Skin allergies, also known as Atopy or Atopic dermatitis, are the most common cause of itchy skin in dogs. As an owner, you are likely aware of how frustrating and upsetting it can be watching your dog constantly scratch, lick and chew at themselves. Skin allergies often imply your dog is sensitive to something (potentially multiple things) they regularly come into contact with.
Common allergens include;
Most allergic dogs have more than one allergy. Occasionally, owners will note a seasonal pattern to the allergies, for example, allergies to pollen typically flare up between Spring and Summer. Whereas allergies that occur all year round are more likely due to dust mites or food sources. If you're concerned that your dog might have allergies talk to a vet today
Allergies can develop in any dog at any age, however certain breeds, such as West Highland White terriers, the Bichon Frise and Shar Pei’s are more predisposed.
Symptoms usually include:
Less common signs can also include:
A video consultation to review medical history and a visual exam is often adequate to suggest a diagnosis of skin allergies.
Further diagnostic tests can help to rule out other itchy skin conditions, including;
To confirm the specific allergens the immune system is reacting to, a skin patch test or comprehensive blood test can be performed. The results can highlight a particular allergen the dog is reacting to, which aids diagnosis but also can be used as a therapeutic option.
Here at Vetsy, we appreciate that treating and managing allergies can be frustrating and costly.
Do you feel you are constantly in and out of vet clinics for the same symptoms? Do you know what works but the symptoms always return as soon as you finish? Are you sick of hearing your dog chew and scratch constantly? And despite always getting good advice from friends and fellow dog owners, you haven't quite found the fix for your pup. We hear you!
Allergies are a lifelong condition. You need appropriate medical management to not only alleviate the “allergic reaction” but also a strategy in place to minimise ongoing exposure to allergens.
Allergy management medications include;
While these medications don’t cure allergies, they provide relief and settle the inflammation and allergic response. Vetsy can be your on-demand platform to start the steps to recovery, by booking an online video consultation to review your dogs symptoms and provide written prescriptions for the above medications.
The key to successful management is case continuity. It is very beneficial to follow up with the same vet, to review the response to the initial medication and to provide an ongoing plan to prevent recurrence. Vetsy will guarantee you on-demand appointments, with the vet you want to see, at a time that suits you. Through our on-site messaging tool you can also send photo updates and questions should tweaks in the medication be required.
We would question whether there is a secondary factor involved, such as bacterial or yeast infections, parasite infestation or underlying endocrine influence.
If adequate relief is still not provided, more aggressive diagnostics should be considered. Allergy blood tests or intradermal skin testing can help to identify specific allergies for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is where small amounts of allergens are injected over several months. This will allow the immune system to react less over time.
Avoidance of allergens is the best approach. This may be done with specific diets, from hydrolysed / hypoallergenic diets, novel protein diets and potentially raw. But what is the right one for you? Our vets can guide you on the appropriate choice and initiate diet trials to see what effect that has.
You can reduce the exposure to some environmental allergies, such as dust mites by making changes to the environment. These changes may include;
Sadly, not all environmental allergens are avoidable. Grass and pollen allergens can be most bothersome, especially through the Spring and Summer months. While prescriptions can handle flare ups, you may wish to look for more long term solutions, such as Immunotherapy.
Shampoos and Supplements
Any dog that suffers from skin allergies, tends to have a poor skin barrier. Topical oils and supplements can be recommended to improve the overall integrity of the skin, making the skin less susceptible to allergen impact. The following should be considered;
These treatments are often useful when used alongside other treatments, and can often reduce the amount that other medication is needed. So please do not hesitate to discuss supplement options with our vets.
With the right treatment and Vetsy by your side, it is likely your dog will live a long, happy and comfortable life. There is always the risk of potential flare ups, but we are here for on-demand advice, suggestions and ways to help beat the itch, without bursting the purse strings!
