Skip to main content

Tips for Treating Your Dog's Allergies

With allergy season for humans starting to kick into overdrive, lots of people don't realize their dog can also have allergies. If your dog is an obsessive licker or he frequently scratches or scoots across the floor, he may have allergies. Just like humans, dogs can overreact to harmless allergens in the air, sneezing and itching as a result.

There are four main types of allergies in dogs: atopy, flea, food, and contact. Atopy refers to enviornmental allergies; a dog's body releases excess histamine when exposed to a higher concentration of pollen in the air. The most common symptoms of atopic allergies are itching, scratching, biting, and chewing.

Here are some tips to help prevent or minimize the symptoms of atoptic allergies in dogs:

  • Wipe down your dog to remove allergens after walks
  • Try a hypoallergenic shampoo (or if your dog is allergic to wheat/gluten, then try a wheat and gluten free shampoo)
  • Use appropriate, dog supplements such as biotin or omega-3s (Vet's Best Brand)
  • Try sulfodene treatments (hot spot and itch relief spray) - these treat irritation, red skin, and hot spots
  • Give baths with gentle or medicated shampoo - baths will help control the amount of allergens on your dog's skin, as long as you avoid anything that will irritate or dry out their skin
  • Apply a medicated spray - a popular one is Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Spray - helps treat fungal and bacterial skin infections, plus contains soothing aloe
  • Aloe or Witchazel Spray
  • Wholesome Diet - Your dog's diet may be completely overlooked if your dog only suffers from environmental allergens, but the more natural your dog's diet, the better their bodies are able to fight off and heal from allergies and external stressors
  • Apple Cider Vinegar - If you can stand the smell, you can apply a 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water in a spray bottle to the itchy spots on their skin 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brand New Salon

Hello! Welcome to our blog! We are a brand new grooming salon that provides services for both cats and dogs in Bon Air. We are located on Buford Road next to Buford Road Pharmacy. Since opening, we have received several questions from clients asking if we are affiliated with the salon that was previously here, Burroughs. We purchased the salon in November and since it has been cleaned, remodeled, and upgraded. The salon is under completely new ownership, new management, and we are in no way affiliated with Burroughs! Our Salon has a completely open concept so that we can visually see your pet the whole time they are in our care. We take every precaution to guarantee safety, which is why we have cameras throughout our facility. We never use any type of heated dryers or enclosed crates. Unlike corporate salons, our main goal is to ensure safety, quality, and a more personable experience.


Our Story Mr. Herbert Alexander, the owner of Bows & Bones Pet Grooming, opened the salon in Apr…
Post a Comment
Read more

Hyponatraemia - Water Intoxication in Dogs

Many dogs love a good swim or playing fetch in the water. These activities seem pretty harmless to your pup, especially considering how much fun they are having. However, your pup can have too much of a good thing. A lot of pet owners don't realize that it's actually possible for your dog can have too much water. Water intoxication, which results in life threatening hyponatremia (excessively low sodium levels), is a relatively rare but frequently fatal condition in dogs. Dogs who enjoy playing in water for long periods of time are at the highest risk. However, even a lawn sprinkler or hose can pose a hazard for pets that love to snap at or "catch" spraying water.

Hyponatremia occurs when more water enters the body than it can process. The presence of so much water dilutes bodily fluids, creating a potentially dangerous shift in electrolyte balance. The excess water depletes sodium levels in extracellular fluid (fluid outside of cells). Sodium maintains blood pressure…
Post a Comment
Read more