Topical and airborne allergies can irritate and dry a dog's skin and ears. He scratches to alleviate the irritation, which, in turn, creates additional problems. Sores and hot spots can appear on his ears and face. A scratching dog also alarms her owners with the incessant noise of a leg thumping against the ground. While topical remedies are available to relieve itching, you can help treat your dog's allergies by addressing the underlying cause.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid ear wash
- Cotton ball
- Prescription anti-fungal or antibiotic cream
- Plastic bed cover or hypoallergenic pillow case
- Omega-3 supplements
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Colloidal oatmeal or hydrocortisone shampoo
Instructions
Cleanse the inside of your dog's ears. Liquid ear washes are available from pet supply stores and veterinary offices. The bottle is equipped with a nozzle so that you can squirt the solution directly into the ear canal. Squeeze the bottle to release the fluid. Massage the dog's ear to assist penetration, then wipe away excess fluid with a cotton ball. This will remove any debris that may be exacerbating an allergy, such as pollen or lawn debris.
Inspect the dog's ears for signs of infection including discharge, redness and excess wax. Allergies can be a sign of a weakened immune system, and an ear infection may develop as a secondary issue. Anti-fungal or antibiotic ointment may be prescribed by a veterinarian. Be sure to treat an existing infection; the longer it goes untreated, the more difficult it is to heal.
Remove items that harbor allergens from the dog's reach, especially those a dog rubs her face in. For a dust mite allergy, replace plush toys with rope and rubber alternatives. Buy a plastic cover for the dog's bed or use a hypoallergenic pillow case. Launder her bedding daily, and replace furnace air filters regularly to reduce dust and mold spores in the air.
Wipe your dog's paws when he enters the house. When his paws are clean, pollen and other allergens cannot be transferred to his face through scratching or licking.
Read the list of ingredients on dog food and treats. There are formulas available for dogs allergic to grain or certain proteins. If the dog's diet is lacking omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil, you can give him supplements. Omega-3 fats support the dog's skin, coat and immune system.
Check for sores. Dry patches or sores are created by excessive scratching, or hives can develop as part of the allergy. Apply antibiotic ointment if the dog has nicked herself with her nails. Apply hydrocortisone cream to the sores to relieve itching. To avoid ingestion, distract the dog with play or by taking him for a walk so he doesn't fixate on licking off the cream.
Bathe the dog in an itch relief shampoo especially formulated for dogs. Shampoo may contain colloidal oatmeal or hydrocortisone. Follow the directions and bathe your dog once or twice a week when her allergies are most severe.