Dogs can have allergies to pollen, mold and dust mites just like people. However, a dog's reaction to these allergens often manifests itself as a severe skin condition such as itchy ears. Flea allergies can also affect a dog's ears. Fortunately, dogs can get relief for their ear allergy symptoms.
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Significance
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Dogs can be miserable with ear allergy problems. When they scratch their ears they can irritate their skin so bad it often forms or discharges pus and emits a bad odor. The problem is that consistent scratching can actually lead to severe ear infections that need to be treated.
Identification
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Diagnose the source of the ear allergy problem by having your veterninarian conduct skin tests, according to medi-vet.com. The veterinarian can then suggest certain treatments for the dog's ears, which may entail washing all bedding or bathing your dog with a prescription shampoo, if their condition is flea-related.
Types of Treatment
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Treat your dog's ear allergies with antihistamines and even witch hazel sprays. Visit the veterinarian and ask them if they can prescribe allergy shots or a cortisone spray if your dog's symptoms are more severe.
Considerations
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Ask the veterinarian if your dog's ear allergies could be caused by food allergies. The symptoms are likely similar to those that stem from airborne allergens or flea allergies. Common allergens include milk, beef, wheat, corn, soya, chicken and eggs.
Prevention/Solution
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Ask the veterinarian if there are any substitute brands of dog food that do not contain the allergen in which your dog is allergic. Consider using a hypoallergenic brand of dog food from a health food store. Eliminate the offending food from the dog's diet and the symptoms will likely go away.
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