Your dog's allergy to dust mites, pollens, or molds can affect his skin.
Canine skin allergies are often a result of inhaling allergens (called atopy) such as dust mites, pollens, and molds. These allergies result in the dog's biting, scratching, licking, and chewing at his feet. Aside from avoidance of the allergen, there are treatments available.
Bathing
Shampoos, rinses, and solutions with hydrocortisone are available to provide quick relief for your dog. This type of therapy is short-term, but you can bathe your dog once or twice each week with hypoallergenic or colloidal oatmeal shampoo to relieve the itching.
Supplements
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and biotin (a B vitamin) may help to treat canine skin allergies. The fatty acids decrease the amount of histamine released, which is the chemical response to allergies.
Medications
Medications used to treat canine skin allergies include antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, clemastine fumarate, and chlorpheniramine. You should not attempt to medicate your dog with any of these drugs before consulting your veterinarian for recommendations and proper dosage.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is used by determining the specific allergen, then providing weekly or monthly injections of altered antigens to desensitize your dog to the allergen. This type of treatment can be costly and time-consuming; however, the success rate is about 80%.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids may be used to treat inflammation and severe itching. Although many pet owners do not choose this treatment because of the short-term and long-term side effects, they are often very effective. They may be administered orally or by injection.
Considerations
Contact allergies are uncommon, but your veterinarian can make that determination. If your dog is constantly scratching, biting or licking herself, you should consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Tags: skin allergies, your veterinarian, canine skin, dust mites, dust mites pollens, fatty acids