Dogs have allergies just as their owners do. They may be allergie to certain foods, pollens, grass, weeds, molds or dust mites in their environment. The many shampoos and sprays commercials sold that advertise itch relief may be useful short term but the relief seldom lasts for more than a few hours. The itch quickly returns because the dog is still being exposed to the allergen.
Grass pollen and dust mites are the cause of atopic dermatitis which is an allergy to inhaled substances in the environment. Atopic dermatitis affects up to 10% of all dogs. Atopica is a medication often prescribed to relieve the symptoms of paw licking and chewing and the reddened tender skin and fur loss that develops from the licking. The itching from atopy can become so severe it interferes with the dog’s sleep. Atopica does not cause drowsiness as antihistamines will nor does it contain corticosteroids which can be harmful with long term use.
Flea allergy dermatitis is most often the cause when dogs are scratching their back or chewing on the inside of their legs. The saliva released by the flea when it bites the dog is the cause of flea allergy dermatitis. For dogs with this reaction you must break the flea life cycle so that fleas cannot hatch from eggs laid on your dog. Dogs with this allergy can’t tolerate flea bites at all.
Triamcinolone is often prescribed by vets to treat inflammation and allergic disorders. This is a corticosteroid and must be administered exactly as prescribed. When giving corticosteroids it is crucial not to stop the medication without a gradual reduction in the dosage. Triamcinolone is the generic name of the medication and may be prescribed as one of several brands such as Cortalone, Vetalog or TriAcet.
If your dog has food allergies the result will most often be itching in the anal area. It is estimated that one-third of dogs with symptoms of food allergies are less than one year old. However, food allergy dermatitis can appear at any age and may become a problem even in a dog that has eaten the same brand of dog food for months or years. When canines suffer from a food allergy itching in the anal region may be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, skin rash and flatulence. Your veterinarian can test your dog to eliminate environmental causes of the allergy and determine if secondary allergic reactions are also a problem.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that can have beneficial effects but also may cause negative side effects. Dexamethasone is commonly used in veterinary medicine and is given by injection, inhalation or topically. When used as a topical treatment the solution may also include a miticide, antifungal or antibacterial to treat skin problems.
Used sparingly, corticosteroids can be life saving for your dog and will ease the symptoms caused by canine allergic reactions very quickly. Taken as a pill every other day, this pet medicine acts by depressing the body’s immune system. Corticosteroids are often the solution for owners of pets with seasonal allergies.
Temaril-P may be a solution for dogs requiring long term treatment for airborne allergies. This anti-inflammatory drug has a low dose of prednisone (a corticosteroid) and can be prescribed longer term with less risk than full dose corticosteroid medications. By reducing the dog’s need to scratch, Temaril-P prevents sores and bare spots from developing. This pet med is also used in treating kennel cough or asthma caused by canine allergies. You can use medicines to ease the allergic reaction and provide comfort for your dog even though you may not be able to eradicate the source of the allergy.
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