Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs
Atopic dermatitis in dogs is an allergic skin illness, usually caused by weed, tree and grass pollens and other allergens such as wool, feathers, dust, plant fibers, molds and mites that affects and disturbs 1 to 3 year old dogs. Although any breed may be affected by atopy, the most susceptible are the Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Wire Fox Terriers, Poodles, Dalmatians, Irish Setters, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and English Setters.
Common signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs
Signs that generally appear when the dog is exposed to allergens include itching. You will notice that your dog scratches its ears and body, rubs its face, sneezes and has runny nose and watery eyes once exposed to various allergens. You must be keen enough to note which causes allergen to your pet upon contact thus, you may be able to keep that away to prevent allergic reactions in the future. Just like us humans, dogs ought to be constantly cleaned and groomed to make them healthy. And in case exposure was not avoided and your dog had atopic dermatitis in dogs, antihistamine medications may be administered to stop the symptoms but be sure to consult first the pet doctor for advice.
If the atopic dermatitis in dogs is not contained, the itchiness and scratching may cause deep scratches which doctors call excoriations in the dogs skin. This may likewise cause scabs, hair loss, crusts and bacterial infection on the pets body that can make it feel miserable. This condition may worsen with the skin becoming thick and covered with dark pigments. Moreover, the skin either dries up or becomes greasy with lesions; ear flaps become reddish and inflamed; ear canal gets brown wax that eventually result in otitis or other infections.
Atopic dermatitis in dogs is often mistaken as flea allergy dermatitis, demodectic mange, scabies, food allergies or other skin diseases. The pet doctors diagnosis therefore is very important to identify the sickness depending on history, affected part and patterns of symptoms.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs
The doctor may perform a skin biopsy or scrapings, fungal cultures or hypoallergenic diet before recommending further treatment to really identify the cause of the ailment. Since atopic dermatitis in dogs can be aggravated with the presence of fleas which may further cause flea allergy dermatitis.
To treat atopic dermatitis in dogs, anti-itch drugs such as corticosteroids and those that contain hydrocortisone topical anesthetic are often prescribed by doctors to treat and relieve itching. And you as pet owner must limit your pets exposure to allergens which is very important. Proper care and maintenance of your dog, good grooming like bathing with organic shampoo; damping with apple cider vinegar; and wiping down with damp towel to remove pollens from its body may help a lot in keeping him free from the disease. Derm caps and essential omega3 fatty acids from fish oils and other nutritional supplements that are known for re-hydrating the skin can do your pet well. However, if your dog does not respond to antihistamine treatment, immunotherapy with hyposensitization that involves testing and desensitizing will be best. The process may involve longer time and series of injections will have to be administered for better effect. In addition, switching to high quality dog food and removing known causes of allergy will surely help.
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