Itchy Dogs
At this time
of year, we often see a lot of itchy dogs, the cause of this can be due to a
hypersensitivity to food or plants.
Approximately
10-15% of dogs in the UK are affected by allergic disease although they may not
show signs if they are managed well.
Allergies
often result in the skin in the ears, around the eyes, on the belly and on the
feet becoming red and itchy. However, other signs such as runny eyes, wheezing
or diarrhoea can be also be seen.
If the blood
sample shows that there are positive results for allergens such as pollens or
grasses, injections can be made up specifically for these. The injections are
then given monthly to desensitise your pet against the allergens. If there are
positive results for food allergens, then a diet can be chosen which excludes
these ingredients.
It is
important to maintain a healthy skin barrier in allergic dogs, this can be done
be adding essential fatty acids to the diet and using medicated shampoos that
prevent the skin becoming dry and flaky. Regular flea control is important as
flea bites can be very itchy, resulting in a flare up of the skin disease. Regular ear cleaning and washing the paws
after walks also helps to reduce allergens on the skin. Sometimes antibiotics
or steroids may be required to get a flare-up under control, the key to
long-term success is to use a combination of therapies and adapt these
treatments as required.
For more
advice about itchy pets, please come and speak to us or visit
www.avactaanimalhealth.com.
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