2. Licking of the feet, legs and dogs with allergies belly area 3. Rubbing of the head 4. Scratching 5. Bare patches of skin 6. Irritated or red patches 7. Dry or flaky skinThe behavior will come and dogs with allergies go depending on the exposure to the particular allergen. The exposure can be through mites, fleas, insects, the environment, cleaning products, changes in diets or medications. The dog first encounters the irritating compound and dogs with allergies the body begins to build antibodies to attack the substance the next time the dog is exposed. They body simply overreacts to the exposure causing irritation and dogs with allergies the behaviors listed above. How To Control Allergies Just like with humans there is no way to cure allergies, rather there are some ways to manage the allergies and dogs with allergies control the environment to minimize the contact between the dog and dogs with allergies the allergen. The first step is to try to find out what the cause of the allergy may be. Look for any chemicals or perfumes that may be in the area. Pot pourri, air fresheners, carpet shampoos, dog shampoos or even paint or wallpaper or new carpeting can often trigger allergic reactions. Try to find new items or products being used in the house and dogs with allergies eliminate them if possible. Food items can also cause allergies that appear to be skin related. If the dog has recently had a change in diet or has started to eat plants or vegetation in the yard try changing the diet to the previous food or keeping the dog indoors for a few days to see if the allergy goes away. Often a diet that avoids commercially prepared foods and dogs with allergies relies on more natural foods or foods specially formulated for allergies will provide good control and dogs with allergies management of symptoms. Seasonal allergies can often be controlled with small environmental changes and dogs with allergies the use of antihistamines. A vet can prescribe and dogs with allergies monitor the use of antihistamines for the dog, never use human medications, as there can be other serious health risks for your dog or puppy. For dogs with chronic skin allergies there are vaccinations that can be administered by your vet that will provide protection for several weeks per shot. Skin allergies are serious and dogs with allergies can lead to bacterial infections and dogs with allergies other conditions as the dog s immune system is weakened. Be sure to talk to your vet about managing the allergies to keep your dog happy and dogs with allergies healthy. |