Every animal can develop allergy. Skin allergies are very common, and can appear in every breed and at all age. If you don’t treat your animal promptly and properly, there can appear serious consequences. We will explain you the symptoms, the causes and the different way to treat skin allergies.
How to know if your animal have allergy?
You may see the following symptoms on your pet.
The first symptom is itching, the animal bites, chews, licks or rubs the skin. You may also see hair loss, sometimes in the whole body. The skin is inflammated, with redness or wet with oil. There are sometimes pimples, crusts or bleedings.
As the skin is weakened, surinfections are very common. Bacterias and fungis can grow, causing fever, weight loss and anorexia.
If you think that your dog has one of these symptoms, visit your veterinarian for a check-up.
What can be the cause of the skin allergy?
Causes can be summed up in three categories.
Allergy due to flea bites is very common, but we rarely pay attention to. When they bite, saliva substances induce itching and red skin. Flea can infest your animal all over the year, even if it never go outside. Eggs can be present on the couch, carpets and flooring.
Pet can develop allergies to food, such as cereals, egg, meat… Sometimes the animal can vomit or have diarrhea too. The diagnosis of food allergy can be difficult, because it can be complicated to identify the allergic component.
About 10% of the cats and dogs can develop atopy. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to that category of allergy to environment. Possible allergen can be pollen, dust, mold… Allergy may be caused by inhalation, in the foot pads or ingested. Sometimes the disease is seasonal. Some tests exist to identify the allergen.
Does a treatment exist?
Usually the treatment is based on the cause. During the crisis, anti allergic treatment can be used, by injections or orally.
The fight against fleas has to be very strict if you want it to be effective. Monthly prophylaxis is the best way to avoid fleas. Shampoo, spot-on or anti parasites necklace can be easily used. For a massive infestation, the environment can be perfectly cleaned, by using anti larva veterinary products.
Food allergy can be managed by using medicated specific anti allergy food. Never forget to get a new billy, which had no contact with any allergen. Sometimes we have to change the food, until we found the good one.
With atopic dermatitis, it can be difficult to supplant the allergen. Long term treatments can be necessary; your veterinarian is here to find the best compromise.
Conclusion
Skin allergies are a common disease. Symptoms are easy to appreciate, and depending of the cause a treatment can be initiated. Relapses can happen, but never despair, your vet team can always find solutions.
