Dog allergies and the resulting itchy bumps, rashes and other symptoms can make both dog and owner miserable. It may take some diligence and process of elimination to determine the cause and establish a plan of action. With proper care and treatment, your dog and household will be restored to a nonitchy, sneeze-free zone quickly.
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Causes
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Common causes of allergies in dogs include diet, fleas and environmental issues. Commercial dog foods contain ingredients that can prove allergenic to dogs. Corn, grains and artificial additives are all culprits. Dogs bitten by fleas often develop red, itchy bumps. Like humans, dogs are afflicted by allergens in the environment, such as pollen, mites, mold, dust and mildew. Contact allergic dermatitis can be caused by fragrances and dyes in cleaning products and shampoos.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of allergies in dogs include itchy red eyes, reddened irritated rashes and bumps, sneezing, coughing, respiratory distress, diarrhea and intestinal upset. It is common to see your allergic dog scooting on the floor in an attempt to scratch his back side, rubbing his eyes with his paw or scratching vigorously. Paw chewing is often noted.
Treatments
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Over-the-counter antihistamines can be helpful to alleviate swelling and itching from allergic reactions. Your veterinarian may prescribe steroid medications if the over-the-counter medications aren't effective. Steroidal medications are available to take orally or in ointment and cream forms to apply directly on the rashes and itchy bumps. The vet can also administer allergy injections in stubborn cases. Anti-diarrheal medications, available over the counter, can be used to treat diarrhea caused by food allergies. A bath in flea shampoo will help eliminate allergy-causing fleas.
Prevention
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Dogs that are exhibiting symptoms of food allergies should be placed on a diet free of potential allergens. Choose a food with no corn or wheat. Reject any foods with artificial additives, preservatives and dyes. Control dust and mite allergens by keeping your home as dust free as possible. Dry out any damp areas that can harbor mold and mildew. Limit your dogs outside time during the times when pollen counts are high. Fleas can be controlled by placing your dog on a flea prevention program. Dogs living in warmer climates will need to be on the program year round. Switching to cleaning products and shampoos free of fragrance and dyes is beneficial for dogs suffering from contact allergies.
Complications
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Allergies, left untreated, can cause further problems. Scratching of itchy rashes and bumps can lead to secondary infections as a result of bacteria entering the opened skin. Bacterial infections require prompt veterinary care, usually involving antibiotics. Hair loss, sometimes permanent, can occur at the irritated site.
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