Similar to people, allergies in dogs are managed.The dog is hypersensitive to something and it causes it to itch.Dogs can be allergic to their food, flea bites, grass and pollen in their environment, or direct contact with certain compounds like laundry soap or hay.Your dog's scratching, chewing and itching is a skin allergy problem and the first step is to diagnose it.Finding an effective treatment is a challenge for you and your vet.
Step 1: The parts of your dog's body that are itchy are the ones you should pay attention to.
Is the itchier area on the body?Does your pet lick his feet, tail, or belly?The back and tail, the abdomen, and the legs and paws are the most common areas of irritation for allergic dogs.
Step 2: There are hot spots on your dog's skin.
It is common for your dog's itching to be so severe that he chews his skin to the point of creating a "hot spot".The skin can get very large very quickly if it develops overnight.The skin is hot and painful.You can see sticky material oozing from the wound.There are open wounds that need veterinary intervention to give your pet some relief.Chronic cases of itching can result in the roughening of the skin so that it looks like elephant hide.A hot spot is a symptom of an allergy to fleas, food, grass, mold or other environmental substances.There may be more complicated underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism.It is not uncommon for secondary infections to require tailored treatment.
Step 3: Consider when to do it.
Your dog may be itchier during a certain time of year.He may be itchy after being on the lawn or eating food.You can narrow the focus of your pet's treatment by noticing patterns.
Step 4: Take a look at your dog's health.
If your dog has a strong body odor, seems thirsty, or is not as active as usual, you should take it to the vet.Your doctor will need to do blood tests and evaluate skin samples to get more information about treatment.
Step 5: When you notice the itching, take notes.
When your dog is itching, write down the circumstances, including where he has been, what he's been eating and what part of his body is itchy.This information will be very useful for your vet, who will use it to narrow down the causes of your pet's itching.
Step 6: Fleas can be checked for.
Fleas are the most common cause of itchy skin.They are active in warm weather.You can see the fleas on your dog, or you can just notice the scratching on their skin.Fleas are very fast and can jump very high, so you need to be quick to spot them.Fleas are usually found in the groin area and are dark in color.Check your dog's ears for signs of scratching, redness, blood, or dirt.The base of their tail may have red bumps.If you want to check for fleas, you can stand your dog over a white surface, such as paper towels or pieces of paper, and comb their coat.Flea feces will fall out when you comb the dog and it will be more visible on the white paper.
Step 7: Check for sarcoptic mange.
There is a disease called sarcoptic mange.The ear flaps, elbow, and stomach are areas of the skin that do not have hair.The dog's skin may be red.The mite causes severe itching and can cause skin problems for the dog.People and other dogs can be exposed to sarcoptic mange very easily.The skin scrapers from your dog can be used to diagnose sarcoptic mange.
Step 8: It's a good idea to check for cheyletiellosis or walking Dandruff.
The Cheyletiella mite feeds on the top layer of skin.In addition to excessive scratching, the dog may have hair loss and other skin problems.The mite pushes up scales of skin as it travels, making it appear as though the scales are moving.You might be able to see the mite.
Step 9: It's a good idea to check for lice.
Don't worry about infecting each other with dog lice, it's not the same as human lice.Your dog's skin debris or blood can be used to determine the species of ella.Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed and are yellow or tan on your dog.If you shake the hair, they will not fall off the dog.Other signs of lice include hair loss around the neck, ears, shoulder, groin, and anus, as well as a rough, dry, or matted coat.
Step 10: You should check for demodectic mange.
Most dogs have small mites that cause demodectic.Unless the dog's immune system is compromised, these mites don't usually cause skin problems.The immune systems of puppies are still developing.The mange can be seen around the eyes and mouth.The skin scrapers from your dog can be used to diagnose it.People can't contract demodectic mange.The mother usually passes it on to her puppies.It is possible that this skin problem is inherited.It is not uncommon for the puppies to have their parents have Demodex at some point in their lives.
Step 11: Check for ringworm.
Ringworm is not a worm at all.It causes itching, small circular scabbing, and hair loss on your pet.This begins on the face or paws.Ringworm is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans and other pets.Your vet will be able to diagnose ringworm and give you a treatment plan.Pets with minor infections can be treated with soap and water.Disinfecting your home will be included in the treatment of ringworm.It might take months to control.
Step 12: Understand what is causing itching.
If your dog has a condition that resembles a parasites, it may be hard to determine the cause of his itch.There are two possible conditions.Alopecia, or hair loss, can be brought on by low thyroid conditions and is not itchy.There are more skin issues for low-thyroid dogs.Dogs with the disease drink a lot of water and want to eat all the time.The dog has less fur and less coat.The dog may have a bald belly and thinner skin.
