The Dog Owners Guide to Skin Allergies in Dogs
Skin allergies in dogs and puppies can be just as debilitating as they are in humans. In fact it is only fairly recently that people realised that dogs and puppies could also experience allergies. An allergy in simple terms is the immune system reacting to a specific substance (the substance causing the reaction may not always be harmful or damaging but the dog’s body overreacts causing the allergic reaction).
There are a variety of different causes of allergic skin reactions in dogs and puppies including dog food (and certain ingredients), insects, pollens, smoke, pores, mold, dust…the list goes on. A dog can also develop an allergic reaction to certain parasites, materials, household sprays, insecticides, bedding and even medication. Some breeds do seem to be more prone to skin allergies including West Highland Terriers, Pointers, Retrievers and Smooth-haired Fox Terriers.
Symptoms Of Skin Allergies In Dogs
Common symptoms of a skin allergy will normally involve the affected dog or puppy developing a reddened area, rash or inflammation. This will normally cause the dog or puppy to itch and scratch the affected area or chew and lick and become worried or overly concerned by the skin problem.
Although you should always take your pooch to the vet if they are experiencing a skin allergy we have provided a quick guide to some of the best home remedies for treating skin allergies in dogs and puppies (and other skin problems too).
Home remedies for skin allergies in dogs
Below is a list of recommended homeopathic remedies for dogs that experience allergic skin reactions.
Apis Mellifica 30c is a homeopathic treatment that can sometimes be quite effective if the skin has become swollen, inflamed and painful.
Urtica urens 6c is often prescribed when the dog’s skin has developed a rash and blotchy lesions.
Pulsatilla 30c can be effective if the dog has developed skin problems as a result of rich food having been eaten. This might be due to the dog reacting to the protein or fat content. You should always avoid feeding your dog or cat at the same time as both foods contain different proteins that can be dangerous to either animal.
Pulex irritans 30c can be prescribed by a homeopath if the skin has developed sore spots. This might be because the dog is having an allergic reaction to fleas.
Chamomilla 6c is effective for puppies that have developed a skin rash when they are teething.
Astacus fluiviatilis 6c is often prescribed by homeopaths when the allergic rash covers the whole of the dog or puppy’s body.
Arsenicum album is a great homeopathic remedy for dogs that have developed dry and scaly skin. Homeopaths recommend a pill twice a day. Great for dogs that are badly effected by itching at night.
Ignatia (200c) is another supurb homeopathic remedy that can be used to treat lick granuloma (this is when a dog persistently licks the same area). Ignatia (200c) is also very beneficial for dogs that experience the anxiety and stress that lick granuloma can cause.
Just so you know an ampule is a tiny glass container that has a breakable tip (the glass container will contain the homeopathic remedy).
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Some homeopaths recommend Engystol ampules that can be administered orally (this produces an unspecific detoxification process in the dog or puppy’s body). Pro-Aller drops can also be effective in treating skin allergies in dogs. If the affected dog or puppy is experiencing severe itching then the homeopath may prescribe Cosmochema skin function drops as this treatment can be highly effective.
If the dog or puppy has developed an allergic reaction to an insect bite where there is irritation and inflammation then a homeopath may recommend ampules of Apis-injeel to be administered orally.
If the dog or puppy has developed an allergic reaction to a specific medication then a homeopath may prescribe the remedy Thuja D30. Finally one of the best homeopathic home remedies for a variety of allergies in dogs are ampules of Frubias-Calcium.
Some Bach remedies including Cherry plum are extremely effective in treating a dog or puppy that is experiencing severe itching.
Complimentary therapies including…Yellow dock, Nettle, Cleavers and Burdock are recommended by some complimentary therapists due their supurb detoxifying properties.
Allergic contact dermatitis (such as Eczema) can develop in dogs and puppies that have been repeatedly exposed to a specific irritant (this will cause contact irritant dermatitis). There are many substances that can cause this condition including poison oak, poison ivy, flea sprays and certain chemicals.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis will normally cause a red bumpy rash to develop on vulnerable areas such as on the feet, groin, abdomen and skin. The area may become inflamed leading to abscesses (causing weeping discharge), scabs and even blisters. The problem can become worst as the affected dog or puppy repeatedly licks and scratches the problem area.
It is also worth mentioning that allergies not only affect the skin as they can also cause coughing, vomiting, a runny nose and eyes, problems with breathing and even diarrhea.
Proper Skin Care To Prevent Skin Allergies In Dogs
Taking care of your dog’s skin should be a matter of routine for any dog or puppy owner. Experts argue that essential fatty acids are among the best supplements to keep a dog’s skin and coat in the best condition. If your dog or puppy is prone to experiencing skin allergies these supplements are a must have for any owner. Omega-3 and Omega-6 which are found in some foods including flax seed oil and Borage. Essential fatty acids have superb anti-inflammatory properties and are superb at relieving any itching caused by a skin allergy. Vitamin E is also a great supplement to keep your dog’s skin and coat in good condition.
Skin Allergies In Dogs Caused By Little Critters!
Skin allergies in dogs and puppies caused by fleas are a common problem. This means brushing your dog’s coat on a regular basis is very important. Through regular grooming and brushing this helps to stimulate the dog’s oil producing glands found in the skin. Owners should pay close attention to the type of carpet cleaner and washing powders that they use to wash bedding as certain chemicals can produce skin allergies in dogs. If you are able to use a chemical free product for household tasks including carpet cleaning and when washing your dog’s bedding this is always the best option. It is worth mentioning that even if a dog has contact with a carpet that has been sprayed with chemicals for a just short time this can still lead to skin allergies in dogs and other skin problems.
Proper Diet For Avoiding Skin Allergies In Your Dog
A good diet is also very important when it comes to not only treating skin allergies in dogs but preventing them too. If your dog is prone to developing skin problems as a result of an allergic reaction then you should consider feeding him or her a hypoallergenic diet (there are many dog food products being manufactured that are specifically made for dogs prone to skin allergies). If you own a dog that is prone to this problem you should avoid common ingredients that can lead to an allergic reaction such as beef, glutens and soya. If your dog is prone to developing Mallezzesia (a problematic yeast infection) then you should avoid feeding your dog anything that contains wheat or yeast.
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