The soft coated wheaten terrier is a medium sized dog. This dog is considered to be hypoallergenic as it sheds very little hair. It is prone, however, to developing skin problems.
-
Allergies
-
Many of the skin problems that develop in the soft coated wheaten terrier are the result of allergies. Unlike human allergy sufferers who sneeze and cough, a dog with allergies will develop skin irritation and itch.
Allergy Causes
-
Allergies can develop due to food sensitivity or sensitivity to things in the environment. Common allergens include grains, grass, leaves, dust mites and pollens.
Diagnosis
-
Diagnosing a soft coated wheaten terrier with an allergy is not an easy process. Skin or blood testing can be done to try to isolate the specific allergen, or a food elimination diet can be undertaken.
Food
-
Once an allergy has been diagnosed, treatment depends upon the cause. If food is the culprit, the dog will need to be fed a special hypo-allergenic diet. Only this food should be fed. Treats should be eliminated unless they are made from the hypo-allergenic diet.
Medications
-
If something in the environment is causing the allergy, generally medications (antihistamines, steroids) to decrease the allergic response will need to be prescribed.
-