Step 13: Discuss possible treatments with your doctor.
There are a variety of possible causes of this serious skin problem that could be treated by your vet.Most dogs require either short courses of steroids or one of the modern anti-itch medications such as Apoquel or Atopica.There are new products on the market.You can use prescribed medication according to your doctor's instructions.The itching is controlled with medication.
Step 14: A flea control treatment can be used.
One of the most common causes of itching for dogs is flea allergy.Eliminating flea bites on the dog is often the first step to addressing your pet's itching even if you don't see any fleas.Even if only one flea was involved, a dog can develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes it to overreact with severe itching.Flea control for your dog, all other pets in the household and the immediate environment must be implemented and continued on a monthly basis.
Step 15: Treat your dog.
Each mite has its own treatment.Scabies can be handled within a few weeks, whereas serious cases may take months of treatment.The parasites will be prescribed medication by your vet.It's easy for scabies to spread to other animals and humans.It is necessary to eradicate the dog's entire environment and on any other pets that may be exposed to the problem.
Step 16: Try to get a prescription.
It's possible to get a prescription to treat yeast and other infections.In addition to oral medication, these products may be used.There are over-the-counter flea products that can irritate open skin wounds.Do not try any over-the-counter treatment on your dog.It's a good idea to bathe, but don't use human hair products.It is possible that a mild oatmeal-based cleanser may temporarily decrease itching.If your dog's skin is abraded, don't use anything on it without talking to your vet.You can make the problem worse by using an inappropriate product.Don't wash your dog too much.A bath once a month is all most healthy dogs need.There are oils on the skin of your dog.The recommended bathing frequencies for your pet will be discussed with you by your vet.
Step 17: Ask about the steroid.
The steroid, Prednisone, is the first option for treating moderate to severe cases of itching.The skin can heal if the itch is lessened and the dog is more comfortable.Steroids need to be used with care.Long-term use can cause problems.
Step 18: Ask about a drug.
An allergic reaction may be quelled with a medication.Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines are available to try, and your doctor can recommend them.An antihistamine trial is needed to find out which medication helps your pet the most.Steroids are often used after the initial problem has been taken care of so that you continue to manage the allergy symptoms.
Step 19: Try an antibiotic.
An antibiotic may be used with an anti-itch medication.When the skin is damaged because of scratching, there is a chance of a secondary bacterial infection.
Step 20: Discuss allergy testing with your doctor.
It is possible to get a blood test or a skin test for your dog to help narrow down the sources of your pet's allergies.Food elimination trials are the best way to determine food allergies.If your dog has allergies, your vet may suggest immunotherapy injections.
Step 21: Ask about a doctor.
Talk to your vet to get a recommendation for a veterinary dermatologist if your dog is having an extended bout of itching and scratching.The person will deal with skin ailments.
Step 22: Don't use over-the-counter itch relief remedies.
There are over-the-counter remedies that are part of a last ditch approach that owners will often try in the hopes that something will work.Do not try any over-the-counter treatment on your dog.Home remedies such as turpentine should not be used.Mild cases of dry skin can be treated with green tea rinses and coconut oil.Your efforts to help your pet may make the problem worse.
Step 23: Evaluate your dog's diet.
Whether or not your dog is allergic to food, improving their overall nutrition will help their general health.There is an ingredient list on your dog's food.It's important to make sure that the first ingredient is not a vegetable.It's a good idea to include essential fatty acids on the ingredient list.
Step 24: It's possible to give fatty acid supplements.
There are supplements that help with allergic skin disease cases.They are best fed in their pure form, but are also available in capsule or liquid form.Dosage information can be found in the product directions or the instructions from your doctor.
Step 25: Discuss a food elimination trial with your vet.
A food elimination trial with a completely new and different diet for your pet may be suggested if a food allergy is suspected.A new diet needs to include ingredients your dog has never eaten before.If your pet has been eating lamb and rice dog food with treats made of beef and wheat, the new diet cannot contain those ingredients.The food elimination trial will last for 3-6 months.You need to follow a strict diet in order to get the best information from your experiment.It will take a few rounds of the food elimination diet to determine which foods your dog is sensitive to.It is possible to get your dog's food at a pet store, but sometimes a special diet is needed to manage a food allergy.Once a diet has been found, you can start challenging the body with small amounts of one ingredient at a time to see if your dog starts itching again after introducing the additional ingredient.