also rub their face on the carpet; ear flaps may become red and hot. Because the wax-producing glands of the ear overproduce as a response to the allergy, they get bacterial and yeast (Malassezia ) infections of the ear.
Treatment
When it comes to treating allergic dermatitis, individuals have several options at their disposal:
Medication: Allergic (Atopic) dermatitis due to food reactions can be cured, but those due to airborne substances cannot but can be controlled with medication in most cases. Some types of steroids are used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. They are very effective anti-inflammatory, anti-itch medications. Antifungal medications are also used to treat this because they help with yeast infections. Antihistamines are another medication used to treat allergic dermatitis just like they are used for humans.
Medicated Baths: Medicated shampoos have compounds in them that are aimed at soothing injured skin and calming inflammation
Flea Control: A flea control regime must be maintained for dogs or cats with this problem.
Supplements: The Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acid supplements work by improving the overall health of the skin. These fatty acids are a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents.
Environmental Control: If you know what is causing your pet allergic dermatitis, avoiding it altogether is best for your dog or cat.