There are a number of symptoms that are indicators of dog allergies. Allergic reactions can be caused by a variety of environmental factors, and it can be difficult to tie the symptoms to an exact cause. If you notice a change in your dog's coat or appetite, it may be caused by the presence of an allergen. Discuss any symptoms you have noticed with your vet to decide if allergy testing is right for your dog.
Increased itching and fur loss are often causes of dog skin allergies or food allergies. Other common signs to look for are frequent ear infections or irritability. Do some research into your dog's breed to find out if reactions to specific allergens are typical, as this may lead to a good starting point in further testing.
The presence of dust or mold in a dog's environment can be the root cause of the symptoms. Take special care to ensure your dog's favorite spots are free of dust, and install an air cleaner to remove airborne particles. Wash a dog's bedding frequently to rid it of dust, and check regularly for flea or tick bites, which can also cause irritation.
Options for dog allergies treatment include allergy shots. They can be expensive, but give good results and may result in a symptom free dog in a few months. Before going forward with shots, a vet will prescribe an allergy panel to isolate the specific allergen affecting your dog to tailor the treatment.
Dog food allergies are another common cause of skin irritation. In addition, dog with food allergies often show signs of lethargy, digestion problems and troubled appetites. Ear infections can be indicators of food allergies as well. Sensitivity to a food ingredient can happen anytime in a dog's life, so even if their diet has not changed, their reaction to it can.
The usual method of diagnosing food allergies is through elimination diets. Veterinarians will put a dog on a highly controlled diet, monitoring every ingredient in the food they eat. Common allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb and fish and grains like soy, wheat, and corn. The first step in the elimination diet will often consist of feeding a dog game meats like duck and venison paired with a starch not typically found in commercial dog food. Ingredients are slowly reintroduced. When dog allergies symptoms reappear, vets know which food is triggering the reaction.
Hypoallergenic dog food is available commercially, and may be recommended for dog allergies treatment. A vet is the best source for procuring this food and it can often be ordered directly through your doctor. This food is typically more expensive than standard food options, and often features organic ingredients. If cost is a factor, use online recipes designed for dogs to make food from scratch. Though time consuming, it can be the best way to known exactly what your dog is eating. For persistent symptoms, talk to your vet about steroids or antibiotics to help in the treatment of dog allergies.
Increased itching and fur loss are often causes of dog skin allergies or food allergies. Other common signs to look for are frequent ear infections or irritability. Do some research into your dog's breed to find out if reactions to specific allergens are typical, as this may lead to a good starting point in further testing.
The presence of dust or mold in a dog's environment can be the root cause of the symptoms. Take special care to ensure your dog's favorite spots are free of dust, and install an air cleaner to remove airborne particles. Wash a dog's bedding frequently to rid it of dust, and check regularly for flea or tick bites, which can also cause irritation.
Options for dog allergies treatment include allergy shots. They can be expensive, but give good results and may result in a symptom free dog in a few months. Before going forward with shots, a vet will prescribe an allergy panel to isolate the specific allergen affecting your dog to tailor the treatment.
Dog food allergies are another common cause of skin irritation. In addition, dog with food allergies often show signs of lethargy, digestion problems and troubled appetites. Ear infections can be indicators of food allergies as well. Sensitivity to a food ingredient can happen anytime in a dog's life, so even if their diet has not changed, their reaction to it can.
The usual method of diagnosing food allergies is through elimination diets. Veterinarians will put a dog on a highly controlled diet, monitoring every ingredient in the food they eat. Common allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb and fish and grains like soy, wheat, and corn. The first step in the elimination diet will often consist of feeding a dog game meats like duck and venison paired with a starch not typically found in commercial dog food. Ingredients are slowly reintroduced. When dog allergies symptoms reappear, vets know which food is triggering the reaction.
Hypoallergenic dog food is available commercially, and may be recommended for dog allergies treatment. A vet is the best source for procuring this food and it can often be ordered directly through your doctor. This food is typically more expensive than standard food options, and often features organic ingredients. If cost is a factor, use online recipes designed for dogs to make food from scratch. Though time consuming, it can be the best way to known exactly what your dog is eating. For persistent symptoms, talk to your vet about steroids or antibiotics to help in the treatment of dog allergies.
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